Dear Lori,

You might want to get ahold of the latest (April) issue of National Geographic which has a very interesting article about the use of local plants to treat disease in many societies.  Malaria is mentioned several times.  Although there does not seem to be any miracle cures, millions still die from it each year, there are local remedies which may either help to fight the disease, sometimes in conjunction with quinine, or to help the body's immune system cope with the presence of the parasite.  In particular, in speaking of the use of Ayurveda - an ancient Indian healing system - "The treatment does not kill the parasite.  The treatment seeks to restore the body's balance."  Although many Indian children still die of the disease, many adults seem to live with it, getting ill only once in a while, probably when the immune system is stressed by other factors.  Your friend should try to get as much up-to-date info as possible about the disease and presently known treatments so that she can put together a plan that can both boost her immunity while also being prepared to use whatever may be necessary should she become acutely ill.

Guava leaf is not mentioned in the article.  I found it listed in only one of my herb reference books.  It says that the leaves and bark can be brewed to use for treatment of indigestion or diarrhea.  They are also used as part of a cough remedy in Ghana and can be chewed to relieve toothache.  No references sited for any of this and no mention of active ingrediants or possible side effects.  It is a member of the Myrtaceae family, genus Psidium.

Local doctors or healers would probably be the best source for information about whether it is used during pregnancy or lactation and whether they have seen any bad effects on mothers or babies.  It will probably all be anecdotal, but that is all we have much of the time.  Comes down to risk vs. benefit.  Good luck.  Malaria is a nasty disease and still remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world.

Warmly,
Sharon Knorr, BSMT, ASCP, IBCLC
Newark, NY (near Rochester on Lake Ontario)
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