Especially since after the pandemic struck the world in early 2020, the use of herbal and home products for treating minor health niggles and home remedies to boost immunity have taken a surge. Even the western world mostly given to using packaged modern medicines and supplements has begun to explore the natural wonders and remedies mother nature packs for us.
One such fascinating fruit tree is the Psidium guajava L. or the guava tree. A guava plant is a medium-sized tree, belonging to the family Myrtaceae found throughout the tropics. It is popular in indigenous systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy.
Traditionally guava is used for the treatment of various ailments like diarrhoea, wounds, rheumatism, lung problems, ulcers, etc.
Research says that Psidium guajava L. contains a number of major bioactive constituents like flavonoids, guayavolic acid, guavanoic acid, guajadial, guajaverin, and so many others.
With its wide pharmacological and biological activities, the guava plant seems to be having great therapeutic potential. It displays various biological activities like antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antitussive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, and antistress activity.
The medicinal power of leaves of a guava tree:
The fruits of guava are oval in shape and their skin is light green or yellow in colour. The fruit contains small, numerous edible seeds. But the real deal is that guava leaves that as a medicinal extract and can be had as herbal tea, applied on the skin, or ingestion as crushed leaves or supplements.
- For wound healing: The antibacterial potential of the crude leaves extracts of Psidium guajava Linn. against some bacteria associated with the surgical wound, burns, and skin and soft tissue infections were investigated under different conditions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some bioactive compounds that have been associated with antimicrobial activities.
- Good for the liver and the intestines: A joint study by Alexandria University, and Damanhour University, Egypt shows that Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGLE) is a very potent medicine in treating gut disturbances or hepatic imbalances.t reports “Results showed that PGLE whether alone or combined with metronidazole has induced significant trophozoite count reduction and major architectural changes. Duodenal histological improvement and local protective anti-inflammatory effect were confirmed. PGLE has also helped in the healing of Giardia-induced gut atrophy. Thus, offered a comprehensive therapy for both the pathogen and the resultant pathological sequelae. Serum markers showed a favourable hepatoprotective effect. Total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels were less in the PGLE-treated group than in the metronidazole-treated group. Hepatic oxidative stress markers revealed the promising extract antioxidant effect. This study highlights, the promising in-vivo giardicidal PGLE activity, that was comparable to metronidazole, thus, the extract would be an ideal strongly recommended treatment for giardiasis.” Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and bouts of watery diarrhea. Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide.
- As anti-cancer drug: Cancer treatment drug producer Admac Oncology says that in 2010 a human study meant to explore the beneficial impact of this plant on prostate cancer showed that guava extract aids in reducing the size of the tumour. Another study by the Journal of Medicinal Food (2012) confirmed the anticancer action of this plant against human prostate cancer.
- As a cure for hypertension: A study involving hypertensive patients (high blood pressure)showed a significant net decrease in serum total cholesterol (9.9 per cent), triglycerides (7.7 per cent), and blood pressures (9.0/8.0 mm Hg) with a significant net increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (8.0 per cent) after 12 weeks of guava fruit substitution in group A than in group B.
- For treatment of high blood sugar: It has been found that guava leaf extract improved blood sugar levels, long-term blood sugar control, and insulin resistance.
- Helps relieve menstruation pain: A study involving 197 women by the Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit (Mexico) that at a dose of 6 mg/day, the standardized Phyto-drug (Psidii guajavae folium extract) reduced menstrual pain significantly compared with conventional treatment and placebo. It also helped relieve uterine cramps.
- For pimples, acne, and skin conditions: A Jordanian study showed guava leaf extract was effective at killing acne-causing bacteria — likely due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A Japanese study showed that guava leaf extracts reduced wrinkles and slowed signs of ageing, possibly due to the anti-oxidants in them.
- Boost immune system: Guava leaf extracts contained high levels of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and biological activities as immunostimulatory agents, shows a study.
- Guava leaves to stop hair fall: Get a handful of guava leaves and boil them in a litre of water for about 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool. Now, apply this solution to your scalp and then work it down to the tips of your hair (make sure that your hair is clean and washed using shampoo, but skip the conditioner). Leave it for at least 2 hours – or even overnight if you wish. Rinse off the solution with clear, lukewarm water.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
