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AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF PAPAYA
Papaya is well known for its extraordinary nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. it is called erandkarkati in Sanskrit which can be translated as the castor cucumber.it is grossly helpful for people suffering from loss of appetite, constipation, IBS, worms and parasitic infestation ,diabetes and liver disorders. Papaya has also amazing benefits when applied externally.
BOTENICAL DESCRIPTION OF PAPAYA-
Scientific name: Carica papaya
Family: Caricaceae
Common name: papaw, pawpaw, Madhukarkati, Gopalakarkati,
Sanskrit name: Erandkarkati
English name: papaya
PROPERTIES OF PAPAYA –
Taste- sweet and pungent
Guna/qualities- light to digest (laghu), intense and rough (rooksha)
Veerya/potency -hot/ushan
Vipaka/ post digestive taste- heating (katu)
Effect on tridosha-pacifies kapha and vata dosha
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAPAYA-
Helps in dengue fever-
–papaya leaves are helpful in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of dengue fever since centuries. Today, papaya leaf extract is widely used as a treatment for dengue fever than conventional medicine. Papaya leaves are also used in viral infections like common cold. The natural ingredients which are found in leaves of papaya regenerate white blood cell and platelets.
Anti-cancer perspectives-
Papaya juice has been shown to have anti proliferative effects on the liver cancer cells. It has also therapeutic and chemo preventive properties which effective against some forms of cancer.
Improves heart health-
Papaya fruit and seeds are useful in heart health .papaya is a rich source of vitamin A, C and E and powerful antioxidant. The presence of antioxidant and vitamins in papayas are helpful in preventing problems such as atherosclerosis heart disease. In addition, papaya is rich in fibre which helps reduce the cholesterol level in the body.
Improves digestive health –
It is a well- known fact that enzyme supplementation plays a vital role in various digestive disorders primarily with regard to protein intolerance.
There are plant based enzymes such as papain which is extractive from papaya work as an effective digestive aid in the breakdown of proteins. Papain has the action similar to that of pepsin in the gastric juice. Papaya is also used in celiac disease that cannot digest wheat protein.
Improves skin complexion-
Papaya is not just a delicious fruit; it is a source of nutrients with a number of health benefits.
The huge benefits of papaya can be attributed to the high content of vitamins A, B, and C. papayas proteolytic enzymes, such as papain and chymopapain also have, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Papain promotes healing of the skin and will also enhance the secretion of collagen when used topically for the skin. Collagen is a primary skin component that keeps the skin healthy, radiant and enhances skin elasticity. Good collagen helps to reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration. Other antioxidants in papaya stop the production of free radicals and thus serve as an anti-ageing agent. It can also help in giving a natural shine and better texture to your s This amazing fruit will help you remove tan. Papain and vitamin A and C help to lighten the skin tone and intercept tanning. Papaya can decrease acne and dark circles.
You can add papaya directly to your diet. You can also apply papaya packs to your own face.
Mash papaya nicely and apply it all over your face. You can mix it with honey and a little bit of milk (not to be used if you have pimples), and it will work as a brightening booster.
Hair health
Papaya is also good for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. In addition, vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is needed for the maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.
Some other benefits of papaya-
The milk from the raw papaya is applied over the mouth ulcer to treat it. If raw papaya milk is applied over the scorpion bitten area and insects bite it will help to relieve the pain.
The cold infusion prepared from the leaves of papaya use internally to treat local swelling, fever, difficulty during micturition. The milk from raw papaya is applied over bleeding piles to treat it.
The milk of raw papaya is also useful in skin disease like eczema and ringworm. The papaya fruit is consumed to potentialize the muscles of the heart.
Ayurvedic indications of papaya-
Kasa-cold and cough
Shwasa – asthma, difficulty in breathing and bronchitis etc.
Yakrutodara – heapatomegaly, liver enlargement
Pleehodara – splenomegaly, enlarged spleen.
Mandagni – low digestion strength
Sotha – edema, inflammatory condition, swelling.
Visha – toxic conditions
Ayurvedic formulations of papaya-
CAC Formulation containing papaya– Platfer
Platfer Tablet