16 Useful Guava Leaves Benefits For Your Hair, Skin, & Health

Many of us enjoy eating guavas and are aware of their many natural health benefits as well! However, have you ever wondered about the benefits of guava tree leaves? Yes, you got that right! More often than not, we just focus on the fruits and vegetables, and discard the leaves that come attached to them! Being aware of their benefits, if any, would help us make the most of them! Guava leaves, for instance, are replete with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties! Rich in polyphenolsⁱ  Compounds naturally found in plants packed with antioxidants that help protect against ultraviolet radiation. , tanninsⁱ  Astringent water-soluble compounds that bind and precipitate protein and are used as a tanning agent to prevent leather from disintegrating. , flavonoidsⁱ  A group of natural substances found in plants that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. , carotenoids, and other therapeutic plant compounds, guava leaves might prove effective in relieving pain and symptoms of several health concerns! Their medicinal properties are so profound that we can now get guava leaf supplements as well! To know more about all the key ways you can benefit from guava leaves, read on!

Know Your Ingredient: Guava Leaves

What Is It?
Guava leaf is dark green, terse, and oval, and characterized by their obtuse-type apex.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may aid in weight loss by preventing complex starch from converting into sugar and lower cholesterol levels by lowering the LDL and triglycerides.

Who Can Consume It?
While anyone or everyone can consume guava leaf safely, people with digestive issues should avoid it or consume it rarely.

How Often?
It is best to consume guava leaf tea 2-3 times every day for great results.

Caution
If you have eczema or any other severe skin issue, consume guava leaves with caution as the chemicals in them might cause skin irritation.

Health Benefits of Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are regarded as herbal treatment for several diseases due to their medicinal properties. The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.

1. Aid in Weight Loss

Guava leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.

2. Beneficial for Diabetics

According to research, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics (1). Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.

3. Lower Cholesterol

Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol (2). Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4. Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery

Guava leaves are herbal remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. According to an animal study, guava leaf extract has the potential for use in the treatment of infectious diarrhea (3). For treating diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water and drink this concoction twice a day. In case of dysentery, 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 until relieved.

5. Aids in Digestion

Guava leaves are widely employed for treating diarrhea and digestive ailments

(4). Guava leaves may be particularly beneficial in case of food poisoning as well as soothing, vomiting and nauseaⁱ  Uneasy feeling in the stomach that causes an urge to vomit but does not always lead to vomiting. . To relieve stomach ache, boil 8 pieces of guava leaves in 1.5 liters of water and drink thrice a day.

Did You Know?

Extract of guava leaves was widely used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions.

6. Treatment of Bronchitis

Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitisⁱ  Inflammation of the mucosal membrane of bronchial tubes that carries air to and from the lungs causes coughing and shortness of breath. by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs (5).

7. Treatment of Toothaches, Sore Throats and Gum Disease:

Due to their anti-inflammatory qualities, fresh guava leaves can relieve toothache, heal gum and mouth sores and treat sore throats when used for gargling. According to a study, mouthrinse containing guava leaf extract had a profound effect on gingivitisⁱ  A gum disease that causes redness and swelling around the base of the teeth and can lead to tooth loss and other health conditions. (6). The antibacterial agent in these leaves protects the teeth and gums and therefore, guava leaves are used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouth fresheners. Guava leaves can even be made into a natural paste at home for brushing the teeth and gums.

8. Beneficial in Dengue Fever

Guava leaves are considered a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because guava leaf extract can increase the number of platelets in the blood and is not toxic at all (7). For this purpose 9 pieces of guava leaves should be boiled in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling, a cup of this concoction should be given to the patient thrice a day.

9. Reduction of Allergies

Guava leaves consist of anti-allergic properties (8). Moreover, the compounds found in guava leaves are effective in blocking all allergic reactions.

10. Sperm Production

Consumption of guava leaf tea has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production, thus helping with conception (9).

11. Treatment of Wounds and Infections

Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as cuts, impact abrasion etc. This tropical fruit acts as an antibacterial agent, prevents infection, and reduces inflammation of the uterus to accelerate the healing of wounds (10). Guava leaf tea may also help in curing ear infections as well.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Skin

When it comes to skincare, guava leaves can greatly help in improving your skin and treatment of various skin disorders. Following are the benefits of guava leaves for skin.

