Guava
Guava
Guava which is commonly known as Amrud, is a fruit with a sweet and a slight astringent taste. It is round in shape with light green or yellow skin and edible seeds.
Guava can be taken in different forms such as tea, juice, syrup, powder and capsule for medicinal purposes. Guava fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants, fiber, potassium and vitamin C which help improve energy levels. Guava leaves are used to prepare herbal tea which protects the body against certain illnesses due to its antioxidant activity. It also helps improve digestion. Guava juice has vitamin C which helps prevent common cold. It adds bulk to stools and prevents constipation.
Massaging with boiled Guava leaves is used to control hair fall due to the presence of vitamin B and vitamin C that help nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Guava face packs are useful in managing skin infection and allergies.
It is recommended to avoid the excessive consumption of Guava seeds as they may cause appendicitis[1][3][4].
Guava can be taken in different forms such as tea, juice, syrup, powder and capsule for medicinal purposes. Guava fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants, fiber, potassium and vitamin C which help improve energy levels. Guava leaves are used to prepare herbal tea which protects the body against certain illnesses due to its antioxidant activity. It also helps improve digestion. Guava juice has vitamin C which helps prevent common cold. It adds bulk to stools and prevents constipation.
Massaging with boiled Guava leaves is used to control hair fall due to the presence of vitamin B and vitamin C that help nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Guava face packs are useful in managing skin infection and allergies.
It is recommended to avoid the excessive consumption of Guava seeds as they may cause appendicitis[1][3][4].
What are the synonyms of Guava?
Psidium guajava, Amritphalam, Mriduphalam, Amrud, Madhuriam, Muhuriam, Jamphal, Jamrud, Jmarukh, Koyya, Segapugoyya, Segapu, Sirogoyya, Sengoyya, Ettajama, Goyya, Goacchi, Peyara, Amba, Ambak, Amuk, Anjirzad, Koyya, Malakkapera, Pera, Tupkel, Judakaneh, Kamsharni
What is the source of Guava?
Plant Based
Benefits of Guava
1. Joints Pain
Guava leaves help to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Guava leaves paste helps to reduce the pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of fresh Guava leaves with water.
b. Apply on the affected area to manage joint pain.
2. Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a condition of painful swelling inside the mouth. It is referred to as Mukhapaka in Ayurveda. Mukhapaka involves all the three doshas (mainly Pitta) and is also associated with Rakta (bleeding). Chewing fresh Guava leaves improves the healing process due to its Ropan (healing) property and also reduces inflammation due to its Pitta balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 fresh and clean leaves of Guava.
b. Chew them once or twice a day to control stomatitis.
Guava leaves help to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Guava leaves paste helps to reduce the pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of fresh Guava leaves with water.
b. Apply on the affected area to manage joint pain.
2. Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a condition of painful swelling inside the mouth. It is referred to as Mukhapaka in Ayurveda. Mukhapaka involves all the three doshas (mainly Pitta) and is also associated with Rakta (bleeding). Chewing fresh Guava leaves improves the healing process due to its Ropan (healing) property and also reduces inflammation due to its Pitta balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 fresh and clean leaves of Guava.
b. Chew them once or twice a day to control stomatitis.
Recommended Dosage of Guava
- Guava Powder - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Guava
1. Boil Guava leaf (for hair)
a. Add a handful of Guava leaves in a pan.
b. Add 2 cups water to it and leave it on a medium heat.
c. Let it come to a boil.
d. Allow it to cool and strain the water in a bowl.
e. Once cool, apply it on your scalp and roots.
f. Massage lightly and rinse after 30 minutes.
2. Guava face mask
a. Cut a Guava in half, remove the seeds and mash it.
b. Mash 1 banana and add it to the mashed Guava.
c. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt and mix well.
d. Add 2-3 teaspoons of honey.
e. Mix the mixture properly till a thick paste is obtained.
f. Apply on the face and neck and leave it for 30 minutes.
g. Once it dries completely, rinse it off with normal water.
a. Add a handful of Guava leaves in a pan.
b. Add 2 cups water to it and leave it on a medium heat.
c. Let it come to a boil.
d. Allow it to cool and strain the water in a bowl.
e. Once cool, apply it on your scalp and roots.
f. Massage lightly and rinse after 30 minutes.
