Health Benefits of Guava Leaves
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jun 01, 2023 • 3 min Read
Dahon ng bayabas, or guava leaves are versatile and nutrient-dense plant parts containing a range of health-beneficial compounds. It’s an herbal treatment for several diseases and is part of traditional medicine.
Guava leaves are processed into herbal tea or supplements. These are the simple steps for guava leaf tea:
– Dry the guava leaf under the sun;
– Crush them until they are shaped like tea;
– Brew the guava leaves with hot water and let them sit for 5-10 minutes before you drink it
Guava leaves are part of the ingredients that make traditional Pinoy food unique. It can be added to any meat dish or vegetable side dish for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of dahon ng bayabas, from Organic Facts:
1. Stimulates Hair Growth
It contains antioxidants that can stimulate hair growth and prevent inflammatory conditions on the scalp that may lead to premature hair loss.
2. Weight Loss
The active ingredients in guava leaves have a peculiar ability to stop the absorption of carbs by the body, which can decrease the amount of sugar and calories the body absorbs.
3. Diabetes
A recent animal study by BioMed Research International indicated that guava leaf extract has great potential to cut blood sugar levels and oxidative stress as well in diabetic subjects.
4. Cholesterol
Gallic acid and the other catechins found in guava leaves can help suppress the total cholesterol levels in the body which can help prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.
5. Diarrhea and Dysentery
Traditionally, guava leaves were often chewed and eaten to prevent diarrhea and dysentery because of the leaves’ antimicrobial properties. You can also boil the leaves and remove the extract, then drink the mixture for 2-3 days until the symptoms disappear.
6. Digestion
To counter microbes and other bacteria in the gut, guava leaves can stimulate the release of certain gastric enzymes that can speed digestion and improve nutrient uptake in the body.
7. Bronchitis
Drinking guava tea is an excellent way to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and speed the recovery from conditions like bronchitis by suppressing the desire to cough.
8. Toothaches
Guava leaves can help prevent microbes from gaining a foothold in your mouth, which can protect against toothaches, cavities, and other oral diseases that can produce tooth pain.
9. Sore Throat
The proven anti-inflammatory abilities of guava tea can soothe any inflammation or irritation in the throat.
10. Dengue Fever
One of the side effects of eating guava leaves is an increase in platelet levels, which can help fight back against the symptoms of Dengue fever, making it a vital herbal remedy in some parts of the world.
11. Prostate Cancer
A research report published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods shows that the antioxidant effects of guava leaves can counter oxidative stress and inflammation that can lead to prostate cancer.
12. Sperm Production
Several studies have shown that supplementation with guava leaves can improve sperm count and boost fertility.
13. Wounds and Infections
When guava leaves are crushed and made into a salve, they can be applied directly to wounds, which will not only speed healing but also prevent infections from taking hold in those areas.
14. Acne and Black Spots
A popular addition to cosmetic products, guava leaf juice is known to reduce inflammation on acne breakouts and suppress the rise of blackheads on the face.
15. Anti-Aging
The many antioxidants in guava leaves make them an ideal remedy for premature aging, as they can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and age spots, and increase skin elasticity.
Guava leaves provide natural and holistic support for various health concerns, offering a simple yet powerful addition to your well-being. Try guava tea now and see how it works for you.
Stay healthy and safe!
