Papaya Leaf

Western Bulk Herbs – Papaya Leaf

Papaya has been used for generations to combat indigestion. It contains an enzyme, papain, which is often used to clear beer. The latex, which all parts of the plant have, is a freckle remover. The seeds are an antibacterial agent working against bacterium such as Bacillus cereus, Escherischia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella flexneri. Most of these cause various types of food poisoning. The leaves can be used as a substitute for soap and help heal wounds.

Latin Name:
Carica papaya

Common Names:
Pawpaw, Custard Apple Leaf.

Parts Used:
Dried leaf.

Properties:
Antiseptic and digestive

Traditional Uses:
Infusions or teas, can be taken by capsules.

Topical Uses / Applications:

Culinary Uses:
An excellent breakfast food and a wonderful digestive aid for hard to digest food. The fruit is used to tenderize meats.

Folk Lore:
The Polynesians and the Mayans have used Papaya as a healing herb as well as a food source. The leaf was used to tenderize meat in Latin America and it would also help to improve digestion. The Mayans also used it to heal wounds and would provide relief from eating too many fermented foods. Eating the papaya leaf would relieve the bloating, nausea and flatulence brought on from this hubris.

Chemical Properties:
The leaf contains beta-carotene, calcium, carpaine, fats, flavonols, niacin, papain, tannins, and vitamin C.

Cautions:
GRAS: Generally Recognized As Safe. This herb can be safely consumed when use appropriately. Excessive use may have a laxative effect in some people.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.

The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)

Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.