Papaya (Pappita)
Also known as
Latin : Carica papaya
English : Papaw tree, papaya
Sanskrit : Erandakarkati
Hindi : Pappita
Marathi : Papai
Tamil : Pappali
Telugu : Boppayi
Malayalam : Pappali
Kannada : Peragi, Piranji
How it looks�It is a small, soft wooded, milk-oozing tree with typical palm like leaves, and yellow cylindrical fruits.
What we use�Fruits, latex
What it does�It is thermogenic, anodyne, aphrodisiac, stomachic, digestive, carminative, diuretic, anthelmintic, anti-haemorrhoidal & cardio-tonic.
How we use it�
In
constipation�Take a glass of papaya juice with breakfast for good digestion and soft stools.
In
chronic ulcers on skin�Mix some butter in the juice of a papaya and apply for quick drying and healing of long-standing ulcers.
In
corns and warts�Touch the hardened skin of the corn/wart with the milky juice oozing from the papaya leaf tip to soften it.
In
delayed periods�Eat the green unripe papaya in case of delayed periods, to bring on menstrual flow. Its abortifacient qualities are also well known.
As a
diet�Papaya is one fruit which despite its sweetness is not contra-indicated in diabetes. It is not only nutritious, but is also a digestive and relieves flatulence.
In
respiratory disorders�The latex is useful in respiratory disorders like cough, bronchitis and breathlessness.
As a
cosmetic�The dried latex and fruit pulp is useful as an ingredient in face masks and to get rid of acne and boils on the face.
In
enlargement of liver and spleen�The pectin, citric acid, malic acid and other vitamins make the papaya fruit highly indicated in all digestive disorders and in hepatomegaly
and splenomegaly.
Modern Study
The antifertility activity of the alcoholic extract of papaya seeds was noted in experimental studies in Brazil. This suggests that the seed extract can be utilized to develop
safe contraceptives.
