There are many plants that cure ailments naturally, without the use of commercial products. Guava, for example, is full of Vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium and carotenoids – all of which are essential in a daily diet. Though the flesh of a guava fruit is highly beneficial, the leaves of a guava plant are just as useful.
Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Sensitive teeth and gums can be difficult to endure on a daily basis, because foods you eat and liquids you drink can cause you pain. By chewing on a guava leaf twice a day, you can relieve gum and tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums or mouth sores.
Bad Breath and Dental Hygiene
Not only do guava leaves relieve pain in the mouth, but a guava leaf can be ground up and used as a toothpaste to relieve sensitivity, as well as cure bad breath associated with gingivitis.
Gastroenteritis
An upset stomach usually causes people to reach for commercial medications to help soothe the stomach. However, the astringents in the leaves of the guava plant will bind up the bowels and relieve symptoms of gastroenteritis, as well as diarrhea. Just like the flesh, the leaves of the guava plant are rich in essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C, that allow the digestive system to be disinfected and relieve stomach distress.
Common Cold and Flu
The common cold and flu will typically give you a sore throat and a nagging cough. Using guava leaves in a tea solution can help relieve these symptoms and soothe a sore throat. A decoction of guava leaves can break up mucus and loosen your cough, to help you overcome your symptoms faster.
Pain Relief
When you have a scrape or cut on your skin, you can suffer from pain. By crushing guava leaves and applying them directly to the wound, you can relieve some of the discomfort.
Skin Care
A guava decoction is a solution of guava leaves boiled in water and then strained. It can be applied to the skin to tone loose skin on your face and body. Guava has antioxidants such as Vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium, that will help reduce signs of skin aging or wrinkles.
Health Conditions
Guava leaves can be made into a decoction, and sipped just like tea, to promote overall health. The high amount of potassium located in guava leaves can help eliminate wastes in the body and promotes kidney health. Drinking a guava leaf tea can reduce cholesterol as well, which will lead to lower blood pressure and a more healthy heart.
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Writer Bio
Shailynn Krow began writing professionally in 2002. She has contributed articles on food, weddings, travel, human resources/management and parenting to numerous online and offline publications. Krow holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and an Associate of Science in pastry arts from the International Culinary Institute of America.