2. Guava face mask
a. Cut a Guava in half, remove the seeds and mash it.
b. Mash 1 banana and add it to the mashed Guava.
c. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt and mix well.
d. Add 2-3 teaspoons of honey.
e. Mix the mixture properly till a thick paste is obtained.
f. Apply on the face and neck and leave it for 30 minutes.
g. Once it dries completely, rinse it off with normal water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Guava is a citrus fruit with loads of fibre. It can slow down digestion and increase acid production. Thus it is advisable to avoid eating Guava on an empty stomach.
Ayurvedic View
Guava should be avoided on an empty stomach if your digestive system is not good. This is because it has Guru (heavy) nature and takes time to digest.
Modern Science View
Guavas that are pink have more pigment content (carotenoid) than the white variety.
Modern Science View
Guava tea prepared from Guava leaves aids weight loss, improves heart health, is good for skin and hair, stimulates brain activity and manages diabetes.
Modern Science View
Yes, Guava (Psidium guajava) is a citrus fruit that belongs to the Myrtle family.
Modern Science View
Higher concentration of the pigment carotenoid gives a deep pink colour to Guavas, making them appear almost red in colour. Such Guavas are called “Red Guavas”.
Modern Science View
1. Wash and peel about 4 cups of Guava.
2. Cut in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Soak the seeds in a cup of water.
4. Transfer the Guavas in a pan and add 1 ½ cups of water to it.
5. Let it boil on a medium heat.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer till the Guavas become soft.
7. Drain the water from the soaked seeds and add it to the cooked Guavas (discard the seeds).
8. Keep stirring to avoid scorching and sticking.
9. Strain the pulp of Guavas and add an equal amount of sugar to it.
10. Heat it on a low flame for some time till a paste-like consistency is obtained.
11. Let it cool before using.
12. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Cut in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Soak the seeds in a cup of water.
4. Transfer the Guavas in a pan and add 1 ½ cups of water to it.
5. Let it boil on a medium heat.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer till the Guavas become soft.
7. Drain the water from the soaked seeds and add it to the cooked Guavas (discard the seeds).
8. Keep stirring to avoid scorching and sticking.
9. Strain the pulp of Guavas and add an equal amount of sugar to it.
10. Heat it on a low flame for some time till a paste-like consistency is obtained.
11. Let it cool before using.
12. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
References
- Sanda KA, Grema HA, Geidam YA, Bukar-Kolo.Pharmacological Aspects of Psidium guajava: An Update. International Journal of Pharmacology.2011;7(3):316-324.
- WebMD.Guava: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Gadegbeku C, Wayo R, Ackah -Badu G et al.Food taboos among residents at Ashongman-Accra, Ghana.Food Sci Qual Manag.2013;15(1):21-29.
- Lucas E, Olorunnisola A, Adewole N.Preliminary evaluation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) tree branches for truss fabrication in Nigeria.Agricultural Engineering International: the CIGR Ejournal.2006;8:Manuscript BC 05 010.
- Hernández-Acosta MA, Castro-Vargas HI, Parada-Alfonso F.Integrated utilization of Guava (Psidium guajava L.): antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts obtained from Guava seeds with supercritical CO2-Ethanol.J. Braz. Chem. Soc.2011:22(12):2383-2390.
- Shahidi F, Alasalvar C.Handbook of Functional Beverages and Human Health (Nutraceutical Science and Technology).CRC Press.2016:1:302-303.
- Thomas L, Anitha T, Lasyaja AB et al. Biochemical and mineral analysis of the undervalued leaves – Psidium guajava L.International Journal of Advanced Science and Research.2017:2(3):16-21.
- Joshi N, Patidar K, Solanki R et al.Preparation and evaluation of herbal hair growth promoting shampoo formulation containing Piper betle and Psidium guajava leaves extract. International Journal of Green Pharmacy. 2018: 12 (4): S835-39.
- Sanda KA, Grema HA, Geidam YA et al.Pharmacological Aspects of Psidium guajava: An Update.International Journal of Pharmacology.2011:7(3): 316-324.
- Roberts M.100 New Herbs.Penguin Random House South Africa.2015.
- Stepanovs J.Guava.Skin Saver Remedies:Don’t hide behind masks .Harald Tietze Publishing. 1999: 33-34.
- Teitze HW.Living Food For Longer Life: 1.BJAIN Publishers Pvt. Ltd.2002. First edition.87-100.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.