The guava tree is found in almost every Indian backyard and is a favourite with the kids! While its juicy fruits are enjoyed, the leaves are neglected and thrown away. Not many know that Guava leaves are loaded with medicinal properties and can be one of the best home remedies for many ailments. The Botanical name of Guava Leaf is “Psidium Guajava”. Also called “AmroodKePatte” in Hindi or “JaamaAaku” in Telugu, these green leaves can treat many disorders from Diarrhoea to hair loss! Let’s understand the many benefits of Guava Leaves and also the process of how to use them!
What Is Guava Leaf?
Guava Leaf is the leaf of the Guava plant, which is usually the size of your palm. The fresh leaves are green in colour and have a bitter taste when chewed. These leaves are used in many medicines for the numerous nutrients they have. They are also used in many home remedies in the form of paste, powder and tea to treat many ailments.
Are Guava Leaves Good For Health?
Guava leaves are storehouses of a wide variety of vital nutrients. They are rich in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents, which can reduce the dependency of many medicines. These leaves have been used in Indian since times immemorial for treating stomach disorders, frequent infections and also to improve the quality of skin and hair. Wondering how to use Guava leaves? Read on!
Guava Leaf Nutrition Facts:
Guava Leaves are rich in Vitamin C, B, antioxidants and tannins. They are also quite low in calories and sugars.
How To Prepare Guava Leaf Tea?
The most popular way of consuming Guava leaves is in the form of Guava leaf tea. This fantastic concoction has wonderful benefits when consumed regularly. Here is the recipe:
Things You Need:
- Fresh Guava Leaves – 6
- Water – 1 litre
- Sweetener (if needed)
Process:
- Wash Guava leaves thoroughly with clean water.
- Now transfer them to a pot of water.
- Bring them to boil for about 10 minutes.
- The water turns slightly green.
- Remove and strain.
- Serve with honey for added taste and benefits.
Note: You can even prepare this tea with dry leaves or with powder in a similar method.
Research-Based Uses Of Guava Leaves:
Here we enlisted, 15 evidence-based Guava leaves Benefits for skin, hair and health. Let’s have a look into them.
Science Proven Health Benefits Of Guava Leaves:
Here we enlisted top 11 health benefits of guava leaves. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Prevents Obesity:
The benefits of Guava leaves for weight loss are numerous. These leaves do not let the complex starch turn into sugar, resulting in weight loss. Regular consumption of these leaves in some form can prevent obesity.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Level:
It has been scientifically proven that drinking this leaf tea for about three months reduces the cholesterol level, without causing any side effects.
3. Cures Diarrhea and Dysentery:
A home remedy which often our elder’s advice us is indeed a herbal remedy. For most efficient use with the leaves mix a handful of rice flour in water and drink it up twice a day.
4. Treats Bronchitis:
Yes, it is unbelievable but guava leaves open up the lungs and lose the mucus and soothe a cough, helping treat bronchitis. Guava leaves benefits for a cough and cold makes it one of the popular home remedies.
See More: Guava Uses
5. Boon For Dengue Patients:
Guava leaves increase the platelets counts and work wonder for curing dengue fever. With guava leaves boil about 5 cups of water, until the water soaks the leaves properly and give it to the patient thrice a day. The end of the day observes effective results.
6. Reduces Allergies:
An allergy of any kind produces the irritant in a body. Guava leaves releases histamine and the compounds in the leaves blocks allergic reactions. A medication found at home.
7. Helps Produce Sperm:
Good news for boys. For those who have the problem with conception, as herbal remedy guava leaves are recommended as it helps in sperm production.
8. Promotes Heart Health:
Guava leaves have high levels of Potassium and soluble fibre, which contribute to a healthy heart. Also, studies have shown that the extracts of this leaf are effective in controlling the bad cholesterol levels and even lower blood pressure. Chronic heart patients are advised to Guava leaf tea regularly to keep their problems in check.
9. Provides Dental Care:
Guava leaves benefits for teeth are numerous! Guava leaves are rich in flavonoids which are essential to maintain your oral hygiene. Chewing guava leaves regularly have known to treat many dental problems like bleeding gums, bad breath and toothache. You can even use Guava leaf tea as a gargle to keep your mouth fresh for a long time.
10. Protects Liver:
Guava leaves have been known to cure liver problems especially liver injuries caused by excessive medication. The extracts of these leaves are effective in curbing the production of specific enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase, which can seriously damage the cells of your liver. It also helps in better secretion of Insulin, which is one of the key benefits of Guava leaves for diabetes.
See More: Guava Face Packs
11. Improves Quality Of Sleep:
One of the common problems faced by many during sleep is frequent urination. This can lead to disturbed sleep and fatigue. Consumption of Guava leaf tea before bedtime can reduce the frequency of urine urge and making you sleep well. It also gives you a soothing effect on your mind of improving the quality of your sleep.
Guava Leaves Benefits For Skin:
Here we enlisted the top 3 benefits of guava leaves for skin. Let’s have a look into them.
12. Anti-Ageing:
These leaves destroy free radicals and protect the skin from ageing. The anti-oxidants restores the cell damage and helps in preventing premature signs of ageing like wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and dullness.
13. Treats Acne And Black Spots Effectively:
These spots are very annoying as they decrease the beauty of the face. These are definitely the sign of an unhealthy face and body. Guava leaves can root out the bacteria that can cause acne. All you need to do is mash some guavas leaves and apply it to the affected areas and see the results yourself within a week of application.
14. Removes Blackheads:
It is one of the most serious face problems faced by ladies. It contains antioxidants which kill the radicals present on the skin. Here’s how to use Guava leaves for face: Guava leaves can be blended with little water to make a thick paste. This paste should be applied to the face as a scrub. It removes the blackheads.
Guava Leaves Benefits For Hair:
Here we enlisted, uses of guava leaves for hair. Let’s have a look into them.
15. Very Effective In Combating Hair Loss:
Now a day hair loss is a problem faced by all of us. However, we have an effective remedy this time. Here’s how to use guava leaves for hair growth: Boil handful of guava leaves with a litre of water for 25 minutes. Strain it in a mug and pour it onto your head. Massage vigorously for 15 minutes. Do it before shampooing.
See More: Papaya Health Benefits
Side Effects Of Guava Leaves:
Let’s look into the side effects of consuming Guava leaves in excess:
- Stomach upset
- Appetite Loss
- Sleeplessness
- Sore Throat
- Vomiting
- Can react with drugs related to High Blood Pressure
- May cause bloating
- Insufficient evidence of Anemia
Surprised at known these miraculous uses of Guava leaves? Not many know that Guava leaves are edible, hence end up discarding them or feeding cattle. We hope this article has shed light on the properties of these leaves and how good they are to our health and well-being. So the next time you find some Guava leaves, store them in a fridge or dry them into powder to enjoy them for a long time. Do include the guava leaf tea in the list of your herbal teas and enjoy the power of natural medicine!
