Brazilians are familiar with guava, guava trees, and guava paste. They know how to use guava leaf tea to soothe children’s colic, treat diarrhea (whether viral or bacterial), and even apply the tea made from young guava leaves to cleanse inflamed acne-prone skin.
The guava, scientifically known as Psidium guajava, is native to the Americas—both Central and South America (except for Mexico, where it doesn’t grow). It goes by various names, including:
- Araçá-guaçu
- Araçaíba
- Araçá-das-almas
- Araçá-mirim
- Araçauaçu
- Araçá-goiaba
- Guava
- White guava tree
- Red guava tree
- Guaiaba
- Guaiava
- Guava
- Guiaba
- Mepera
- Pereira
It’s a close cousin to the araçás, which also belong to the Psidium genus within the Myrtaceae family. Araçás resemble small, rustic guavas.
According to some texts, our Psidium guajava is native to the Brazilian cerrados (savannas) and has spread throughout the continent thanks to human hands, animal stomachs, and bird flights.
The ripe, fragrant guava is not only delicious but also rich in various vitamins. However, be cautious when biting into a ripe guava—the seeds can be hazardous!
Medicinal Uses of Guava Leaves
Now, let’s focus on the healing properties of guava leaves due to their antifungal and antibacterial activity. These leaves are included in the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s list of Medicinal Plants (RENASUS).
Guava leaf is excellent for treating fungal and bacterial lesions in both the oral mucosa and the vagina. It’s recommended for conditions such as candidiasis, leukorrhea, thrush, and various ulcers.
Proven Healing Qualities
Researchers Joice de Freitas Fonseca (a biologist) and Aline do Carmo França Botelho (a dentist) conducted an in vitro study at Uniaraxá—Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá in Minas Gerais. They found that guava leaves are active against three species of the Candida fungus commonly found in the vagina: C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis. These fungi are responsible for common female and infant issues like vaginal discharge and oral infections (thrush) affecting newborns.
Although this yeast normally resides in the vagina, it can proliferate excessively under conditions of low immunity and pH variation (leading to increased acidity), causing vaginitis. In severe cases, it can even lead to internal contamination within the human body.
Candidiasis can also occur in men due to secondary contamination in cases of weakened immune systems.
The quality of guava leaf healing was tested using a crude hydroalcoholic extract applied to Candida colonies. The result was inhibition of yeast proliferation, more effective than the antifungal medications typically recommended for such cases.
How to Use Guava Leaves
To make this home remedy, all you need is a guava tree in your backyard (or even one in the park). Use healthy leaves to prepare the tea. You can use it as a sitz bath, mouth rinse, wound wash, or drink it.
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