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In the western world, it is an apple a day which keeps a doctor away – but in Hawaii, it is Papaya a day which keeps doctor away. In ancient India, in our Ayurveda, and now discovered throughout the world is the countless healing powers of the papaya fruit. Small (like the Hawaiian ones), or big (like the Indian or Mexican varieties), yellowish or orange, with lots of black seeds or seedless – people from all over the world are discovering not only the great taste of this fruit but also its medicinal qualities. Lately, GuruMaa always has a Papaya on the fruit plate in Her kitchen. If you go to GNS, you will find Papaya Enzyme capsules. The fruit which is orange-yellow when ripe, is a popular breakfast staple that is also used in jellies, preserves, fruit juices and as a beverage in many countries. The green (unripened fruit) is also used in countries like India and Thailand. In addition, the leaves and root of the plant are also used in a variety of dishes. The bark can also be used for rope making and the leaves as a soap substitute, is an excellent stain remover. Finally, in Java, even the flowers are eaten.
The fruit of Papaya has Provitamin A, C, B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6 and H (Biotin). It has the minerals of Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Sodium. It also has smaller portions of Protein, Carbohydrates and Fat.
According to Emma Dawson, Papaya can be used as a diuretic (the roots and leaves), anthelmintic (the Leave and seed) and to treat bilious conditions (the fruit). Parts of the plant are also used to combat dyspepsia and other digestive disorders (papaya contains a proteolytic enzyme which soothes the stomach and aides in digestion) and a liquid potion has been used to reduce enlarged tonsils. In addition, the juice is used for warts, cancers, tumors, corns and skin defects while the root is said to help tumors of the uterus. In Africa, a root infusion is also used for syphilis and the leaf is smoked to relieve asthma attacks. The Javanese believes that eating papaya prevents rheumatism, and in Cuba the latex is used for psoriasis, ringworm, and the removal of cancerous growth.
The enzymes from papaya
The milky sap of an unripe papaya contains a complex proteolytic enzyme called Papain. Although it is a protein, this enzyme is not damaged by heat. The crude extract consist of two crystallized enzymes called `papain’ and `chymopapain’. The enzyme is similar to pepsin and hence it helps to digest protein in the body. It is therefore used to relieve indigestion.
Papaya in Ayurveda
The Papaya is recommended to balance the constitutional types of Vatta and Pitta according to Ayurveda. Papaya creates ‘virja’ or hot energy and kindles ‘agni’, the digestive fire. Toxins are burned by better digestion. A person with excess Vatta should eat Papaya. Papita (as is called in Northern India) is prescribed to cure the gastro-intestinal secretion or enzyme deficiencies. It is also prescribed for infections of the pancreas, intestinal worms, skin diseases and the hardening of the liver. It is also prescribed for dyspepsia associated with decompensate heart disease. It is also good for flatulence.
Papaya in Chinese medicine
Papaya is also prescribed for digestive diseases in Chinese medicine. The unripe green papaya is used against digestive complaints and stomachs. The ripe fruit is used for dysentery, urinary complaints and constipation. Cantonese women also use green papaya when they are breast-feeding. The papaya leaves are used for skin sores and inflammations.
Papaya in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the mikana or papaya is used for several ailments. Papaya seeds are used for early stage cancer. The milk juice of the papaya is spread to heal wounds. Papaya beverage is used to induce birth. Papaya juice is also used to remove intestinal parasites. Papaya leaves are used to cure skin sores. Papaya flowers are used for bronchitis. Papaya roots are used to make a paste to cure toothaches.
Papaya and beauty
The enzyme rich Papaya is also used for beauty products. In many fine stores, you can find an entire line of cosmetic lines made from papaya – for cleaning, smoothing and regenerating the skin. For instance, the Green Papaya Enzyme Products made from green papayas have enzyme masks, cleansing creams etc. Body washes and shampoos are also now available. In many spas in India, papaya fruit is used for body masks, 20 rupees worth of papayas are used for 1,500 rupees of body treatments in many spas!
Conclusion
With all the medical achievements of the past decade not withstanding, today we are seeing a surge in the popularity of herbal remedies and treatment. The synthetic drugs are known to have many side effects. In fact, in certain instances these drugs are not even effective any more. Even so it is believed that the biggest reason for the current popularity in alternative treatment is because of our new emphasis on “preventive medicine”. Now more than ever we are aware of the importance of one’s lifestyle, nutritional habits and our environment.
References: Several web-sites, Barbara Simonsohn’s Healing Power of Payaya, Emma Dawson’s Medicinal Properties of the Papaya, several Ayurvedic books.
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