Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) Guava, Peru

Psidium guajava (Guava)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Psidium guajava

Family: Myrtaceae

Genus: Psidium

The Myrtaceae family is significant for its aromatic plants rich in essential oils, many of which are foundational to both culinary and medicinal traditions, particularly for digestive and metabolic health.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Syzygium cumini (Jamun): A premier Ayurvedic herb for managing diabetes (Madhumeha) and digestive disorders. The fruit, seeds, and bark are all used medicinally.

• Syzygium aromaticum (Lavanga/Clove): A key spice and medicine used for its potent antimicrobial, analgesic (especially dental pain), and digestive stimulant properties.

• Eucalyptus globulus (Nilgiri): While native to Australia, it is widely cultivated in India. Its leaves and oil are used for respiratory conditions like cough, cold, and bronchitis due to their decongestant and antimicrobial actions.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Psidium guajava | English: Guava, Common Guava | Sanskrit: Peruk, Amritphala | Hindi: Amrud, Peru | Tamil: Koyya, Segappu Koyya | Telugu: Jama, Gova | Kannada: Seebe Hannu, Perala | Malayalam: Pera, Koyya | Marathi: Peru, Jamba | Bengali: Peyara, Piyara | Nepali: Ambaa | Spanish: Guayaba | French: Goyave | Portuguese: Goiaba | Arabic: Juafa | Chinese: Fānshīliú (番石榴) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Cardioprotective, Laxative (ripe fruit).

Medicinal Parts:Different parts of the plant are used for distinct purposes, demonstrating the principle of selective use based on desired action.

• Leaves: The most important medicinal part, especially for diarrhea, wounds, and oral hygiene.

• Fruit (Unripe): Used for its astringent and antidiarrheal properties.

• Fruit (Ripe): A nutritive tonic and mild laxative.

• Bark: Used similarly to leaves for its astringent properties.

• Flower Buds: Occasionally used in decoctions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Guaijaverin): These are the primary bioactive compounds, especially in the leaves. Their action is potent Antidiarrheal and Antimicrobial, as they inhibit the growth of pathogens like E. coli and Staph. aureus. They are also strong Antioxidants.

Triterpenoids (Ursolic Acid, Oleanolic Acid): Known for their Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects. Ursolic acid also exhibits antimicrobial activity.

Tannins (Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid): Provide Astringent action, which helps tighten mucous membranes and reduce secretions in the gut during diarrhea. They also have Antioxidant properties.

Essential Oils (Caryophyllene, Nerolidol): Contribute to the plant's Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory actions.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Exceptionally high in the ripe fruit, acting as a powerful Antioxidant and immune booster.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Pravahika (Dysentery)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or unripe fruit.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made by boiling a handful of fresh guava leaves is a universal home remedy for acute diarrhea and dysentery. Grated unripe fruit with seeds is also consumed.

Reasoning: The flavonoids and tannins have a proven inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal pathogens and reduce intestinal hypermotility and secretion, making it a highly effective antidiarrheal.

Madhumeha (Diabetes)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption of guava leaf tea is a common folk practice to help lower and manage blood sugar levels.

Reasoning: Compounds in the leaves improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit the absorption of sucrose and maltose in the gut, leading to a Hypoglycemic effect.

Mukharoga (Oral Disorders) & Danta Shula (Toothache)

Formulation: Tender leaf or bark decoction as a mouth rinse.

Preparation & Use: Chewing on tender guava leaves or rinsing the mouth with a decoction of the leaves/bark is used to treat mouth ulcers, gingivitis (bleeding gums), and toothache.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties reduce oral bacterial load, decrease inflammation, and tighten gum tissue.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Ulcers)

Formulation: Poultice of crushed leaves.

Preparation & Use: A paste of fresh leaves is applied topically to wounds, ulcers, and inflamed skin to promote healing and prevent infection.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions of the leaf phytochemicals cleanse the wound and reduce swelling.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Guava fruit is widely eaten ripe (as a fruit) or unripe (with spices). The leaves are the cornerstone of its home-based medicinal use.

Guava Leaf Tea for Diarrhea & Blood Sugar Support

Purpose: To manage acute diarrhea or as a daily support for glycemic control.

Preparation & Use:

• Wash 5-7 fresh, tender guava leaves.

• Boil them in 1.5 cups of water for 10 minutes until the water turns greenish-brown.

• Strain and drink the decoction warm. For diarrhea, take 2-3 times a day until symptoms resolve.

Astringent Mouth Rinse for Gums

Purpose: To strengthen gums, reduce bleeding, and heal mouth ulcers.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil a handful of leaves or a piece of bark in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes.

• Strain and let it cool.

• Use as a mouthwash, swishing thoroughly for 30-60 seconds, 2-3 times daily.

Nutritive & Laxative Ripe Guava

Purpose: To benefit from high Vitamin C and fiber.

Preparation & Use:

• Eat one ripe guava daily. The high fiber content acts as a bulk laxative, aiding digestion and preventing constipation, while the Vitamin C boosts immunity.

7. Disclaimer:

Psidium guajava fruit is extremely safe and nutritious. The leaf decoction is a time-tested home remedy. However, due to its hypoglycemic properties, individuals on diabetes medication should monitor their blood sugar levels closely to avoid hypoglycemia. Excessive consumption of the leaf decoction may cause constipation in some individuals. The information provided is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

• Wealth of India by CSIR

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Punica granatum (Anar/Pomegranate)

• Species: Punica granatum | Family: Lythraceae | Genus: Punica

• Similarities: Both the fruit rind and leaves of pomegranate are extremely astringent and used similarly to guava for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and oral health issues (gingivitis). They are classic Atisara hara (diarrhea-relieving) herbs in Ayurveda.

2. Syzygium cumini (Jamun)

• Species: Syzygium cumini | Family: Myrtaceae | Genus: Syzygium

• Similarities: As a member of the same family, Jamun is also a potent hypoglycemic agent. While guava leaves are used for diabetes, Jamun seeds and fruit are famously used for the same purpose. Both are dietary adjuncts in the management of Madhumeha.

3. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

• Species: Vaccinium myrtillus | Family: Ericaceae | Genus: Vaccinium

• Similarities: Both guava leaves and bilberry leaves/fruit are rich in flavonoids (quercetin derivatives) and are traditionally used for diarrhea and blood sugar management. They share strong antioxidant and vascular protective properties.

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