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Papaya is the melon-like fruit that comes from a tree. Most people don’t know that the papaya tree is actually an herb. It grows in most tropical countries, and there are two main types of papayas – Hawaiian and Mexican. The Hawaiian papaya is the sweet melon you typically see in the supermarket. The papaya originated in Mexico and other neighboring South American countries, and the fruit from those trees are not quite as sweet. 
Papaya Enzyme The papaya enzyme papain helps digest proteins. It makes an excellent meat tenderizer for this reason. Papain is also used as a topical treatment for stings, cuts, sores, and burns on the skin. It is also contained in many shampoos, conditioners, and face firming creams and lotions. Papaya Uses Papaya is sometimes sold in tablet form to aid in digestion. The seeds are spicy so they are sometimes ground up and used as a flavoring for food similar to black pepper. The papaya fruit has also been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Because papaya is an excellent meat tenderizer, some cultures wrap meat in the leaves of the papaya plant to soften meat fibers. Strangely, the papaya leaves can be used as a soap substitute making a terrific stain remover. The roots and leaves have been used as a diuretic and have been shown to be effective in removing parasitic worms. In African cultures, the papaya leaf is smoked to relieve asthma symptoms.
Papaya liquids are commonly used to reduce swollen tonsils, skin defects, warts, corns, cancer and tumors. Papaya is used in some cultures as contraception. It has been shown to be somewhat effective in preventing pregnancy, but should not be relied on as such as it is by no means fool-proof. Papaya Dosages Papaya concentrate should be taken in doses of one to four ml a day. One to two cups of papaya tea or juice can be taken daily. If you are taking papaya tablets or capsules, please follow the dosage recommendations of your doctor. Papaya Side Effects The waxy latex on the outside of the papaya fruit can cause skin irritations. Some people are allergic to papaya. Symptoms of a papaya allergy include dizziness, trouble breathing, itching, rash, and swelling. Upset stomach or nausea may occur in some people. Papaya Precautions Do not eat or take papaya tablets if you are pregnant given the contraceptive properties of the herb. If you have digestion problems, please talk to your doctor before taking papaya, as it could worsen your condition. Do not take papaya if you have recently had surgery or are on blood thinners. The papaya and its roots and leaves are used in several medicinal ways to help alleviate everything from digestion problems and skin irritations to tumors and cancer. So next time you see papaya in the grocery store, know there’s more to that fruit than just a tasty, sweet melon. It has been used for centuries to treat and prevent all sorts of common ailments.
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