7 unique health benefits of papaya leaves
Papaya leaves contain unique plant compounds that have demonstrated wide pharmacological potential in test-tube and animal studies. Many papaya leaf preparations (teas, juices, etc.) are commonly used.
7 Potential Uses of Papaya Leaves
Can treat symptoms associated with dengue fever
One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaves is its ability to treat some of the symptoms associated with dengue fever. Although there is currently no cure for dengue fever, there are several treatments that can control the symptoms of the disease, one of which is papaya leaves.
Three human studies involving hundreds of people with dengue fever found that papaya leaf extract significantly increased blood platelet counts. Furthermore, papaya leaf therapy had very few associated side effects and was found to be much more effective than conventional treatments.
Numerous test-tube and animal studies have shown many potential health benefits of papaya leaves. Photo: Healthline
May promote blood sugar balance
According toHealthline,Papaya leaves are commonly used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural remedy to treat diabetes and improve blood sugar control.
Studies on diabetic mice have found that papaya leaf extract has strong antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering effects. This is due to papaya leaf's ability to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death.
However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that similar effects can occur in humans.
May aid digestive function
Papaya leaf tea and extract are often used as an alternative therapy to relieve uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn. Papaya leaves contain fiber—a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function—and a unique compound called papain.
One study found that taking a papain powder supplement derived from the papaya fruit reduced negative digestive symptoms, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
May have anti-inflammatory effects
Many papaya leaf preparations are commonly used to treat internal and external inflammation, including skin rashes, muscle aches, and joint pain. Papaya leaves contain many nutrients and plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as papain, flavonoids, and vitamin E.
One study found that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the paws of rats with arthritis. However, no human studies have confirmed these results.
May aid hair growth
Papaya leaf juice and masks are often used to improve hair growth and scalp health, but evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes is extremely limited.
Some studies suggest that high levels of oxidative stress in the body may contribute to hair loss. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress and subsequently improve hair growth.
May promote healthy skin
Papaya leaves are commonly taken orally or applied topically as a way to maintain soft, clear, and youthful skin.
A protein-dissolving enzyme in papaya leaves called papain can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and potentially reduce clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and acne.
Furthermore, the enzymes in papaya leaves have been used to promote wound healing, and one study showed that they reduced the appearance of scar tissue in rabbits.
May have anticancer properties
Papaya leaves have been used in traditional medicine to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, but modern research is lacking.
Papaya leaf extract has demonstrated potent ability to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies, but neither animal nor human experiments have been able to replicate these results.
How to cook papaya leaf water at home
Nowadays there are many recipes made from fresh leaves, dried leaves or even combined with many other ingredients such as lemon, lemongrass...
Boil dried papaya leaves water
According to Vinmec Hospital doctors, if we don't have fresh papaya leaves, we can use dried papaya leaves to boil water according to the following steps:
- Put about 2 liters of filtered water and dried papaya leaves into the pot.
- Boil water then reduce heat to continue cooking.
- Cook the mixture above until the amount of water is reduced by half.
- Filter out the pulp and then enjoy the dried papaya leaf water.
Cook fresh papaya leaves with lemon juice
Fresh papaya leaf juice is difficult to drink because of its bitter taste. Therefore, we can combine fresh papaya leaves with some ingredients to bring a more delicious and easier to drink flavor.
How to do:
- Wash 10 papaya leaves thoroughly and chop them.
- Blend fresh papaya leaves with warm water.
- Filter the blended mixture with a sieve or cheesecloth.
- Then add a little lemon juice (half a fruit) prepared.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture of papaya leaf water and lemon juice. If you don't like sugar, you can use honey.
- Add about 240ml of filtered water if the mixture is too thick, then continue blending until smooth.
- Put the prepared papaya leaf water in the refrigerator to cool and enjoy.
Cook fresh papaya leaves with lemongrass
- Pour 2 liters of clean water into the pot, add 10 grams of dried lemongrass and 90 grams of papaya leaves and bring to a boil.
- When the water boils, turn down the heat and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the stove, filter the papaya leaf water to drink during the day./.
