Metaphysical Properties Of Papaya Leaf
Official Name: Catica papaya
Other Names: Paw-Paw, Papao, Put
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Metaphysical Powers: Love, Protection
Common Magickal Uses and Folklore
- Tie a rag around a limb of a papaya tree while visualizing your need.
- Hang several twigs of papaya wood over the doorway to keep evil from entering your home.
- Eat the fruit and serve it to a loved one to intensify feelings of love.
Papaya leaf is often consumed as an extract, tea, or juice and has been found to treat symptoms related to dengue fever. Other common uses include reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, supporting skin and hair health, and preventing cancer.
Papaya leaf is often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy for treating diabetes and improving blood sugar control.
Studies in mice with diabetes have found papaya leaf extract to have potent antioxidant and blood-sugar-lowering effects. This is attributed to the papaya leaf’s ability to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death.
Still, no scientific evidence indicates that the same or similar effects may occur in humans.
More research is needed to determine whether papaya leaf can help manage high blood sugar levels in humans.
Papaya leaf is used in traditional medicine practices to treat diabetes and high blood sugar levels. While animal studies have shown that papaya leaf has a blood-sugar-lowering effect, no human studies support its use for this purpose.
May support digestive function
Papaya leaf teas and extracts are often used as alternative therapies to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn.
Papaya leaf contains fiber — a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function — and a unique compound called papain.
Papain is well known for breaking down large proteins into smaller, easier-to-digest proteins and amino acids. It’s even used as a meat tenderizer in culinary practices.
One study found that the supplemental use of a papain powder sourced from papaya fruit reduced negative digestive symptoms, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
No scientific studies have specifically evaluated papaya leaf’s ability to treat similar types of digestive disturbances.
Most of the evidence favoring its use for this purpose is limited to anecdotal reports, and there’s no guarantee it’ll improve your digestive function in any way.