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
Modern Science View
Guava might be beneficial in the management of diarrhea. Guava has antimicrobial activity and delays the gastric emptying by reducing gut motility[2][7].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Guava is good to control diarrhea because it has Vata balancing nature and can be used as a food supplement during diarrhea. It also helps to thicken loose stool and control the frequency of diarrhea. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage diarrhea.
Ayurvedic View
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu. Guava improves digestive fire and reduces Ama because it corrects the metabolism, and thus control weight.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to maintain overweight.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to maintain overweight.
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper Guava corrects the digestive fire and reduce Ama because it improves metabolism, thus helps to control high cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage high cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage high cholesterol level.
Modern Science View
Guava leaves might be beneficial in the management of high blood pressure. Guava promotes vasodilation. Due to its antioxidant property, Guava prevents lipid peroxidation and damage to the blood vessels[2][7].
Modern Science View
Guava leaf extract might be beneficial in the management of atherosclerosis. This is due to the presence of ethyl gallate and quercetin in Guava[2][7].
Modern Science View
Guava leaf extract might be beneficial in the management of diabetes. Guava prevents the sudden increase in the glucose levels after meals. Guava also reduces insulin resistance and the risk of diabetic complications[2][6].
Modern Science View
Guava might be beneficial in the management of cough[2][7].
Ayurvedic View
Guava helps to reduce cough due to its Kapha balance property. Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. It is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Guava helps to reduce accumulated mucus because of its Kapaha reducing property.
Tip
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage cough.
Tip
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds).
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage cough.
Modern Science View
Guava might be beneficial in the management of colic. Colic pain is associated with spasm. Guava has antispasmodic activity. Guava inhibits the calcium ion channels and reduces the contraction of smooth muscles in the abdomen[2][7].
Ayurvedic View
Guava helps to manage colic pain when taken with food. Colic pain begins in the abdomen and often radiates to the groin. As per Ayurveda, Vata may produce colic pain in the colon causing difficulty in passing stool. Eating Guava helps to relieve colic pain and pass the gas easily due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds)
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage colic pain.
Tips:
1. Take one Guava (remove the seeds)
2. Drink 1 glass of water after eating Guava.
3. Take it once or twice a day to manage colic pain.
How effective is Guava?
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Cataract, Colicky pain, Cough, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Heart disease, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Local anesthesia (Numb tissues in a specific area), Obesity
Precautions when using Guava
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Guava in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Guava supplements during breastfeeding[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Guava in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Guava supplements during pregnancy[2].
FAQs about Guava precautions
Recommended Dosage of Guava
- Guava Capsule - 1-2 twice a day.
- Guava Powder - ¼-½ teaspoons a day.
- Guava Syrup - 2-3 teaspoons a day or as per requirement.
How to use Guava
1. Guava Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Guava capsules.
b. Swallow with water after lunch and dinner.
2. Guava Powder
a. Take ¼-½ Guava leaf powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Guava Syrup
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Guava syrup mix with water.
b. Have it after lunch and dinner.
4. Guava Juice
a. Wash and chop 2 Guavas.
b. Blend with ½ cup water.
c. Strain the Guava puree and add more water to reduce the consistency if required.
d. Add a bit of lime, salt and honey.
e. Serve cold.
5. Guava tea
a. Add a few Guava leaves with water in a pan.
b. Add 1 cinnamon stick, some mulethi powder and cardamom to it.
c. Let it boil on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
d. Strain the mixture and serve hot.
a. Take 1-2 Guava capsules.
b. Swallow with water after lunch and dinner.
2. Guava Powder
a. Take ¼-½ Guava leaf powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
3. Guava Syrup
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Guava syrup mix with water.
b. Have it after lunch and dinner.
4. Guava Juice
a. Wash and chop 2 Guavas.
b. Blend with ½ cup water.
c. Strain the Guava puree and add more water to reduce the consistency if required.
d. Add a bit of lime, salt and honey.
e. Serve cold.
5. Guava tea
a. Add a few Guava leaves with water in a pan.
b. Add 1 cinnamon stick, some mulethi powder and cardamom to it.
c. Let it boil on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
d. Strain the mixture and serve hot.
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.
Modern Science View
Yes, Guava seeds are edible. They contain high amount of phenolic acids and antioxidants. Both Guava seeds and Guava seed oil can be consumed[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Guava Seeds are safe to eat. Guava has white or pale pink pulp with plenty of small seeds. While eating Guava do not chew its seeds instead swallow as chewing reduces its Rechana (laxative) properties.
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific evidence is available, Guava might cause appendicitis[3][4].
Modern Science View
Guava juice is rich in antioxidants and lycopene (natural pigment present in fruits) which destroys free radicals in the body and prevents cell damage and ageing. It is rich in fibre, thus adds bulk to stool and prevents constipation.
