Guava is a tropical fruit that grows on the Psidium guajava tree, native to Central America and parts of South America. It is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Caribbean and several other regions.

Which Parts of the Guava Tree are Used Medicinally

In traditional medicine, various parts of the Guava plant are used for their potential medicinal properties:

Guava Fruit: Guava fruit is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and dietary fiber. Consuming guava fruit may support overall health and boost the immune system due to its high vitamin C content.

Guava Leaves: Many people know the benefits of the Guava fruit, but are unaware that other parts of the plant also provides several medicinal compounds. Guava leaves are full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterials, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, which may have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Guava leaf extract is often brewed into tea and used to promote digestive health, treat diarrhoea, alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, manage blood sugar levels and support oral health.

Essential Oils from Guava Leaves: The leaves of the Guava contain essential oils that are rich in nerolidiol, caryophyllene, beta bisabolene, p-selinene, aromandreno, 10% tannins, beta sitosterol, leucocyanidins and titerpenoides.

Guava Seeds: The seeds of the guava fruit are edible and contain beneficial nutrients, including healthy fats and dietary fiber. Some traditional remedies utilize guava seeds for their potential laxative properties and to help promote digestive regularity.

Guava Bark: In some traditional practices, the bark of the guava tree is used for its astringent properties. It may be applied topically to treat minor skin irritations, wounds, or oral health issues such as gum inflammation.

Guava Root: While less commonly used compared to other parts of the plant, guava root may also contain beneficial compounds. In some traditional systems of medicine, guava root extract is used for its potential anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties.

Guava Fruit

Guava fruit is round or oval, with a green or yellow skin, depending on the variety and ripeness. The flesh inside can range from white to pink or red, and it contains small seeds that are also edible. Guava has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, reminiscent of a combination of pear, strawberry and citrus notes. Guava fruits can be eaten and offer all the health benefits that fruit are known to provide.

Guava Fruit Health Benefits

Pectin

Guava fruits contain pectin which is a complex carbohydrate and a natural component found in the cell walls of many fruits. Pectins offer numerous health benefits. They support digestive health by preventing constipation and regulating bowel movements.

Additionally, pectins may lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, contribute to weight management, and promote heart health. They possess immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, and their detoxifying effects can aid in eliminating toxins from the body. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet ensures a diverse intake of pectins and other health-promoting compounds.

Lycopene

Guava fruits are also a good source of lycopene. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant and a pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their red or pink color. Guavas, especially the pink and red varieties, owe their color to the presence of lycopene.

Lycopene has been associated with various health benefits, including its potential role in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. Apart from guavas, tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruits are other well-known sources of lycopene in the diet. Including a variety of lycopene-rich foods in your diet can contribute to overall health and nutrition.

Guava Leaves in Detail

Guava leaves are oval or elliptical with smooth margins, measuring 5 to 15 centimeters in length and 3 to 7 centimeters in width. They have a smooth and glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter green or yellowish-green underside.

The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches and have prominent parallel veins. Guava leaves are known for their potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. They are commonly used to brew tea and may offer various health benefits when consumed or applied topically.

Guava leaves contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, essential oils, and vitamins. They are particularly rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, catechins, and gallic acid.

Guava Health Benefits

Guava plant leaves are best known as a natural pain reliever. They contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which makes them useful in treating numerous diseases and conditions.

Guava Leaf Extract Helps Weight Loss

Guava leaf extracts help with weight loss by preventing complex starches that are consumed in your diet from being able to convert into sugars. The guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds when being broken down in the liver.

When using the essential oil form of the plant, it will strengthen and tone up the digestive system as it disinfects it, keeping the system clean.

Guava Leaf for Cardiovascular Health

Guava leaves may support heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving blood lipid profiles. These effects could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Guava Leaf can Lower Cholesterol

When the guava leaf is taken for several months it can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides without having any negative effects on the good cholesterol in the body.

As proof, a study was shown – later published in “Nutrition & Metabolism” in February 2010 – where participants who consumed guava leaf tea had results of lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and lower density lipoprotein levels. The study was done over the course of eight weeks and were on participants who were and were not receiving medical treatment for high cholesterol.

Guava Leaf can Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Guava leaves provide individuals with diabetes the benefit of slowing down the sugar absorption into the blood by offering the body high levels of fiber. A research done by Microbial Research found that taking guava leaf extracts subdues high blood sugar levels and can prevent the start of Type 2 diabetes.

Guava Leaf Treats Diarrhoea

Guava leaves have been used traditionally to promote digestive health and alleviate gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery. They may help inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria in the gut and reduce intestinal inflammation.

There are several ways to take guava leaf extract when treating diarrhea. It can be taken as tea, capsule, or by adding a few drops of the essential oil form into a cup of warm water then drinking it. When the extract is taken as an essential oil it provides astringents that binds up loose bowels to treat diarrhea.

These astringents provide anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties which aid in removing extra mucus from the intestines. A study was published in 2008 in the “Journal of Smooth Muscle Research” about an experiment done on rats that had diarrhea which were given guava plant extract, which proved very effective in treating the problem.

Guava Leaf can Help with Gastric Cancer

According to a research that was published in 2011 in “Food Chemistry,” there is evidence that guava leaf extract has the potential to treat individuals with gastric cancer. Researchers found that when the extract of the plant is consumed it results in apoptosis (which means that gastric cancer cells kill themselves).

Another study was done in 2006 by Manosroi testing the essential oil form of the plant, which also showed anti-cancer activity.

