The guava tree is a fruit tree of the Myrtaceae family whose scientific name is Psidium guayabo L. He is also known by Araza, Araza Saiya, Arazá Pyita. It can reach a height of up to 8 meters, its bark is reddish in color and with scales.
It is native to Central America, it is very common to find it in tropical countries in areas where there are no crops, such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, the southern United States, the Philippines, Venezuela, Costa Rica, India, South Africa and Puerto Rico. among others.
To highlight: The bark, seeds, fruits and leaves of the tree are used. Its characteristic use through the infusion of its leaves.
Its leaves contain the most important part of active ingredients such as: essential oil that is rich in nerolidol, cartophyllene, b-bisabolene, aroma-dendrene, p-selinene, b-sitosterol, triterpenes, oleanic, ursolic, categorical and guayabolic acids. eleagic tannins 10%.
For all these properties and more, guava leaf tea is a great ally with powerful health benefits, which we share with you in the following article.
Properties of guava leaf tea
The properties described here were made on the basis of the chemical components of its leaves. Here we give you some of them:
antioxidant
Guava leaves are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and flavonoids, components that give the body its antioxidant capacity.
It has been scientifically proven that guava leaves are even more beneficial than the fruit itself, as they contain anti-carcinogenic properties, and can destroy free radicals in the body, representing a powerful anti-wrinkle tool to also improve skin texture. the skin.
To highlight: Some studies concluded that “The aquatic and ethanolic extracts of PGL possess potential antioxidant activities in the study. Flavonoids may be one of its antioxidant components” (1) .
Quercetin has become part of the flavonoids related to oxidative stress.
anti-inflammatory
The leaves of Psidium guava L , relieve redness and irritation caused by atopic dermatitis, contain anti-allergic properties that inhibit the creation of histamines. Relieves problems related to joint diseases, such as arthritis or milder pain related to inflammation.
To highlight: A study concluded that “The extract of guava leaves could serve as a functional food to control gout and hypertension and attenuate the oxidative stress associated with both diseases” (2) .
antibacterial
Known for its flavonoid and nerolidol components, in guava leaf tea, it is recommended in cases of diarrhea and dysentery.
They also act against microorganisms that cause acne, as they have extremely powerful antibacterial properties. It also favors the elimination of its sequelae, as it soothes skin redness and reduces breakouts.
Notable: Studies reveal that “the inhibitory effects of flavonoids on spoilage and pathogenic foodborne bacteria revealed that they had a bacteriostatic mode of action against all pathogenic spoilage and foodborne bacteria, including Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brochothrix thermosphacta, among others” (3) .
Analgesic
Due to its high level of tannin content, guava leaf tea is used as a great analgesic. A study indicates that at a standardized dose, the extract of Psidium guajava significantly reduces menstrual pain (4) .
Notable: Another study indicates that “Qualitatively similar results on exploratory activity were obtained when the extract was administered orally. Doses of 3.3-6.6 mg/kg ip reduced spontaneous depressed locomotor activity and tunnel running” (5) .
Therefore, guava leaf tea is used against weakness, dizziness, bile and even to combat nervous problems. If you have nerves, this tea could help you calm down.
Guava Leaf Tea Benefits
Guava leaf tea is widely used by the population, hence many of its conclusions about its contributions. Here we mention the most important
Strengthens the immune system
Due to its content of antioxidants, nerolidol, flavonoids and vitamin C, it enhances the action of the immune system in the body.
In this sense, the results of studies indicate that the extract of Psidium guajava L. It has antimicrobial activity against bacteria (6) .
Reduces blood glucose levels
Its content of flavonoids and triterpenoid acid contributes to the regulation of blood glucose. A study in animals confirmed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava L. tended to decrease the concentration of glucose in the blood (7) .
Another study indicated that due to the results obtained in animals, the leaves of P. guajava have hypoglycemic and hypotensive properties (8) .
Lowers bad cholesterol
Its content of polyphenols and triterpenoids help in a notable decrease in bad cholesterol.
To highlight: A scientific review describes that the active component of the aqueous extract of the guava leaf contributes to the reduction of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia (9) .