Guava juice also has antidiabetic activity and helps regulate blood sugar level[6].
Guava juice also has antidiabetic activity and helps regulate blood sugar level[6].
Ayurvedic View
Guava juice helps to manage conditions like constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property. It helps to improve the bowel movements and in smooth removal of stool.
Tip:
1. Wash and chop 2 Guavas.
2. Blend with ½ cup water.
3. Strain the Guava puree and add more water to reduce the consistency if required.
4. Add a bit of lime, salt and honey.
5. Serve cold.
Tip:
1. Wash and chop 2 Guavas.
2. Blend with ½ cup water.
3. Strain the Guava puree and add more water to reduce the consistency if required.
4. Add a bit of lime, salt and honey.
5. Serve cold.
Modern Science View
Yes, Guava is good to eat during fever. This is due to its antipyretic activity which helps lower body temperature in case of fever[9][10].
Ayurvedic View
Yes it is good to eat Guava during fever. Fever is due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Guava helps to manage fever due to it’s Pitta balancing property.
Modern Science View
Guava leaves are good for weight loss. Guava leaves when taken as tea prevents the absorption of sugar from diet and thus reduces the blood sugar levels which helps in weight loss. Although enough scientific data is not available about duration and frequency of tea intake, but a strong tea can be taken 1 cup per day and a light tea can be taken 3-4 cups per day for weight loss[12][13].
Tip:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Guava leaves and crush them.
2. Pour a cup of water over it and leave it for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and sip it slowly for weight loss[10].
Additionally some Cinnamon stick, Mulethi powder and Cardamom can also be added to it.
Tip:
1. Take 1-2 fresh Guava leaves and crush them.
2. Pour a cup of water over it and leave it for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and sip it slowly for weight loss[10].
Additionally some Cinnamon stick, Mulethi powder and Cardamom can also be added to it.
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact, Guava leaves is useful to reduce the side effects of skin allergies. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It is also a good remedy for minimizing the swelling due to insect bites.
Ayurvedic View
Guava leaves are useful in wound healing. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It is also a good remedy for reducing swelling due to insect bites because of its Sita (cold) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Guava leaves can be used to control hair fall. It is rich in vitamin B and C which nourish the follicles and aid hair growth. The vitamin C helps to boost collagen activity. This helps hair grow faster and healthier and prevents further hair fall[7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Guava leaves might work effectively to control hair fall. Hair fall is a condition which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Guava leaves help to manage this condition due to its Pitta balancing property. It provides strength to the hair and control hair fall.
Tip:
1. Add a handful of Guava leaves to a pan.
2. Add 2 cups water to it and leave it on medium heat.
3. Let it come to a boil.
4. Allow it to cool and strain the water in a bowl.
5. Once cool, apply it on your scalp and roots.
6. Massage lightly and rinse after 30 minutes.
Tip:
1. Add a handful of Guava leaves to a pan.
2. Add 2 cups water to it and leave it on medium heat.
3. Let it come to a boil.
4. Allow it to cool and strain the water in a bowl.
5. Once cool, apply it on your scalp and roots.
6. Massage lightly and rinse after 30 minutes.
Modern Science View
Guava leaves are very good for skin as they are used in controlling skin blemishes and acne. It has antiseptic and antioxidant properties which helps kill acne causing bacteria and prevents aging respectively. It also contain certain constituents (tannins) which forms a protective layer on the skin and decrease the sensitivity of nerves. This further helps manage any swelling, irritation and itching.
Guava leaf lotion is good for wounds, cuts, sunburns etc[11][13].
Tip 1 :
1. Take about 1-2 handful of Guava leaves and chop them.
2. Boil them in about 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
3. Cool and strain and use it as a lotion for acne, skin itching, rashes, sores, pimples and other skin problems.
Tip 2:
1. Take fresh Guava leaves and grind them to form a paste.
2. Apply this paste on pimples and boils. It is also good for blemishes[11].
Guava leaf lotion is good for wounds, cuts, sunburns etc[11][13].
Tip 1 :
1. Take about 1-2 handful of Guava leaves and chop them.
2. Boil them in about 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
3. Cool and strain and use it as a lotion for acne, skin itching, rashes, sores, pimples and other skin problems.
Tip 2:
1. Take fresh Guava leaves and grind them to form a paste.
2. Apply this paste on pimples and boils. It is also good for blemishes[11].
Ayurvedic View
Guava leaves helps to manage skin problems like acne which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. This is due to its Pitta balancing and Ropan (healing) properties.
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.
- Angie S. Chapter 3:Guava.Herbal Antibiotics Secrets: How to Use Herbal Medicine to Prevent, Treat and Heal Illness Naturally.CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.2015.
- 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.