By Obiabin Onukwugha
Guavas are tropical trees originating in Central America but grown in many countries across the globe. In Nigeria, guava are of two species, the one with bigger fruits, which is refered to as agric specie and the second with smaller fruits often referred to as native or local species.
Various parts of the plant, including the leaf and the fruit, are used as medicine. People use guava leaf for stomach and intestinal conditions, pain, diabetes, and wound healing. The fruit is used for high blood pressure treatment.
Their fruits are oval in shape with light green or yellow skin and contain edible seeds.
Both guava fruits and leaves have been found to be medicinal. It is believed that eating guava fruit a day or taking herbal tea from guava leaves a day keeps you away from your doctor.
Guava leaves are used as an herbal tea and the leaf extract as a supplement. Guava fruits are amazingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This remarkable nutrient content gives them many health benefits.
Some ailments that guava are found to treat
Diarrhea. Taking guava leaf extract with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) help to reduce how often stomach pain occurs.
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Early research shows that taking guava leaf extract reduce menstrual cramps.
A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Rinsing the mouth with guava leaf extract might reduce gum disease in people with gingivitis.
High blood pressure. Early research shows that eating large amounts of guava daily in place of high-fat foods for 12 weeks lowers blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Knee pain. Early research shows that taking guava leaf extract reduce pain and stiffness in people with knee pain.
Other uses of guava
Skin infections treatment, when applied to the skin.
Fever, when applied to the skin.
Vaginal infections and irritation, when applied to the skin.
Skin wounds, when applied to the skin.
However, more evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of guava for these uses.