Java tea

Originating from South-East Asia, Java tea is characterized by the disproportionately long stamens inside its flowers which explains its other name of “cat’s whiskers”. It has been used for centuries as an infusion to relieve kidney diseases. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the West became interested in this exotic medicinal plant and discovered its powerful draining properties. Java tea is not a tea in the botanical sense of the word (Latin name for tea = Camellia sinensis). It owes its name to the way it was handled by local populations: Java leaves were dried quickly in the same way as tea leaves, helping to retain all of their aromas and therapeutic properties.