How to Extract Ficus Deltoidea

Ficus deltoidea, also known as mas cotek (its Malaysian name) and mistletoe fig, is consumed in Southeast Asia for medicinal purposes--including the fruit, leaves and root. The fruit is a small berry and the leaves are waxy. The plant will grow in low light, which makes it a popular indoor plant. Boiling the different parts of the plant extracts much of the beneficial effects of the plant, and mas cotek tea is a popular product. See the Resources section for sites to purchase both mas cotek tea and plants.

Things You'll Need

• Mas cotek plant

Instructions

1. Boil the leaves, fruit (berries) and roots (or any combination thereof) in water for 45 minutes or so.

2. Filter the water through a coffee filter to remove the plant matter.

3. Drink the liquid within three days if not refrigerated.

Tips & Warnings

• You can safely drink several glasses of this tea extract each day.

• You can also prepare the plant for tea by drying the leaves and grinding it.

• The herbal retailer Forest's Secret deems the extract suitable for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children over 5.

References

• Forest Secret: Mas Cotek Tea and Its Properties
• Emas Cotek Negeri Sembilan: Mas Cotek Preparation
• Herba Asli: Boiling Instructions

Resources

• East Coast Life: Mas Cotek Properties
• Al-Abbasia: Mas Cotek Tea
• Logees: Purchase a Mas Cotek Plant Online