Graviola (Sour Sop) fruit, locally known as Guyabano or Babana

Sour Sop/Graviola/Guyabano/Babana: Natural Cancer Killer?

You’ve probably seen articles being circulated in social networking sites and via emails about the Graviola (Sour Sop) tree (Scientific name: Annona muricata) as a “miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.” Really?!!! That was my first reaction. I’ve also read a Manila Bulletin news article refuting that statement because there is no real scientific evidence to back it up. My take on this then is to pass judgment based on personal experience.

Long before I’ve read raves about this “miraculous” tree, also known locally as Guabana, Guyabano or Babana, a friend was already telling me about it as an effective remedy for stomach cramps whenever my monthly girl thing comes. She told me to get some leaves from one of the Babana trees in our backyard, boil them and drink the liquid as a natural pain reliever.She didn’t even get information from the Internet, she just learned its benefits from others as well. In fact, one of her friends going abroad had to bring lots of Graviola tree leaves for personal use as they don’t have it there.

The Graviola trees are native to most Latin American countries, some areas in Southeast Asia such as the Philippines, and can adapt to countries with warm winters and high humidity; you can’t find these evergreen trees growing in countries with extremely cold seasons. I’m not sure if Sour Sop fruits are being sold in Europe, if they are importing such from Brazil or Mexico. If you check out eBay, the Graviola leaves, bark, and seeds are being sold; and they don’t come cheap. Even a 1/2 lb pack of Soursop leaves and bark sells for almost $50! Thank God we have three Graviola trees here at home; we’re getting our leaves fresh and FREE. 😉

You can also conveniently order Graviola products at Amazon – as capsules, leaves, tea bags and more.

Well, after reading about raves from the Internet and because of the constant prodding of my friend, I decided to make the liquid concoction one time I felt some sort of heartburn or chest pain. We picked some leaves, even if it was already late in the evening. True enough, the pain was gone after I drank the tea from the boiled leaves.

Since then, we try to make it a habit here at home to drink Graviola tea, particularly after meals. Usually, I feel a lot of chest pain or heartburn during my monthly period, but not anymore. I still do have the stomach cramps but the hyperacidity is gone. I just need to continue drinking Graviola tea regularly and I’m sure my monthly cramps will be a thing of the past.

So, the Graviola tree leaves do offer some benefits for me personally; it can heal hyperacidity, heartburn and other stomach pains. I’ve also read others sharing their personal experiences, attesting to its healing properties for patients with hypertension, diabetes, and other medical conditions, even cancer. I will be posting soon how to make a Graviola tea, from preparation to boiling. If you have some personal experience or story regarding Graviola as a natural medicine, feel free to share in the comments section below.

Related Posts:
How to prepare Graviola Tea (Sour Sop/Guyabano/Babana)
Where to buy Graviola products (tea, capsules, leaves and more)