Guava Leaf

New to us, Guava Leaf Essential Oil from Thailand. Fascinating with multi-faceted uses, recent research (last five years) is revealing much promise and discovery; particularly potent action as antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antifungal. From the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family of plants, exhibits a pale yellow appearance, with an initial woody aroma and an underlying “hint of mint,” (some say “hint of almond”). Upon dry down the mint comes to the forefront and the woody scent seems to lighten a bit. Everyone at Nature’s Gift who has experienced it reacts similarly with a puzzled look on their faces and then, “I think I smell mint.” Make no mistake it is a very different aroma than fruit or bark. Something about it reminds me (Christi) of Palo Santo. High in b (beta) carophyllene and d-limonene, with 1,8 cineole, and other unique naturally occurring components, Guava Leaf originated on the American continents (North/South) in the tropics, particularly Central and South America, as well as Hawaii. The small scrubby bush blooms with white flowers before bearing its greenish apple resembling fruit, thus earning the nickname “Apple Guava.” In recent years Guava has been transplanted into parts of Asia with much success where the tea leaves are known for relieving diarrhea, bloating, and cramps. While we often see Guava Leaf Essential Oil described as best used for diarrhea, stomach ailments, dysentery; we think it is of key importance to remind ourselves that documented research points to drinking a tea made of the leaves containing some 10% tannins, for this purpose, which is an herbal use versus an essential oil use. Since tannins are water soluble, we are not sure they would actually survive the steam distillation process from which the essential oil is produced. Now, the hydrosol would/should contain the tannins (if one exists), but we believe the oil is less likely to retain this compound. (Phenols contained within the oil are antioxidant, however, and may be helpful.) Can be used in a cream or lotion to combat athlete’s foot, as well as for pain relief caused by inflammation. Reportedly specifically helpful against staph aureus most often found in the nose or on the skin. Research indicates it could be an oil to try for minor skin infections such as boils, cysts, and folliculitis. According to a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research (IJCPR), Guava Leaf Essential Oil exhibited a broad spectrum antifungal activity, and could prove useful in a cream or lotion for athlete’s foot. In 2012, a Bangkok, Thailand study reported on antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial effects of the leaf oil, saying it was particularly effective against staph aureus. If you search reputable journals or nih.gov for recent research, there is quite a bit of information about Guava Leaf Essential Oil and its potential uses. It is a middle note and may blend well with citruses such as Lemon, Oran