Orthosiphon

Description

Evergreen branched semi-shrub up to 80 cm high. The stems are four-sided, opposite branched, with a purple tint. The leaves are opposite, rhomboid-elliptic, 2-7 cm long, large-filiform on the edge, petiolate. Inflorescence terminal, spicate, the flowers in whorls of 4-6. The Corolla is purple, double-edged, with far-protruding stamens and pistil, so the plant is called "cat's whiskers". Kidney tea is a plant of tropical origin, so the fruit-nuts rarely ripen.

Pharmacology

Kidney tea has diuretic properties. The diuretic effect is accompanied by an increased release of urea, uric acid and chlorides from the body; diuresis is doubled, the release of chlorides - by 39%, the release of lead in experimental poisoning of animals increases by 25%. Lead release begins about 5 days earlier than without the use of kidney tea, lead is released from the body faster. Kidney tea has an anti-spastic effect on organs with smooth muscles, as well as increases the secretion of gastric juice and increases bile secretion.

Aplication

European medicine borrowed kidney tea by Malay folk medicine of East Asia. Approved for use since 1950 Kidney tea has found use in many countries of the world in acute and chronic kidney diseases, accompanied by edema, albuminuria, azotemia and the formation of kidney stones; cystitis and urethritis, gout and diabetes; cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, heart diseases with edema. Kidney tea increases glomerular filtration, improves the function of the tubules. In the treatment of renal tea is alkalization of the urine. After the use of kidney tea, increased diuresis occurs on the 1st day of administration, but most clearly - after 2-3 days.

Kidney tea is used simultaneously with cardiac glycosides in patients with circulatory insufficiency of stage II-III. It is also prescribed for patients with hypertension with impaired kidney function.

In patients with chronic and acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, kidney tea helps to reduce mucus and the number of white blood cells in the bile, increase the secretion of gastric juice and free hydrochloric acid. The infusion of the plant is prescribed for hypogalactia in nursing mothers.

Kidney tea is effective for long-term (for 6-8 months) use with breaks monthly for 5-6 days. Side effects are usually not noted.

Method of application

Infusion of kidney tea leaves (Infusum folium Orthosiphon stamineus) is prepared at the rate of 10 g of raw materials (2-3 tablespoons of leaf) per 1 Cup of boiling water. Take 1/2-1/3 Cup 2-3 times a day before meals.