There are many ways to use papaya leaf for your overall health, but before adding this nutrient powerhouse to your diet, it’s best to understand what it’s all about.
What Is Papaya Leaf?
Papaya leaf is the leaf of the papaya tree, scientifically known as Carica papaya, which can be found in tropical regions of the Americas. The fruit of this tree is considered an exotic delicacy and has a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants. However, the leaves of this tree are also quite impressive and are commonly used in both medicinal and culinary uses. Thanks to the high concentration of papain and other unique enzymes, as well as various phytonutrients and antioxidants, these leaves can be an excellent remedy for a variety of ailments.
Papaya Leaf Health Benefits
There are many health benefits of papaya leaf, including a reduction in the symptoms of the following:
- Dengue fever,
- Malaria,
The active ingredients present in these leaves also help in the following:
- Detoxifying the body,
- Stimulating hair growth,
- Preventing cancer,
The enzymes present in these leaves also help to do the following:
- Stimulate digestion,
- Prevent symptoms of constipation,
Women also use these leaves to minimize menstrual pain and other symptoms, such as mood swings and fatigue. Lastly, these leaves are known to affect the circulatory system and boost platelet levels, which is important if your body is fighting an infection.
How To Use Papaya Leaves?
There are a few key ways to use papaya leaves, such as in the form of a tea or a juice, or the leaves can be prepared into a face mask or a soothing salve. Papaya leaf juice is particularly popular, and while it does take quite a few leaves to make, the nutrient density and delicious flavour make it worth the effort. The leaves aren’t typically eaten directly, but extracts are often removed for more concentrated medicinal effects.
Papaya Leaf Side Effects
There are some potential side effects of papaya leaf that you should be wary of, such as the following:
- Allergic reactions,
- Complications of pregnancy,
An inadequate amount of research has been done on the effects of this leaf on pregnant and nursing mothers, so it should generally be avoided. Furthermore, if you have an allergy to papaya fruit, then you will also experience allergic reactions to the leaf, such as stomach upset and topical inflammation, when applied.
