Guava leaves
From Wikiwel
The leaves of the Psidium guajava are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including quercetin and other flavonoids. While this tea is popular in countries like Mexico and other parts of South America, it is a relatively new phenomenon in North America and Europe.
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Special Precautions of Guava Leaves
- Pregnancy and Breast feeding : When it comes to pregnant and breastfeeding women, there simply hasn’t been enough research done, so it is generally not recommended. Guava tea has a strong medicinal content which needs to be avoided by breast feeding mothers.
- Anemic : Guava leaves are bitter by nature, as it thins the blood consuming this at a high rate can result in the person being anemic, getting frequent headache and might even affect the kidney.
- Constipation
- Drug-interactions : Guava leaves are bitter and helps in relieving high blood pressure, and since there is a lack of research done, it is not recommended to be consumed if the person is taking other drugs. More specifically, if you are taking diabetes or blood pressure medication, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding guava tea to your daily diet.
- Do not take excessive amount of leaves for making the tea. 5-6 leaves are recommended.
- Consumption of guava leaves tea should be maximum two times a day.
- Don’t store it for reuse. It is always recommendable to drink fresh tea.
- You can also consume it on empty stomach for better results.
- Always consult your pharmacist, physician or healthcare professional before using.
Health Benefits and Uses of Guava leaves
Guava leaves are full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterials, and even tannins. Health problems like diarrhoea, cholera, obesity, cancer and others can be prevented or cured with guava leaves. You can brew the leaves to make tea. This releases beneficial substances which help in solving and preventing many health problems.
- Cures Diarrhea : Guava leaves are used to treat diarrhoea. Bacterial infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus disables the colon to absorb water. Tannins, which are strong anti-bacterial compound and essential oil, fight against the bacterial infection and inhibit the growth of the bacteria. To treat diarrhoea, wash about 6 leaves, boil and squeeze the leave to get the extract. Then drink it. Do this once in two days until you feel better.
- Reduces level of Cholesterol : High levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause health problems. Guava leaves contain active phytochemical compounds such as gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin which can inhibit pancreatic cholesterol esterase which can reduce cholesterol level slightly.
- Prevents Obesity : Obesity may give rise to other health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Guava leaves contain quercetin which can inhibit the formation of the fat cell and the catechin which has fat burning effect in the body.
- Prevents Diabetes : Catechin in guava leaves can also control the blood glucose level. In other words, it has a hypoglycemic effect on the body. This in effect, may help to prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Prevents Cancer : According to Dr Anju Sood, Guava leaves can lower the risk of cancer, especially breast, prostate, and oral cancers. This is due to high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene. Many studies have shown that lycopene plays a significant role in lowering the risk of cancer.
- Prevents Cholera : The extract of guava leaves has strong anti-bacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae, according to a study by Rahim et al. They concluded that this plant offers the potential for controlling epidemics of cholera.
- Protects Liver : A study by Roy and And found guava leaves to have a hepatoprotective activity which can cure liver injury induced by paracetamol consumption. It also has a strong effect to protect the liver from some enzyme which can damage liver cells such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.
- Reduces Pain : Guava leaves contain quercetin. This component is very effective in reducing the pain of arthritis. Quercetin can also help to reduce the effect of infection and eliminate its pain.
- Promotes Good Oral Health : Guava leaves are known to keep oral or mouth health. Guava leaf is a fantastic home remedy for toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers due to the powerful antibacterial agents. Grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to your gums and teeth to cure these problems.
- Treats Cough and Cold : The guava leaf contains high levels of Vitamin C and iron. Taking guava leaves tea is very helpful in relieving cough and cold as it helps get rid of mucus. It further disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.
- Prevents Hair Loss : Boil guava leaves, allow to cool and massage onto the scalp. You may also crush the leaves and rub them on the scalp. This can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
- Relieves Itchy Skin : Crush guava leaves and rub on itchy skin. The leaves contain anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties which can reduce skin itching.
- Keeps Skin Young : Regular intake of guava leaves tea can keep your skin firm and young. This is ensured by the strong antioxidant effect of the leaves. They protect the skin from damage by free radicals. The free radicals can damage the skin and they are the main cause of ageing.
- Cures Acne : You can use guava leaves to treat acne. The leaves contain an anti-bacterial component which can get rid of the bacteria (P. Acne) which causes acne. Guava leaves, more so, contain anti-inflammatory components that can reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.
- Treats Dengue Fever : A study shows that guava leaves be used in as an alternative to dengue fever treatment. The leaves can increase the thrombocyte and platelets levels in the blood serum.
- Improves Quality of Sleep : According to Dr Ashutosh Gautam, taking guava leaf tea regularly helps improve quality of sleep. It calms your nerves and quietens your mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Boosts Immunity : Guava leaves tea helps boost the immune system according to nutritionist Dr Anju Sood, and so reduces the risk of various illnesses.
- Good for the Brain : According to Dr Manoj K. Ahuja, the vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in guava leaves help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
