How to Extract Guava
Fresh guava fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. The leaves of the guava plant can also be used to make a tea popular in Asia that is widely used as both a refreshing beverage, and in herbal medicine. It has been used as a remedy for diabetes, diarrhea and other digestive complaints. Guava leaf tea is also used as a wash for wounds and skin ulcers. Chewing the tender young leaves is reputed to be an effective hangover remedy if taken before imbibing. The plant's main active constituent is quercitin, and quercitin-derived flavonoids aid in digestion.
Things You'll Need
- 1 ounce dried or 12 sheets fresh guava leaves
- Sugar, honey or other sweetener to taste
- Small saucepan
- Filter paper or fine strainer
Instructions
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1
Put the water into a small saucepan.
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Use dried leaves whole, but mash or tear fresh leaves into fragments to extract maximum benefits.
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3
Add the guava leaves to the water.
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Add the salt.
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Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Boil for 15 minutes.
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Strain or filter to remove all solids.
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If used as a beverage, add sweetener to taste.
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Tips & Warnings
Sweetener may be omitted in a wound wash, but honey may be of therapeutic value there in retarding bacterial growth and infection.
If digestion is upset or skin redness occurs, this may indicate a sensitivity to some constituent. If so, stop using guava leaf tea.
References
Resources
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