Guava Leaf Tea: Benefits & Side Effects

Drinking guava tea is a common practice in tropical parts of the world, but it can deliver a wealth of nutrients to anyone who seeks out this tasty beverage.

What is Guava Tea?

Guava tea is a medicinal beverage that is produced by soaking or steeping the leaves of the guava plant in water. Guava is scientifically known as Psidium guajava Linnaeus, ^[1]and its fruit has a wealth of nutrients, making it one of the most sought-after tropical fruits. However, many people don’t realize that the leaves of this plant are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including quercetin and other flavonoids. While this tea is popular in countries like Mexico and other parts of South America, it is a relatively new phenomenon in North America and Europe.

Guava leaf tea is a traditional remedy for diarrhea in many parts of the world. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

How to Make Guava Tea?

It is easy to make guava tea, provided you have access to the proper leaves; it is far more common to find these leaves in their natural forms in South America. However, you can often find pre-bagged guava tea in import stores and natural health grocers.

Guava Leaves Tea Recipe

You can use fresh or dried guava leaves to make this zero-calorie tea. While it has been traditionally used as a weight-loss drink, there is no strong science-backed evidence for it. But don't let that stop you from enjoying it. The tea is an easy and healthy way to curb your appetite!

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Course: Tea

Cuisine: Mexican, South American

Keyword: Guava tea, Guava leaf tea

Appliance: Saucepan, Tea Strainer

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Author: Raksha Hegde

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Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 handful guava leaves preferably fresh

Instructions

• Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove.
  
• Add a handful of freshly picked, cleaned guava leaves. Since the leaves will float on the top, use a spatula to push them gently into the boiling water. Let it boil for ten minutes. 
  
• If you are using dried guava leaves, you may have to steep it for a few minutes longer. 
• Strain the leaves and enjoy your freshly brewed guava tea!
  

Notes

You can also use guava leaf tea powder. Follow the package instructions to brew the tea. 

Guava Tea Benefits

There are a number of benefits to drinking guava tea, including the following:

• Aiding weight loss
• Improving heart health
• Treating diabetes
• Skin care
• Stimulating brain health
• Preventing diarrhea

Stomach Issues

If you regularly suffer from diarrhea or have a sensitive stomach, you may be able to clear up your symptoms by regularly consuming this antibacterial tea. ^[4]

Diabetes

Many studies have shown that guava has a remarkable ability to regulate the release of blood sugar in the body. ^[5]

Heart Health

By lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in addition to lowering blood pressure, this tea can protect you against atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart diseases. ^[6]

Skin Care

The various phenolic compounds found in guava give it a powerful antioxidant profile, which can cut down on oxidative stress in the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. ^[7]

Weight Loss

With metabolism-boosting properties and a rich mineral profile to satisfy some of the body’s need for food, this can help you create a calorie deficit. ^[8]

Sleep Issues

Some of the active ingredients are known to improve hormone levels and induce sleep and relaxation. ^[9]

Guava Tea Side Effects

There are a few unwanted side effects of guava tea, including the following:

• Complications for pregnant women
• Constipation
• Interactions with other drugs

More specifically, if you are taking diabetes or blood pressure medication, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding guava tea to your daily diet. When it comes to pregnant and breastfeeding women, there simply hasn’t been enough research done, so it is generally not recommended.