In this article, you are going to learn the health benefits of guava leaves for menstruation while discussing relevant research-backed studies.
The leaf of guava is one of the commonly used herbs locally to treat many abnormalities including menstrual cramps. And it looks like the people enjoying the extract of guava leaves are getting what they want. But, how reliable and safe is the use of guava leaves for menstruation. This is what we will be looking at in this article.
At glance: guava leaves were shown to be more effective than Ibuprofen in reducing pain associated with menstruation. It also helps improve blood flow and prevent clot menses during menstruation. Guava leaves tea was also believed to reduce uterine contraction, which is common during menstruation and is the condition responsible for a painful period.
Read on to discover detailed information on the health benefits of guava leaves for menstruation.
Guava Leaves Can Improve Clot Menses
Guava leaves were shown to help prevent clot menses. According to one study, guava leaf tea and its ferulic acid, Gallic acid, quercetin, and active polyphenols were shown to have an anticoagulant effect against methylglyoxal-induced loss of activity of antithrombin III.
This helps improve heart function and increase blood and oxygen supply to the uterine tissues, which in turn reduces clot menses.
But, is that always the case?
Don’t be surprised to also observe the stoppage of menstruation while using guava leaves tea.
Because the leaves contain a small number of steroids which is within the healthy limit.
However, excessive and frequent use of guava leaves tea or extract can accumulate steroids in the body and this may cause failure in the menstrual cycle to people who are allergic to steroid compounds.
Steroids are secondary metabolites in guava leaves which were shown to have an effect on the menstrual cycle (source 1 and source 2).
However, the above case is very uncommon and even at a high dosage of guava leaves extracts. Further study is needed to support the above claim.
Main points: guava leaf tea can be a good herb for preventing clot menses and the tea should be a drink at a low dose typically less than two cups or 5-6mg daily.
Related: Health Benefits Of Guava Leaves For Hormonal Imbalance
Guava Leaf Tea Improves Menstrual Pain
Guava leaves tea can help reduce menstrual cramps. Several studies made on humans and other animals showed that guava leaves tea or extract can be a good natural alternative for the management of menstrual cramps.
According to one study made on 197 women found that 6mg of guava leaves extract pill performed well in relieving pain associated with menstruation when compared with Ibuprofen.
Another study that is also made on rats revealed that the aqueous extract of guava leaves improved cramps associated with menstruation.
Related: Benefits of guava leaves for ovulation
Guava leaves tea in combination with green tea and other organosulphur herbs such as garlic and onion can help improve secondary menstrual cramps such as uterine fibroids.
Learn more about the health benefits of guava leaves for the management of fibroids
Main points: guava leaves tea can help reduce menstrual pain more than conventional pain-relieving drugs like Ibuprofen.
Improve Blood Flow to the Uterine Tissues
Guava leaves tea was also shown to control blood pressure and improve heart function. This in turn increases blood and oxygen supply to the body tissues including uterine tissues.
Increased blood and oxygen supply to the uterus on the other hand reduce uterine contraction and inflammation, and this helps reduce the pain that comes due to the contraction and inflammation of the uterus.
Related: find out the facts and myths about using guava leaf tea during pregnancy
Main points: guava leaves can increase blood flow to the uterine tissues and prevent or control the contraction and inflammation of the uterus.
Related: Learn how to prepare guava leaf tea from our detailed guide to preparing guava leaf tea
How to prepare guava leaves tea for menstruation
To prepare guava leaves for menstruation, find 15-20 green and fresh guava leaves. Wash these leaves with clean water preferably a running water. Find a clean boiling pot and add 1 liter of clean water. Place all the guava leaves in the boiling pot and place the boiling pot on heat. Boil the water and guava leaves for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the decoction from heat and keep out of reach of children.
Tip: learn more on how to prepare guava leaves tea here
Do you drink guava leaves hot or cold?
Guava leaves tea is recommended to be consumed when cooled. This is because taking hot tea of guava leaves can cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting. So, avoid taking hot tea. Leave it until it cools down to a room temperature.
How to use guava leaves tea for menstruation
To use guava leaves tea for menstruation, divide the one liter guava leaf tea into two cups or keep the tea in a flask with lid and cap. Drink 1-2 cups daily whenever you experience painful period. However, if you are drinking for irregular period, make sure you do not exceed two cups daily. Additionally, take fruits and leafy green vegetables that will increase iron compounds in your body.
Note: do not use guava leaves tea that is more than 48 hours. Always prepare and use guava leaf tea within 48 hours. This is because allowing the guava leaf tea to stay for more than 48 hours can lead to the contamination of the tea (microbial growth, which can cause serious health problems when taken.
Tip: find out more on how much guava leaf tea you can take here
When should I drink guava leaf tea?
Guava leaves tea can be taken at anytime. However, it is most preferred to be taken in the morning or before bedtime. You can also take after workout or meal. However, if you are taking for menstrual cramps, take the guava leaves tea when you are experiencing the pain.
How long should I boil guava leaves?
Depending on the number of your period days, you can take guava leaves tea for upto two weeks. However, if symptoms persist, see a doctor. This is because it maybe another cramp caused by other underlying medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory diseases.
Does guava leaf have side effects?
Guava leaves tea is generally considered. However, taking much of guava leaves was found to cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting. You can learn more about the safety and sided effects of guava leaves from here.
Conclusion
The role of guava leaves tea for the control of menstruation was discussed in this article while highlighting relevant in vivo in vitro case studies made on both animals and humans. We will like to hear from you with your view and questions. So, do write to us in the comments section below.
Read also: How To Use Guava Leaves For Flat Tummy And Weight Loss
Recommended reading:
Guava Leaves For Fibroids: What Are The Facts And Myths
Guava Leaves And Fertility: What Are The Benefits?
Guava Leaf Tea Health Benefits For Sleep
References
Hsieh, Chiu-Lan & Lin, Yuh-Charn & Yen, Gow-Chin & Hui-Yin, Chen. (2007). Preventive effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves and its active compounds against ??-dicarbonyl compounds-induced blood coagulation. Food Chemistry. 103. 528-535. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.08.022.
Naseer, S., Hussain, S., Naeem, N. et al. The phytochemistry and medicinal value of Psidium guajava (guava). Clin Phytosci 4, 32 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40816-018-0093-8
Bolch OH Jr, Warren JC. Induction of premature menstruation with anabolic steroids. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1973;117(1):121‐125. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(73)90738-2
Jaiarj, P & Wongkrajang, Yuvadee & Thongpraditchote, Suchitra & Peungvicha, Penchom & Bunyapraphatsara, N & Opartkiattikul, N. (2000). Guava leaf extract and topical hemostasis. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 14. 388-91. 10.1002/1099-1573(200008)14:53.0.CO;2-K.
