PAPAYA LEAF (CARICA PAPAYA) DRIED HERB
Papaya Leaf is an excellent treatment for digestive disorders and extremely useful for any disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. Papain, the powerful enzyme in Papaya, helps to dissolve and digest protein, thus easing stomach ailments and indigestion. (Because papain breaks down tough meat fibers, it is often used in restaurants and is the major ingredient in commercial meat tenderizers!) Papaya has been effective in easing heartburn and is given to treat dyspepsia and gastric catarrh. Papaya also stimulates the appetite.
Papaya Leaf's enzyme, papain, not only digests protein, but it extends its activity to digesting carbohydrate. Papain also breaks down wheat gluten, which may be helpful for those suffering from Celiac disease; and those who have difficulty digesting starchy foods, such as breads, cereals and potatoes, might find great relief in including Papaya in their diets.
Since many stomach problems are the direct result of indigestion, use of Papaya appears to help prevent many ailments. It stimulates digestive acids and the production of bile, which may also lead to a healthier liver and pancreas. Papaya is said to stimulate the bowels in times of constipation and is also believed to be useful in treating inflammatory bowel disorders.
In many areas of the world, Papaya is used as a vermifuge, anthelmintic and amoebacide that eliminates worms and other parasites, and it is thought that the papain content digests the invaders, and Papaya's latex also works as a dewormer by its purgative actions, increasing the movement of intestinal contents.
To make a tea poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of papaya leaf and let sit for 5-10 Minutes.