Papaya (Carica papaya)

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Other names for papaya

Papaya Fruit
Papaya Leaf
Papaya Seed
Green Papaya

Synopsis of papaya

Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is a tropical fruit native to Central America and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is valued not only as a nutritious food but also as a versatile medicinal plant. Nearly all parts of the plant—fruit, seeds, leaves, roots, and latex—have traditional and modern therapeutic uses. The ripe fruit is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and antioxidants, while the green (unripe) fruit and latex are prized for their high papain content, a proteolytic enzyme that aids in protein digestion and tissue repair.

Papaya is most commonly used to support digestive health, particularly to relieve constipation, bloating, and protein indigestion. It acts as a natural carminative, mild laxative, and digestive enzyme booster. The enzyme papain enhances the breakdown of proteins, making papaya a helpful aid in cases of low stomach acid or pancreatic insufficiency.

The seeds have antiparasitic, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. In traditional and folk medicine, crushed papaya seeds are consumed to expel intestinal worms and support liver detoxification. The leaves, when brewed as tea or taken in extract form, are used to support immune health, increase platelet count (especially in dengue fever), and reduce inflammation. They also show potential anti-malarial and antidiabetic effects.

Externally, the latex and green fruit pulp are applied to wounds, burns, acne, and skin lesions to remove dead tissue and promote healing, due to the keratolytic action of papain. Ripe papaya is often consumed for skin nourishment, eye health, and immune support, thanks to its high antioxidant content.

Historical Use in Medicine
Papaya has a long history of use among indigenous peoples of Central and South America, where it was considered a sacred plant. The Mayans, Aztecs, and later the Spanish colonists used it to treat stomach ailments, infections, and wounds. It was also used topically to soften calluses and promote the healing of ulcers and cuts.

In Ayurvedic medicine, papaya is known as Erandakarkati and is used to treat constipation, skin disorders, intestinal worms, and digestive weakness. Unripe papaya is considered warming and useful for balancing kapha and vata doshas, while ripe papaya is used to cool the body and support hydration.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, papaya is seen as a harmonizing fruit that strengthens digestion and nourishes the spleen and stomach. It is sometimes used to relieve morning sickness, indigestion, and liver congestion.

Across African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian folk traditions, papaya fruit and leaf infusions have been used to support fever reduction, menstrual regulation, malaria relief, and skin infections. In modern natural medicine, papaya continues to be used for gut health, immune balance, and liver and skin detoxification.

Today, papaya is embraced worldwide as a nutrient-dense functional food with broad-spectrum healing potential, backed by both ancestral knowledge and emerging scientific validation.

Papaya is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Dyspepsia (Scientific)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gonorrhea (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)

papaya is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Stomach (Scientific)