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Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore |

Papaya Carica papaya
Carica papaya
Common Names
Papaya, Papaw, Melon Tree, Papaya Vulgaris
Botanical Name
Carica papaya
Family
CUCURBITACEAE Gourds
Related Species
North American pawpaw is a different species, in the genus Asimina.
Papaya Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Digestion/Indigestion * Fungus Infections * IBS * Parasites/Worms *
Parts Used: fruit,seeds
Constituents:Leaf: beta-carotene, calcium, carpaine, fats, flavonols, niacin, papain, tannins, and vitamin C. Fruit: papain

Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. The fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes including papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The milk like juice from unripe fruit called latex, contains the most concentration of papain, enough some people say to remove freckles.

Papaya leaf is used in herbal medicine to remove intestinal worms. Papaya leaf has less of the protein-dissolving papain than the fruit, so it is less likely to "dissolve" the worms, but it contains tannins that the fruit does not. These tannins protect the intestine from reinfection by "tanning" proteins in the lining of the intestinal wall so that worms cannot attach themselves. Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-06-23)

Papaya Remedies
Prep Methods :Edible fruit, leaf as a tea
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referencesPapaya Medicinal Uses & References
Proteolytic enzymes
The papaya fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes, that help digest proteins. 858
Intestinal worms, vermafuge
Proteolytic enzymes in papaya work to remove intestinal worms and other parasites. The primary use of papaya leaf is that of a vermifuge, it contains tannins that the fruit does not, helping to protect against reinfection. 880
Side Effects:
Not for long term use - can have a strong laxative effect. The papaya fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves contain carpaine, an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) alkaloid which could be dangerous in high doses.
Plant Description
Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
Carica papayaNative to Central and South America, papaya is a yellowish orange fruit that makes great juices, jellies and preserves. The fresh leaves are used as a substitute for soap and as a dressing for wounds.
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