Introduction
Guava, popularly known as Amrud in Hindi, is one of the most nutritious fruits found in both cultivated and wild varieties. This tropical fruit comes in two varieties – white and red pulp – with flavours ranging from sweet to slightly sour. Guavas harvested in the winter season are considered tastier and more beneficial than those from the rainy season. Guava health benefits Ayurveda regards as a healing fruit with powerful medicinal uses that go far beyond its delicious taste.
Nutritional and Ayurvedic Value of Guava
Guava is a natural powerhouse of nutrients. Its roots and bark are rich in tannic acid and calcium oxalate crystals, while the leaves contain tannins, essential oils, fats, and mineral salts. The fruit is loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin B, making it a great immunity booster. It also contains phosphorus, calcium, and manganese, all of which enhance its medicinal properties.
According to Ayurveda, guava is appetizing, thirst-quenching, purgative, and heart-strengthening. It is also known for its anthelmintic (worm-killing), anti-vomiting, and cough-curing properties.
Guava Health Benefits in Ayurveda
Relieves Headache and Toothache
Unripe guava paste applied on the forehead is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy for severe headaches. Chewing fresh guava leaves also helps relieve toothache and strengthens gums.
Improves Digestion and Cures Constipation
Guava is a natural digestive aid. Eating guava with black pepper, black salt, and ginger helps cure indigestion, acidity, and constipation. It also prevents colitis and diarrhoea when consumed regularly.
Natural Remedy for Cough and Cold
Ayurveda recommends roasted unripe guava with salt for cough relief. Chewing fresh guava or drinking guava leaf decoction with honey is highly effective against dry cough, phlegm, and common cold.
Boosts Heart Health
A special guava paste made by removing seeds, chopping the fruit, and cooking it with sugar on low heat acts as an excellent heart tonic. Regular consumption improves circulation and reduces constipation, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Controls Diarrhoea and Dysentery
Guava root, bark, and leaves are boiled to prepare a medicinal decoction that treats diarrhoea, dysentery, and even early stages of cholera. Guava jam (marabba) is also beneficial in treating these digestive issues.
Provides Relief from Fever and Infections
For malaria and fever, Ayurveda suggests guava fruit or juice made from guava leaves. The antimicrobial properties of guava make it effective against common infections and inflammatory conditions.
Helpful in Mental Disorders and Convulsions
Guava leaf decoction has been used in traditional remedies to manage mental disorders, polyuria, and convulsions in children. Massaging the backbone with tincture of guava leaves helps reduce spasms and seizures.
Arthritis and Pain Relief
Fresh guava leaves, when ground into a paste and applied to swollen or painful joints, help reduce pain and inflammation naturally.
Other Ayurvedic Uses of Guava
- Vomiting: Guava leaf decoction helps control nausea and vomiting.
- Stomatitis: Chewing guava leaves with catechu cures mouth ulcers and boils.
- Intoxication: Guava leaf juice helps nullify the effects of bhang and dhatura poisoning.
- Thirst & Urinary Problems: Soaked guava pieces in water provide relief from excessive thirst caused by diabetes and urinary issues.
Conclusion
Guava, or Amrud, is much more than a delicious fruit – it is a complete Ayurvedic medicine in itself. From boosting heart health to improving digestion, curing coughs, diarrhoea, arthritis, and even mental disorders, guava offers holistic healing. Adding guava to your diet is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy naturally.
Guava health benefits : If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, start with guava – the Ayurvedic fruit of wellness.
