Psidium guajava (Fanshiliu)

Distribution:
It was native of tropical America. During the 16th ~ 17th centuries, it spread to tropical and subtropical areas of the world, like North America, Oceania, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, North Africa, and Vietnam. During the end of 17th century, it was introduced to China. Now it is cultivated in Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fukian, Jiangxi provinces. In some areas it is growing wild.
 
Properties (characteristics):
Sweet, astringent, neutral.
 
Channels (meridians) entered:
Large intestine
 
Medical functions:
Antibiotic effect: alcohol and also water decoction of the leaves can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus
The methanol  leave extract can relieve the spasm caused by electric stimulation of the ileum of guineas pig  in vitro
inhibiting intracellular calcium release
 
Actions & Indications:
Leaves and fruit: Ulcerative Colitis, Proctitis, diarrhea, weak digestion in children.

Fresh leaves: external use in treating impact injuries, sprain, external bleeding, and for boils not healing.

Dosage:
To take orally: leaves or fruit: 25 to 50 g.
External use: smash fresh leaves and apply to affected areas.
 
Samples of formulae:
For acute inflammation of digestive tract: fan shi liu leaves one handful, rice one handful. Cut leaves into small pieces and mix with rice. Stir fry till brown. Boil with water. Drink twice a day.
Indigestion of children: fan shi liu leaves 30 g, da tian ji huang 30 g, red tea leaves 9 to 12 g, rice powder (stir fry till brown) 15 to 30 g, water 1000 c.c. Simmer till 500 cc is left. Add little salt. Dosage per day: for 1 to 6 months old, 250 c.c. For 1 year and over: 500 c.c. For 1 year to 16 months old: use appropriate amount. Divide dosage evenly over the day. If symptom is serious use modern (western) and traditional Chinese medicine complementary therapy. (Editor's note: the original formula includes sugar for taste but in case of weak digestion, yeast infection of the digestive tract often happens, using sugar can be contra-indication.)

Cautions:
Not to use in constipation or in diarrhea when the stool is not totally cleared.