About twenty years ago, in one of our visits to my mother-in-law, Serafina, at Tigbauan, Iloilo (Island of Visayas
Babana in Ilonggo comes from the Spanish word Guabana. It is also commonly called Guyabano in the Philippines . Its scientific name is Anona Muricata and internationally known as Graviola Tree.
The fruit of the Guyabanois very rich in Vitamin C. Aside from lots of fiber, it is also rich in Vitamins B1, B2 and K. The fruit and juice are good for the liver and even works against worms. While the crushed fresh leaves can be boiled and used as compress for swollen feet and inflammations or can be made into poultice for rheumatism.
In the internet article, Natural Cancer Cell Killer, it is said to increase immune system to protect the body from heart and liver disease, asthma, arthritis and cancer of the colon, breast, prostate and pancreas. For healing, they also recommend the 30- DAY PROTOCOL or drinking the tea three times a day for 30 days.
Many have shared with me the good effects manifested by the healing power of Guyabano but it should be taken the right way to prevent adverse reactions. For it is common for Filipinos to drink herbal tea as agua tiempo or as a substitute for water.
But Dr. Ramiah of Healing Powers of Water says that “Tea, coffee, aerated drinks and alcohol contain substances that dehydrate”. As the saying goes “Too much of everything is bad.” Thus, Guyabano Tea should be taken as follows:
5 leaves per glass of 8 oz.
3 x a day for 30 days
30 minutes before meals or 1 ½ hours after meals
REST for 10 days - reduce little by little before stopping
Remember:
- Sip tea little by little for best effect;
- Avoid the use of straw for tea or any kind of fluid;
- There is no substitute for water.
Em-Em
Herbal Gardener, MBA
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