Psidium Guajava L. (Guava): As Traditional Medicine Of Churachandpur District, Manipur

Abstract

Psidium guajava L. commonly known as Guava is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It is an important food crop and medicinal plant available in tropical and subtropical countries, widely used in food and folk medicines around the world. It is widely distributed throughout India.  P. guajava L., or guava is popularly used as traditional medicine in the treatment of different ailments. The aim of this study was documentation by collecting data from questionnaire respondents and local headman and selected informants related to the uses of P. guajava as traditional medicine. The report showed that different parts of guava used included the leaves, flowers, fruits, stems/barks and roots. Of these, the leaves exhibited maximum medicinal application and the minimum was exhibited by the flower. Among the ailments treated by the application of P. guajava, stomach and intestinal related problems exhibited maximum treatment, followed by used in lowering high blood pressure. In addition to document the traditional values, the present work also attempts to generate interest among the masses regarding its potential in preventing and treating several common diseases.