Preparation and Uses of Guava - Bayabas (Psidium Guavaja)

Guava: Psidium Guavaja Linn

Local names: Bagabas (Ig.); bayabas (Ibn., Ilk., Tag., C. Bis.); bayauas (Bik.); bayabo (Ibn.); biabas (Sul.); gaiyabat (If.); gaiyabit (If.); geyabas (Bon.); guayabas (Tag.); gaiyabat (Ilk.); kalimbahin (Tag.); tayabas (Tag.); guava (Engl.).

Description: Well known tree in our country. The flowers are big and the fruits grow 4 inches in size. The fruits can be eaten fresh; made into jelly or used as food seasoning.

How to Plant Guava: Plant the seeds. The plant does not need much care.

Harvesting and proper storage: harvest immature or young tender leaves. Make sure that there are no insects or dirt on the leaves.

Used for:

* Cleaning wounds
* Mouth wash for mouth infection and sore gums and tooth decay

Preparation:

* Wash the leaves very well.
* Put 2 handfuls of chopped leaves in an earthen jar. Pour in 4 glassfuls of water.
* Boil for 5 minutes and let it cool. Then strain.

How to Use:

* for wound cleaning - Use the decoction for washing the wound 2 times a day.
* for tooth decay/swelling of gums - Gargle with warm decoction 3 times a day.

Source: doh.gov.ph