Aside from the fruit, guava leaves are also great for our overall health. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants like vitamin C, and flavonoids such as quercetin as well as polyphenols, carotenoids, and tannins. Moreover, the leaves also possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are considered to be a natural pain reliever. For centuries, it has been part of traditional medicine in treating various diseases and often brewed to make a magical tea.

Herbal Remedy For Diarrhea And Dysentery

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or a frequent need to have a bowel movement. It is said that a person “has diarrhea,” when it happens more than three times in a day. This condition can be caused by food-borne illness, food poisoning, bacteria, or viruses. On the other hand, dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, especially in the colon, which can lead to severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces.

In a study published in the Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo, researchers have found that guava-leaf extracts inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which is a common cause of diarrhea. People experiencing diarrhea and drink guava leaf tea may possibly have less abdominal pain and fewer and less watery stools thus enabling them to recover quickly.

Moreover, guava leaf extract has been found to be able to delay the onset of a castor oil-induced diarrhea, decrease the frequency of defecation and reduce the severity of diarrhea in rats, according to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Smooth Muscle Research.

How To Use Guava Leaves Against Diarrhea And Dysentery

For treating diarrhea and dysentery, we can simply boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water. Drink this concoction twice a day. Aside from this, we can also cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation on an empty stomach until relieved.

Aside from diarrhea problems, guava leaves have also been found to be helpful against dengue fever, good for diabetics, help lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, improve quality of sleep, and beats toothache.