Subject: GUAVA, the super fruit
While attending a birthday party in Highgate Gardens last week Sunday, I met Shemara Morris, 16, a student of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. She spoke about this column and I was most intrigued by her recollection of climbing trees in St Andrew for their fruit, in particular, guavas. Her mother insists she does not get sick. Today, I will share with Shemara and others the protective and healing properties of the guava.
Healing Herbs: Guava's a super fruit (Bdos Nation)
> Myrtaceae Psidium, known as guava, is a therapeutic super fruit.
> It is not a herb but the leaves, fruit or bark can be used for healing.
> Guava belongs to the Myrtaceae or Myrtle family and is related to clove, allspicey and eucalyptus, among others.
> Some of its properties are calcium, iron, ash, protein, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, a very high concentration of Vitamin C, omega-3 and omega-6, polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fibre.
> Guava can be used for poor circulation, cataracts, vertigo, to help kidneys eliminate waste, to support the heart, reduce the risk of cancer, obesity, lower cholesterol, asthma, to heal wounds, diabetes, constipation, arthritis, expels placenta, prolonged menstruation, to fight free radicals, protects the prostrate and to control hypertension and cholesterol.
> It is also an antiseptic, cough suppressant, an astringent, aids with sore throats, conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, blood cleansing, gastroenteritis, respiratory problems, shock, ulcers, toothache, vaginal discharge, yeast and other imbalances.
> Guava contains more than 30 chemicals and each chemical can have a healing effect on the body.
> The guava leaf contains Quercetin which is thought to contribute to its anti-diarrhoea effect.
> In addition, the lectin chemicals in guava were shown to bind to E-coli, thus preventing its adhesion to the intestinal wall and thus preventing infection which can cause diarrhoea.
My guava tree is blooming and I hope the birds allow me to harvest them. Guavas can also be mixed with tamarinds for a refreshing healing beverage. Use them and experience their awesome healing power.
Last week, I wrote of the healing properties of turmeric and Granny Walcott from Granny’s Restaurant ecstatically informed me that she took turmeric tea for wheezing and sore throat. Her sore throat disappeared and the wheezing subsided. Granny proclaimed: “I still believe in my herbs.”
Annette Maynard-Watson, a secondary school teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at: silentdoctors@ gmail.com or 250-6450.
While attending a birthday party in Highgate Gardens last week Sunday, I met Shemara Morris, 16, a student of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. She spoke about this column and I was most intrigued by her recollection of climbing trees in St Andrew for their fruit, in particular, guavas. Her mother insists she does not get sick. Today, I will share with Shemara and others the protective and healing properties of the guava.
Healing Herbs: Guava's a super fruit (Bdos Nation)
> Myrtaceae Psidium, known as guava, is a therapeutic super fruit.
> It is not a herb but the leaves, fruit or bark can be used for healing.
> Guava belongs to the Myrtaceae or Myrtle family and is related to clove, allspicey and eucalyptus, among others.
> Some of its properties are calcium, iron, ash, protein, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, a very high concentration of Vitamin C, omega-3 and omega-6, polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fibre.
> Guava can be used for poor circulation, cataracts, vertigo, to help kidneys eliminate waste, to support the heart, reduce the risk of cancer, obesity, lower cholesterol, asthma, to heal wounds, diabetes, constipation, arthritis, expels placenta, prolonged menstruation, to fight free radicals, protects the prostrate and to control hypertension and cholesterol.
> It is also an antiseptic, cough suppressant, an astringent, aids with sore throats, conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, blood cleansing, gastroenteritis, respiratory problems, shock, ulcers, toothache, vaginal discharge, yeast and other imbalances.
> Guava contains more than 30 chemicals and each chemical can have a healing effect on the body.
> The guava leaf contains Quercetin which is thought to contribute to its anti-diarrhoea effect.
> In addition, the lectin chemicals in guava were shown to bind to E-coli, thus preventing its adhesion to the intestinal wall and thus preventing infection which can cause diarrhoea.
My guava tree is blooming and I hope the birds allow me to harvest them. Guavas can also be mixed with tamarinds for a refreshing healing beverage. Use them and experience their awesome healing power.
Last week, I wrote of the healing properties of turmeric and Granny Walcott from Granny’s Restaurant ecstatically informed me that she took turmeric tea for wheezing and sore throat. Her sore throat disappeared and the wheezing subsided. Granny proclaimed: “I still believe in my herbs.”
Annette Maynard-Watson, a secondary school teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at: silentdoctors@ gmail.com or 250-6450.