Orthosiphon ( Orthosiphon aristatus ) is an herbaceous plant that grows in certain areas of Asia and Australia that is used as a medicinal plant in the form of an infusion known as Java tea . It is a natural resource that we can use on a daily basis to supplement our diet.

The purifying and digestive properties of orthosiphon have made it popular as a natural health-enhancing resource in recent times. Let’s see what its properties are and the advantages that its use in the form of tea offers.

The orthosiphon, a slimming plant

The orthosiphon is known for its effectiveness in solving problems related to fluid retention in the body , a phenomenon that causes the volume of the body to increase. In fact, the use of Java tea has been traditional in many areas, which is why this plant is considered a therapeutic and medicinal aid.

At present its use is still very popular, especially as a complement to weight control regimes . Of course, the simple action of taking a dose of Java tea will not produce miraculous effects or produce a sudden loss of weight or fat burning in the short term (as this is a much more complex process that depends on everything we eat and the exercise we do), but it is a good way to make weight loss plans more complete .

Properties of Java tea

These are the main characteristics of the effects that orthosiphon has on our organism:

1. It is an excellent diuretic

The main advantage of Java tea is that it is very effective in combating water retention, which is often responsible for much of the overweight that we unknowingly associate only with fat accumulation.

In general, the orthosiphon makes it easier for the kidneys to work , so that they do not “pile up” and become inflamed when they cannot cope. Precisely for this reason it not only helps to release liquids, but also has a purifying effect and helps to neutralize toxic substances present in the body. That is why it can be used in fasting, to enhance the purifying effect of these.

2. Helps burn fat

The intake of Java tea in itself does not serve to burn the fat reserves that accumulate in our body, but it does make them more easily burned with the daily exercises we do.

It is important to keep this in mind, because the orthosiphon only helps to lose weight in the aid in which allows the release of liquids, but does not “eat” the fat .

In this sense, it is good to combine the use of the orthosiphon with simple exercise plans, such as jogging for half an hour at least three times a week.

3. Combating hypertension

Not only is orthosiphon a very good diuretic, but it also has effects on cholesterol and triglycerides that travel in the blood and can lead to dangerous high blood pressure and tamponade. Its high potassium content is a great help in maintaining the well-being of the circulatory system. This means that the heart does not have to be strained and suffers less wear and tear.

However, for these reasons it can also produce hypotension in people predisposed to it.

How to make Java tea

If you think that using this diuretic can fit well into your healthy diet plan, you can follow these simple steps to make Java tea .

  1. Put the water in a small pot to boil.
  2. Add one tablespoon of dried orthosifin.
  3. Turn off the fire or the glass-ceramic cooker, cover the pan and leave it to rest for a quarter of an hour.
  4. Strain the contents and pour into a cup.

It is recommended not to drink more than one cup of Java tea a day , and the amount will depend on your size; to decide this, use your common sense and think that the amount of tea you can drink in one sitting should not cause you the slightest discomfort or uneasiness. You can use it for breakfast or after dinner.

In addition, if you don’t like the taste of Java tea (it’s quite bitter) you can also consume the orthosiphon in capsules.

Contraindications of Java tea

Ortho-siphon is not a drug, and therefore it is normal that taken in moderation it does not produce adverse effects unless an allergy to the components of Java tea develops. However, yes there are some population groups who are advised to consult a doctor before using this natural remedy. These people are the ones who have some of these abnormalities:

  • Kidney failure
  • Biliary problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Dyspepsia

In addition, people who are following a medication plan should avoid taking orthosiphon so that it does not interfere with this substance, unless the doctor indicates otherwise. In general, medical treatments supervised by qualified professionals from the health system should have priority over the search for alternatives in herbalists and parapharmacies.