Guava Leaf Provides Antioxidants

In a study published in May 2007 in “Wei Sheng YanJiu”, researchers found that guava leaf extract has antioxidant properties that can help scavenge free radicals in the body. These free radicals are produced naturally during cellular metabolism and can attach themselves to healthy cells that can lead to cellular damage or even cell death.

Guava Leaf to help with Cataracts

Guava leaf extract contains quercetin which is a flavonoid that helps blocks enzymes that are contributors for building sorbitol, the sugar that makes the cloudy white clusters that can cause cataracts.

Guava Leaf for Oral Health

Guava leaf extract has been investigated for its potential oral health benefits, including its ability to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, prevent dental plaque formation, and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Guava Leaf for Skin Health

Topical application of guava leaf extract may help treat various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It may also promote wound healing and soothe skin irritation.

Guava Leaf Antimicrobial Activity

Guava leaves exhibit antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They have been traditionally used to treat infections, wounds, and skin conditions.

How to Take Guava

Guava fruit can be eaten as a tasty, tropical fruit. Guava fruit is often eaten fresh, either whole or sliced, and can also be used in various culinary applications including; juices, jams, jellies, desserts and savory dishes.

Guava leaves can be also brewed into tea as well as being used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. It is best to use the young leaves found early on the fruit and convert it to a digestible form.

Guava leaves are usually converted to teas, an essential oil or consumable capsules. For a fresh brew of the guava plant, some speciality stores sell guava leaves that can be crushed and boiled to make tea.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Guava Herb Notes / Side Effects

Guava is generally considered safe and nutritious, but consuming it in large amounts or in certain conditions can lead to some side effects. Moderation is key to avoiding digestive problems, allergic reactions, blood sugar fluctuations, and potential interactions with medications.

Here’s a summary of potential side effects:

Bloating and Gas: High fiber content can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort if consumed in excess.

Diarrhea: Overeating guava, especially unripe guavas, can lead to diarrhea.

Hypoglycemia: Although guava can help regulate blood sugar, consuming it in large quantities might cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, particularly in people with diabetes who are on medication.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, or swelling.

Respiratory Issues: Rarely, some people may have respiratory allergies, such as sneezing or wheezing.

Interference with Medications: Guava might interact with certain medications, especially those for diabetes and blood pressure. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you are on medication.

Tooth Enamel: The natural sugars and acids in guava can potentially contribute to tooth enamel erosion if consumed excessively.

Pregnancy Concerns: While guava is generally safe during pregnancy and offers many health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid digestive issues.

Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns or existing health conditions.

Latin Name

Psidium guajava

Common Names

Guava is known by various names in different regions and languages around the World.

Some common alternative names for guava include:

Guava: Usually refers to the tropical fruit itself

Guayaba: This is the Spanish name for guava, commonly used in Latin America and Spain.

Amrood: This is the Hindi name for guava, used in India and other parts of South Asia.

Jambu Batu: In Indonesia, guava is often referred to as “jambu batu” or simply “jambu.”

Bayabas: This is the Filipino name for guava, commonly used in the Philippines.

Feijoa: While technically a different fruit species (Acca sellowiana), feijoa is sometimes referred to as “pineapple guava” due to its flavor resemblance to guava.

Goiaba: This is the Portuguese name for guava, used in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Amrud: This is another Hindi name for guava, commonly used in India and neighboring countries.

Fan Shi Liu: In Chinese, guava is known as “fan shi liu” (番石榴).

Tumbas: In some parts of Africa, such as Nigeria, guava may be referred to as “tumbas” or similar variations.

Peru: In some regions of Africa, such as Kenya, guava is known as “peru” or “peyru.”

Properties of Guava

Antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic properties, laxative, astringent, analgesic.

Guava is Indicated for:

Boosting immune system, digestive health, gastric cancer, promote digestive regularity, treat diarrhoea, alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, balance blood sugar levels, support oral health, minor skin irritations, wounds, oral health, gum inflammation, pain relief, dietary fiber, cholesterol, weight loss, cataracts.

References:

“JOURNAL OF SMOOTH MUSCLE RESEARCH”: ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LINN. (MYRTACEAE) LEAF AQUEOUSEXTRACT IN RODENTS: 2008: JOHN A.O. OJEWOLE, EMMANUEL O. AWE, & WITNESS D.H. CHIWORORO; 2008.

PUBMED.GOV: STUDY ON ANTIOXIDATIVE ACTIVITIES OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LINN LEAVES EXTRACTS; B. WANG, S. JIAO, H. LIU ETAL; MAY 2007.

“FOOD CHEMISTRY”: THE CHLOROFORM FRACTION OF GUAVA (PSIDIUM CATTLEIANUM SABINE) LEAF EXTRACT INHIBITS HUMANGASTRIC CANCER CELL PROLIFERATION VIA INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS: 2011: JEONG YONG MOONA, ASHIK MOSADDIKA, HANA KIMET AL; MARCH 15, 2011.

MANOSROI J, DHUMTANOM P, MANOSROI A 2006. ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTED FROM THAI MEDICINAL PLANTS ON KB AND P388 CELL LINES. CANCER LETT 235: 114-120.

HTTP://WWW.NUTRITIONANDMETABOLISM.COM/CONTENT/7/1/9/ABSTRACT

NUTRITION & METABOLISM: ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF GUAVA LEAF EXTRACT – BY YORIKO DEGUCHI AND KOUJI MIYAZAKI FEBRUARY 2010.