Sunday, May 15, 2011

Medicinal Plant: Guava Tree (Psidium guajava Linn.)


It belongs to family Myrtaceae. A tropical and semi-tropical plant. It grows to a height of 7.5 meters with a trunk girth of about 30-90 cm. The leaves are 10-15 cm long, oblong and entire with lateral nerves. The white flowers found in the axils are 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter. the ripe guava is rich in vitamin C and fiber. Almost all of the parts of this medicinal plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines.

Medicinal Plant : Guava fruit
Medicinal Uses:
  • Gastroenteritis or inflammation of the stomach and intestine, uterine haemorrhage or heavy bleeding, chronic diarrhoea and oedema.
  • Dysentery, inflammation of the kidney, and diarrhoea
  • Ulcers, vaginal and uterine problems, and cuts
  • Spasms, fever, worms, kidney problems, epilepsy, diabetes, and cerebral affections

Preparation
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
• Use as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves 2 to 3 times a day. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing.
• For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let cool, and drink a cup every three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities.

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