Orthosiphon in Weight Loss

Orthosiphon stamineus is a member of the genus Orthosiphon belonging to the mint family. It is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia and parts of tropical Australia, also known as Cat's Whiskers and Java Tea. Orthosiphon stamineus acts as a diuretic and has been used for centuries in Southeast Asian countries as an herbal remedy for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Uses

Orthosiphon is commonly used as a treatment for kidney and bladder problems because of its diuretic effect. According to James R. Adams, curator of the National Herb Garden, Orthosiphon is also reported to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as possible anticancer effects. Orthosiphon is also used as an anti-allergen, as a weight loss aid and for treating hypertension.

Weight Loss

A diuretic increases the amount of water secreted by our body. Since Orthosiphon is a diuretic, the addition of this herb to weight loss products, or the consumption of Java Tea, will help you to lose excess water weight; however, water weight loss is temporary. There have been no studies and no indication that Orthosiphon has any effect on fat and/or metabolism.

Dosage/Administration

Orthosiphon comes in capsule form with 375 mg per capsule. Recommended dosage is two capsules two times per day or as recommended by your doctor. Orthosiphon is also added to many weight loss formulas available online or your local retailer.

The recommended dose of Java Tea is 6 to 12 grams daily. Steep 2 grams of the tea leaves in hot water for approximately 20 minutes. Organically grown Java Tea can be purchased at "Chinese" pharmacies as well as online sites such as pureherb.com.

Side Effects/Warnings

Orthosiphon has been extensively studied and has shown no adverse side effects or toxicity in laboratory animals. Because of its diuretic effect, people with heart problems or kidney edema (swelling) should not use Orthosiphon.

Considerations

In 1994, Congress enacted the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which defines the term "dietary supplement" as a product taken orally that contains a "dietary ingredient." These include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars and metabolites. These products can come in many forms, from extracts to capsules to bars, but the DSHEA classifies all of them as "foods," not drugs. Under this law, manufacturers do not need FDA approval to sell dietary supplements, and there is no provision under any law or regulation to require manufacturers to disclose information regarding the safety or efficacy of their product. It is important for consumers to research and determine if claims made regarding Orthosiphon for use as a weight-loss supplement are valid. For additional information on "dietary supplements," the FDA recommends you visit : http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/ConsumerInformation/ucm110567.htm.