Papaya Trees

The papaya is a large tree-like plant, with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 metres (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50–70 centimetres (20–28 in) diameter, deeply palmately lobed with 7 lobes.

Papaya tree: Medicinal Uses

Bruised papaya leaves are used as poultice in treating rheumatism. In nervous pains, leaves can be dipped in hot water or warmed over a fire and applied. As purgative, one tablespoon of the fresh fruit juice mixed with honey and 3 to 4 tbsp. of boiling water is taken one draught by an adult; two hours later, it is followed by a dose of castor oil. This treatment is repeated for 2 days, if necessary, for children aged 7 to 10 years old. The children under 3 years, half the dose is given.

Papaya tree: medicinal properties

• It is used to remove digestive problem
• Used as a folk medicine to remove pain
• Leaves are used as a protective properties against malaria
• Protection against diabetic heart disease and cholesterol
• Acts as a anti inflammatory agent
• Protection for arthritis
• Promote lungs health
• Prevent cancer
• Reduces weigh
• The juice has an in vitro antiproliferative effect on liver cancer cells, probably due to its component of lycopene or immune system stimulation.

• Papaya seed could be used as an antibacterial agent for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella typhi, although further research is needed before advocating large-scale therapy.
• Papaya seed extract may be nephroprotective (protect the kidneys) in toxicity-induced kidney failure.

Papaya as food

Papaya fruits not only offer taste but also have some nutrients in it such as vitamin A, C, E, K, folate, dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium. It has been proved that by eating papaya, heart diseases or controlled and the cholesterol level is reduced.