- Origin
- North America (Central America), South America
- Sanskrit
- Arandkharkati
Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 452
Carica papaya
Food · Central America and the Caribbean
Papaya
Carica papaya
Traditionally attributed effects: aids digestion, expels worms, stomachic, promotes menstruation; ripe fruit mildly laxative; leaves against amoebic dysentery and fever; seeds against roundworms; promotes milk flow; unripe fruit abortifacient.
Safety notes
Unripe fruit not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Unripe fruit not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Powder of dried leaves 1–2 g; dried milky sap 2–4 g; seed powder 0.5–1 g with honey; roasted leaves on the chest.
Use in traditions
The papaya comes from Central America and was spread across the tropics by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century. The milky sap of unripe fruits contains papain, a protein-splitting enzyme used as a meat tenderiser and in medicines. In Ayurveda (arandkharkati) and Southeast Asia leaf and seeds are used for digestive complaints and worms; in Indonesia papaya leaf is a well-known jamu ingredient. Sanskrit name: Arandkharkati.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Aids digestion, expels worms, stomachic, promotes menstruation; ripe fruit mildly laxative; leaves against amoebic dysentery and fever; seeds against roundworms; promotes milk flow; unripe fruit abortifacient.
Preparation and amount
Powder of dried leaves 1–2 g; dried milky sap 2–4 g; seed powder 0.5–1 g with honey; roasted leaves on the chest.
Caution: Unripe fruit not in pregnancy.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
Ripe papaya gives a fish soup with tofu a gentle sweetness; a protein-rich soup for young and old.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Syrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen