Bayabas (Guava) Uses, Health Benefits and Preparations

What is bayabas 

 Also knows as: Bayawas (Bik.), Biabas (Sul.), Gaiyabat (If.), Gaiyabit (If.) Geyabas (Bon.), Guayabas (Tag.), Guava (Engl.), Guyabas(Ilk., Tag.), Kalimbahin (Tag.), Psidium cujavus Linn. Bagabas (Ig.), Psidium aromaticum Blanco Bayabas (Ilk., Tag.), Psidium pyriferum Linn. Bayabo (Ibn.), Psidium pomiferum Linn. Bayauas (Bik., Pang.),Tayabas (Tag.) 

 Bayabas or guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree that grows in the tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine and is recognized by the Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas or guava fruit is known for being rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids.

Bayabas or guava is used in herbal medicine as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic.

Bayabas or guava tree grows 3 to10 meters tall with greenish to red-brownish smooth bark. Bayabas produce a round globular bayabas fruit that starts as a flower. The bayabas fruit is green and turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe. Bayabas fruit has many small hard seeds contained in a yellowish pulp. Bayabas fruit is usually eaten while still green and hard.

Bayabas, herbal medicine for skin disease

How to use Bayabas as an antiseptic and astringent

Preparation:
•Gather fresh bayabas leaves and wash with water.
•Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes.
•Strain and let cool.
•To use as mouthwash, gargle
•To use as wound disinfectant, wash affected areas 2 to 3 times a day.
•Use as vaginal wash especially after child birth.

Fresh Bayabas leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of toothache and gum swelling.

To hasten wound healing, fresh Bayabas leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

If symptoms persist or aggravates, stop use and consult your doctor.

 Bayabas, herbal medicine for stomach problems

For diarrhea and control stomach parasites
•Gather fresh Bayabas leaves,
•Boil chopped pieces of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water.
•Strain and let cool.
•Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Bayabas Side Effects

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

If there is no improvement to diarrhea symptoms in two days, consult your doctor.