Published on: 8/31/2014IST

Jyoti Negi Last updated on: 8/31/2014, Permalink

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Most of us know about the health benefits of guava fruit. But we are unaware of the fact that even guava leaves have several medicinal properties and offer an array of health benefits. Being packed with antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents and beneficial tannins, fresh guava leaves are considered as a natural pain reliever. The chemicals contained in these leaves such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids and tannins can be extremely effective in treating various diseases.

Owing to the side effects resulting from the usage of medicines and drugs, herbal plants are being increasingly considered for the treatment of various diseases and guava leaf is one of them. Due to its medicinal properties, guava leaf supplements are nowadays available in the form of capsules and guava leaf tea.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Health

Guava leaves are regarded as herbal treatment for several diseases due to their medicinal properties. The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.

1. Aid in Weight Loss:

Guava leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.

2. Beneficial for Diabetics:

According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glucosidease enzyme activity. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.
3. Lower Cholesterol:

Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol. Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4. Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery:

Guava leaves are herbal remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. For treating diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water and drink this concoction twice a day. In case of dysentery, cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation until relieved.

5. Aids in Digestion:

Guava leaf tea aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production. The powerful antibacterial agents kill bacteria in the lining of the gut and stop proliferation of toxic enzymes by bacteria. Guava leaves are particularly beneficial in case of food poisoning as well as soothing, vomiting and nausea. To relieve stomach ache, boil 8 pieces of guava leaves in 1.5 liters of water and drink thrice a day.

6. Treatment of Bronchitis:

Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs.

7. Treatment of Toothaches, Sore Throats and Gum Disease:

Due to their anti-inflammatory qualities, fresh guava leaves can relieve tooth ache, heal gum and mouth sores and treat sore throats when used for gargling. The antibacterial agent in these leaves protect the teeth and gums and therefore, guava leaves are used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouth fresheners. Guava leaves can even be made into a natural paste at home for brushing the teeth and gums.

8. Beneficial in Dengue Fever:

Guava leaves are considered a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because guava leaf extract can increase the number of platelets in the blood and is not toxic at all. For this purpose 9 pieces of guava leaves should be boiled in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling, a cup of this concoction should be given to the patient thrice a day.

9. Prostate Cancer:

Guava leaves can be beneficial in case of prostate cancer and enlargement.

10. Reduction of Allergies:

Guava leaves prevent the release of histamine. Moreover, the compounds found in guava leaves are effective in blocking all allergic reactions.

11. Sperm Production:

Consumption of guava leaf tea has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production, thus helping with conception.

12. Treatment of Wounds and Infections:

Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as cuts, impact abrasion etc. The antibacterial agents prevent infection and reduce inflammation of the uterus to accelerate the healing of wounds. Guava leaf tea can help in curing ear infections as well.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Skin

When it comes to skincare, guava leaves can greatly help in improving your skin and treatment of various skin disorders. Following are the benefits of guava leaves for skin.

13. Treatment of Acne and Black spots:

Acne and black spots are quite annoying as they adversely affect the appearance of your skin. Guava leaves are effective in eliminating acne and black spots from the skin. They contain an antiseptic that can kill acne causing bacteria. For this purpose, mash some guava leaves and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Rinse with water after sometime. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.

14. Removal of Blackheads:

For the treatment of blackheads, blend the guava leaves with little water and use it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads.

15. Anti-ageing Benefits:

Guava leaves contain antioxidants which destroy the free radicals that damage your skin, thus protecting your skin from ageing as well as improving skin tone and texture. A decoction of mature guava leaves can be applied on the skin for tightening it.

16. Relieves Itching:

Skin itching can lead to serious problem if not treated immediately. Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Hair

Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth.

17. Natural remedy for Hair Loss:

To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.