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 papaya tree is native to the tropical parts of the Americas. Because the fruit is so delicious and versatile, the tree is now cultivated in many parts of the world where there is a tropical or subtropical climate. It has been incorporated into the traditional cuisines of many countries, even as far afield as Thailand.
The fruit is very healthy and is a rich source of Vitamin C and other nutrients. However, the leaves are nutritious too, with a high content of calcium and other minerals like phosphorus and iron, as well as Vitamins A and C. Some people boil and eat the leaves for this very reason.
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.
Some of the enzymes in the leaves can also regulate the T-cells in the blood. Because of this, some people use an extract from papaya leaves when undergoing chemotherapy. The extract can also help fight cancers such as lung, liver, pancreatic, cervix and breast cancer.
Since the enzymes in the leaves boost platelet and white blood cell levels, they help strengthen the immune system. Along with vitamins like Vitamin C, they can then help fight of viral infections like colds and flu. Tannins are also present and are effective in getting rid of intestinal parasites.
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.
There are two ways to make your own papaya leaf juice. You can either press the liquid from the crushed leaves or you can boil dried leaves in water and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half. Then simply strain off the liquid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for a couple of days. The juice tastes quite bitter so you might want to mix it with fruit juice. You shouldn't use the juice if it's become cloudy and since it can induce miscarriage, you should also avoid it if you're pregnant. If you don't have your own tree, you can buy the leaves online or from some health shops.
The papaya tree is native to the tropical parts of the Americas. Because the fruit is so delicious and versatile, the tree is now cultivated in many parts of the world where there is a tropical or subtropical climate. It has been incorporated into the traditional cuisines of many countries, even as far afield as Thailand.
The fruit is very healthy and is a rich source of Vitamin C and other nutrients. However, the leaves are nutritious too, with a high content of calcium and other minerals like phosphorus and iron, as well as Vitamins A and C. Some people boil and eat the leaves for this very reason.
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.
Some of the enzymes in the leaves can also regulate the T-cells in the blood. Because of this, some people use an extract from papaya leaves when undergoing chemotherapy. The extract can also help fight cancers such as lung, liver, pancreatic, cervix and breast cancer.
Since the enzymes in the leaves boost platelet and white blood cell levels, they help strengthen the immune system. Along with vitamins like Vitamin C, they can then help fight of viral infections like colds and flu. Tannins are also present and are effective in getting rid of intestinal parasites.
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.
There are two ways to make your own papaya leaf juice. You can either press the liquid from the crushed leaves or you can boil dried leaves in water and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half. Then simply strain off the liquid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for a couple of days. The juice tastes quite bitter so you might want to mix it with fruit juice. You shouldn't use the juice if it's become cloudy and since it can induce miscarriage, you should also avoid it if you're pregnant. If you don't have your own tree, you can buy the leaves online or from some health shops.
About the Author:
Papaya leaf is now available on the World Wide Web at www.iowaselectherbs.com. You can get full details and information about the benefits of using this product at http://www.iowaselectherbs.com.
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