Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Stem Tip, Flower, Root, Seed

Flavors/Temps: Bitter

Caution: Considered safe. But be aware: prolonged use can increase the loss of potassium and minerals.

History/Folklore: Java Tea is a very popular herbal tea in Southeast Asia.  It is listed in French, Indonesian, Dutch, and Swiss pharmacopoeias as a remedy for kidney ailments.  It has been used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Javanese Islands for centuries.

The plant, Orthosiphon aristatus, also called “cat’s whiskers,” is a beautiful, and hardy, ornamental garden plant.  It is a distant relative to the basil family and is noted for its aromatic leaves.  When it is used medicinally it is called “java tea.”

Typically the leaves and stem tips are used, but the roots and seeds can also be used medicinally though they are poisonous so need to be properly prepared. The plant is best when freshly picked, though dried leaves and flowers are also used.

In China and Asia, the leaves can be chewed and stuffed into teeth with cavities to relieve pain and swelling. Java tea is generally considered to be an excellent kidney tonic and is widely used to treat a wide variety of kidney related issues.

Blending java tea with oregano, is a remedy for mild asthma and whooping cough.

The leaves when brewed will smell similar to mint or basil and if brewed with the flowers will smell similar to camellia blossoms.