Cat's whiskers are one of the medicinal plants that have long been used in Indonesia. The most common use of cat's whiskers is to treat gout. In addition, there are other benefits that you need to know.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus) is also known as a medicinal plant. Most of the benefits of cat whiskers come from the content of bioactive compounds in the leaves.
The Myriad Benefits of Cat Whiskers
Cat whiskers have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for body health. This benefit is due to the various natural compounds contained in cat whiskers, which include flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolics, sinensetin, eupatorin, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and steroids.
Thanks to this content, the benefits of cat whiskers for health are numerous. Here are some of them:
1. Treating gout
The benefits of cat's whiskers as a natural gout drug are thought to come from the high flavonoid, phenolic, and caffeic acid content in it. These active compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit the formation of uric acid, thus preventing and reducing the risk of gout attacks.
In addition, cat whiskers are also known to improve decreased kidney function and repair kidney damage, especially those caused by high uric acid conditions.
2. Lowering blood pressure
Cat whiskers are also useful for lowering blood pressure. The content of sinensetin in it plays an important role as an antioxidant and has a strong diuretic activity. This property will help the body reduce excess sodium levels through the urine.
By increasing the excretion of fluids and sodium from the body, the pressure in the blood vessels can also decrease. Therefore, cat whiskers can be used as a natural medicine for people with hypertension.
3. Overcoming rheumatism
Cat's whiskers are also believed to be useful as a natural rheumatic medicine, especially in patients with diabetes rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most rheumatic diseases, including RA, are caused by an autoimmune reaction. Others are not caused by autoimmune, but are equally based on the inflammatory process.
The high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in cat whiskers is known to be able to reduce autoimmune reactions in RA. In addition, these compounds are also known to protect cartilage and soft tissues from acute and chronic inflammation thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Lowering blood sugar levels
Cat's whiskers are one of the plants that have antidiabetic properties because of their ability to control the metabolism of carbohydrates and sugars, fats and sugars, as well as amino acids and sugars to be more balanced.
These properties can keep blood sugar levels stable. That way, cat whiskers can be used as a natural remedy for preventing and treating diabetes.
5. Healthy heart
In addition to helping lower blood sugar, giving cat's whiskers extract is also known to increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and lower triglycerides (blood fat).
The combination of antidiabetic effects, increased HDL levels, and decreased blood fat levels is very good for preventing heart disease, such as coronary heart disease or heart attacks.
6. Overcoming menstrual problems
Women who often experience menstrual problems can also benefit from cat whiskers. Regular consumption of cat whiskers extract is known to reduce prostaglandin levels so that it can reduce menstrual pain and excessive bleeding during menstruation (menorrhagia).
Although some of the benefits of cat's whiskers still require further research, there's nothing wrong with involving this plant as an effort to improve your health.
If you want to use cat whiskers that have been packaged in the form of herbal supplements, choose products that have been tested for safety.
If necessary, consult your doctor first to ensure its safety, especially for those of you who want to use cat whiskers as additional therapy for the disease you are suffering from.