Guava Decoction

• Common name: guava : bayabas • Scientific name: Psidium guajava

Bayabas or guava is one of the most popular therapeutic plants

in the Philippines.

The round globular guava fruit starts as a flower and is usually harvested and eaten while still

green. It is quite similar in shape to pear and has a rind that is green in color and changes to yellow when it becomes over-

ripe.

As a herbal medicine, the guava fruit, As a herbal medicine, the guava fruit, bark and leaves are used. The bark bark and leaves are used. The bark

and leaves can be used as astringent. and leaves can be used as astringent. The most common use of the leaves is The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds for cleaning and disinfecting wounds by rinsing the afflicted area with a by rinsing the afflicted area with a decoction of the leaves. The fruit, decoction of the leaves. The fruit,

aside form being delicious, contains a aside form being delicious, contains a very high concentration of vitamin C.very high concentration of vitamin C.

•Ingredients:

•1 tbsp of chopped fresh guava leaves

2 cups of water

Equipments/utensils:

• clay pot (palayok)• wooden spoon• strainer• cup• chopping board• knife• clean cloth• clean colored bottle for storage

PROCEDURE

1. All ingredients and equipments were gathered first.

2. The colored bottle was cleansed thoroughly with soap and water and was sterilized.

3. Fresh guava leaves were harvested and washed thoroughly.

4. The guava leaves were chopped using the knife and chopping board.

5. A tablespoon of chopped guava leaves was boiled with two cups of water for 15 minutes over a low flame without cover in a clay pot.

6. The decoction was set aside until it cooled down.

7. The decoction was strained using a strainer and filtered using a clean cloth.

8. The decoction was transferred to the sterilized colored bottle and was covered.

• Indications:• Treatment for diarrhea

• Dosage:• Adult: 1 cup, three times a day • Children: • -infant- 1 tbsp., three times a day • -2-6 yrs old- ¼ cup, three times a

day • -7-12 yrs old- ½ cup, three times

a day

•Other uses of guava decoction are as follows:

-aromatic bath-treatment for skin ulcers, wounds, pruritis or infection-gum swelling-nosebleeds-feminine wash

•Precautions:• *Guavas can cause constipation

when consumed in excess.• *The decoction will only last for a

day. If refrigerated, the decoction will only last for three days from the time it was prepared.

• *Dispose off the decoction after a day if not refrigerated.

• *Store at room temperature and avoid direct heat.

END