People have been using plants as medicine since the dawn of time. Everything from the bark to the roots and fruits have been turned into a way to cure ailments from a simple toothache to serious illnesses. In tropical climates, for instance, people have been using papaya leaf for many different things and their folk knowledge is now hitting the mainstream too.
The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. However, it is native only to Mexico, Central America and the very northern countries of South America. The fruit is versatile and you'll now even find it as a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine.
The sweet-tasting, orange fruit is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. However, the leaves shouldn't be overlooked. They're rich in Vitamins C and A, iron, calcium and phosphorus. They can be boiled and eaten in a salad, like people in Indonesia do, or as a substitute for spinach, especially when they're still young and juicy.
Papaya leaves have traditionally been brewed into a tea and drunk as a way to prevent or treat malaria. Studies have now also shown that it can be effective in treating dengue fever. This is because the leaves contain chymopapain and papain, enzymes that can raise the levels of platelets in the blood. Some pharmaceutical companies have already started to use the leaves in preparing medicines to this end.
The leaf juice is also good for regulating T-cell levels in the blood. This can help prevent or fight various forms of cancer, including cancer of the liver, pancreas, lungs, breasts and cervix. Many cancer patients are now taking the leaf extract when they undergo chemotherapy.
By encouraging the production of platelets and white blood cells, the enzymes are a great immune booster. This is very useful in treating cold and flu symptoms, especially since the leaves also contains a lot of Vitamin C. Intestinal parasites like worms and fungi can be fought off by the tannins present in these leaves as well.
The leaf juices are not only good for the body's insides but for its outside too. Some shampoos and hair conditioners contain the extract for its dandruff-fighting characteristics. Used for cleansing the skin, these juices also help to fight acne. They can be applied directly to the skin to treat warts, eczema and sores or cuts too.
You don't have to have a tree growing in your garden to be able to make your own papaya leaf extract. If you do manage to get hold of fresh leaves, you can crush them and press out the juice. However, you can also get dried leaves from health shops or order them from online suppliers. Boil these leaves in water, simmer until the liquid is reduced and then strain it. It will keep for a few days as long as you store it in the fridge. Then drink it with other juices to make the bitter taste more palatable and let it work its wonders. Just remember that it can cause miscarriages so avoid it if you're expecting.
The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. However, it is native only to Mexico, Central America and the very northern countries of South America. The fruit is versatile and you'll now even find it as a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine.
The sweet-tasting, orange fruit is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. However, the leaves shouldn't be overlooked. They're rich in Vitamins C and A, iron, calcium and phosphorus. They can be boiled and eaten in a salad, like people in Indonesia do, or as a substitute for spinach, especially when they're still young and juicy.
Papaya leaves have traditionally been brewed into a tea and drunk as a way to prevent or treat malaria. Studies have now also shown that it can be effective in treating dengue fever. This is because the leaves contain chymopapain and papain, enzymes that can raise the levels of platelets in the blood. Some pharmaceutical companies have already started to use the leaves in preparing medicines to this end.
The leaf juice is also good for regulating T-cell levels in the blood. This can help prevent or fight various forms of cancer, including cancer of the liver, pancreas, lungs, breasts and cervix. Many cancer patients are now taking the leaf extract when they undergo chemotherapy.
By encouraging the production of platelets and white blood cells, the enzymes are a great immune booster. This is very useful in treating cold and flu symptoms, especially since the leaves also contains a lot of Vitamin C. Intestinal parasites like worms and fungi can be fought off by the tannins present in these leaves as well.
The leaf juices are not only good for the body's insides but for its outside too. Some shampoos and hair conditioners contain the extract for its dandruff-fighting characteristics. Used for cleansing the skin, these juices also help to fight acne. They can be applied directly to the skin to treat warts, eczema and sores or cuts too.
You don't have to have a tree growing in your garden to be able to make your own papaya leaf extract. If you do manage to get hold of fresh leaves, you can crush them and press out the juice. However, you can also get dried leaves from health shops or order them from online suppliers. Boil these leaves in water, simmer until the liquid is reduced and then strain it. It will keep for a few days as long as you store it in the fridge. Then drink it with other juices to make the bitter taste more palatable and let it work its wonders. Just remember that it can cause miscarriages so avoid it if you're expecting.
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