12. Treatment of Acne and Black spots

Acne and black spots are quite annoying as they adversely affect the appearance of your skin. Guava leaves are effective in eliminating acne and black spots from the skin (11). They contain an antiseptic that can kill acne causing bacteria. For this purpose, mash some guava leaves and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Rinse with water after some time. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.

13. Removal of Blackheads:

For the treatment of blackheads, blend the guava leaves with little water and use it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads.

Quick Tip

Boil the guava leaves in water to make the process easier and add a pinch of turmeric powder to the paste for additional benefits.

14. Anti-ageing Benefits

Guava leaves are rich in vitamin C and hence have antioxidant properties which destroy the free radicals that damage your skin(12). They protect your skin from aging and improve skin tone and texture. A decoction of mature guava leaves acts as an herbal medicine that can be applied on the skin for tightening it. Hence guava leaves can be a perfect natural skin care element.

15. Relieves Itching

Skin itching can lead to serious problems if not treated immediately. Guava green leaves are medicinal plants that can instantly get rid of itchiness as they contain allergy-blocking compounds (13).

Guava Leaves Benefits For Hair

Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth (14), making guava leaves the best fruit leaves to help you grow strong hair.

16. Natural Remedy for Hair Loss

To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously. Using this natural remedy for hair care can promote strong hair growth as well.

Guava leaves can be utilized in many ways to reap the above-mentioned benefits. Learn more about them below.

How To Use Guava Leaves

You can use guava leaves in the following ways:

1. Guava Leaf Tea: Take a handful of fresh guava leaves, wash them thoroughly, and boil them in water for about 10 minutes. Enjoy it as a beverage or as a hair rinse.
2. Guava Leaf Paste: Grind the leaves into a paste. You can apply it to minor cuts, wounds, or insect bites.

You can also have guava leaves as is. Chewing fresh guava leaves can help in treating periodontal disease and maintaining overall oral hygiene (6).

Infographic: Amazing Benefits Of Guava Leaves

Guava is not only known for its taste but also for the health benefits it offers. But a lesser-known fact is its leaves can also play a crucial role in promoting overall health.

Learn more about the benefits of guava leaves from the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink boiled guava leaves every day?

Brooke Pieke, MS, a nutrition educator and clinical researcher, says, “Boiling the leaves to make your own tea can be a daily addition to your healthcare routine. Some claim temporary relief with menstrual cramping and diarrhea. Drink in moderation as there are reports of stomach cramping and induced nausea.”

Can guava leaves treat bacterial infections?

According to Pieke, “Guava leaves have antibacterial properties. The compounds in the guava leaves have been shown to penetrate through the cell membranes of bacteria and weaken them. However, this has not been tested in humans and, therefore, caution should be exercised when using guava leaves in home remedies.”

What are the side effects of guava leaves?

Guava leaves can trigger stomach pain and temporary nausea in some people. However, these side effects subside after 1 or 2 days.

Can you drink guava leaves on an empty stomach?

Yes, guava leaves are safe to drink on an empty stomach. This drink can help you stay hydrated and manage diarrhea.

Should I drink guava leaves hot or cold?

An infusion of guava leaves in hot water can be had on an empty stomach. If you find this drink does not suit you, you can cool it down by mixing it with ice cubes.

Can I mix guava leaves with ginger?

Yes, guava leaves can be mixed with ginger. This combination enhances fertility and helps in the absorption of nutrients.

Are there any medication interactions with guava leaves?

Yes, guava leaves might interact with certain medications for diabetes and blood pressure. They can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so if you are taking related medications, it is best to check with your doctor before using guava leaves regularly.

Illustration: Useful Guava Leaves Benefits For Your Hair Skin & Health

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Ever wondered about the health benefits of guava leaves? From promoting weight loss to improving skin health, check out this video to unlock the potential of these leaves for a healthier you!

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Ritika DassPGDDPHN

   

Ritika Dass is a senior clinical nutritionist with more than 8 years of experience in analyzing the nutritional needs of individuals at various stages of life. She customizes therapeutic diet plans according to the age, gender, and clinical condition of her clients.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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