Reduces pain and inflammation
Due to its high concentration of triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenolic components, they contribute to the action against inflammation in the body.
To highlight: A study in animals indicates that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Psidium guajava L. , produced an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect in animals in laboratory tests (10) .
Protects the digestive system
The Psidium guayabo L leaf is commonly used to treat conditions of the digestive tract, such as diarrhea, dysentery, among others.
To highlight: Some research carried out determined that the effects produced by its flavonoids must be understood from a new perspective, regarding gastrointestinal problems, abdominal inflammation, due to the evidence found (11) .
Combat respiratory conditions
With the properties of vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols, among others, which enhances the body’s immune, antioxidant, and antimicrobial action, it helps treat coughs, phlegm, and throat conditions.
Contributes to weight loss
Guava leaf tea plays an important role in controlling body weight because it does not convert complex carbohydrates into sugar, which helps eliminate that feeling of hunger.
To highlight: A study entitled “Effect of infusion of guava leaves (Psidium guajava L.) on overweight, obesity and dyslipidemia in health sector workers” concluded that “the quasi-experimental study produced effects on BMI; Overweight and Obesity of the participants, little effect on dyslipidemias” (12) .
Relieves oral and dental conditions
Due to its high content of vitamin C, lycopenes, flavonoids and antioxidants, guava leaves are very beneficial to prevent oral cancer. Studies have shown that the consumption of lycopene can reduce the growth of cancer cells, preventing contracting prostate and breast cancer (13) .
Note: Guava contains flavonoid compounds, which prevent the growth of certain bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans , which are responsible for producing dental caries.
The guava leaf contains compounds that prevent the growth of oral bacteria, acting as a natural antibiotic, helping to eliminate bad breath.
Prevents cell aging
The antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of the Psidium guayabo L leaf contributes to the correct biological and physiological functioning of the body’s cells. Also for its vitamin C content.
Strengthens the hair
The vitamins A and B contained in the guava leaf help the growth and health of hair, being essential for the restoration of tissues. This vitamin is included in many hair care products.
Combat skin conditions
Due to its astringent, antifungal and antimicrobial effect, due to the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and nerolidol, the guava leaf is ideal for treating skin conditions such as acne.
Increases male fertility
Thanks to the content of antioxidants, nerolidol, triterpenoids prevent the reproduction of cancer cells in the prostate. The function of the prostate is to produce the liquid that is part of the semen.
To highlight: Studies have shown that the consumption of lycopene, a compound contained in guava leaves, can reduce the growth of cancer cells, preventing contracting prostate cancer (14) .
How to prepare and consume guava leaf tea?
Here is a simple recipe to prepare a powerful medicine that will help you treat some common pathologies and strengthen your immune system:
Ingredients:
- guava leaves
- Water
- sweetener to taste
Preparation and consumption
- Place the water and the guava leaves in a container and let it heat until it boils
- Then lower the temperature and allow it to heat up for 20 more minutes.
- Let it cool down a bit and strain the infusion.
- Place sweetener of your preference to taste
It is important to note that tea from the leaves of this plant should not be administered to pregnant women or lactating women and it is preferable not to extend its use for more than thirty days.
Key takeaways
- The guava tree is a fruit tree of the Myrtaceae family whose scientific name is Psidium guayabo L. It can reach a height of up to 8 meters, its bark is reddish in color and with scales. Originally from Central America and found in tropical countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, among others.
- The bark, seeds, fruits and leaves of this tree are used. Its characteristic use through the infusion of its leaves, since they contain active ingredients such as: essential oil. For this and other properties, guava leaf tea is a great ally with powerful health benefits.
- The properties that guava leaf tea has and its benefits for health and our body, is that it works as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic. Studies confirm that guava leaves are even more beneficial than the fruit, as they contain anti-cancer properties.
- Among its benefits, we find that guava leaves protect the digestive system, relieve oral and dental conditions, prevent cell aging, reduce blood glucose levels, strengthen the immune system, contribute to weight loss, among others. .
- It is important to note that this tea should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.