Nature has given the world many plants with beneficial properties and it seems as if every few years, health-conscious consumers discover a new wonder food. They often pay a fortune for simple leaves, berries and grains that indigenous peoples in other parts of the world have been using for centuries. One wonder food that won't cost you a fortune if you live in a warm climate where the plant can grow is the papaya leaf.
The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. However, it is native only to Mexico, Central America and the very northern countries of South America. The fruit is versatile and you'll now even find it as a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine.
While most people know the fruit as a source of vitamins and minerals, the leaves are often used too. In Indonesia, for instance, they're boiled and used in a salad. The leaves actually contain more Vitamin A and C than the fruit and are also an important source of minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorus.
The leaves contain enzymes that can increase the production of blood platelets and white blood cells. For this reason, in some places people boil the leaves in water to make a tea. They then use this tea for its anti-malarial properties. Scientific studies have shown that the tea can also be useful in the treatment of dengue fever and pharmaceutical companies are now also looking into the benefits of an extract of the tree's leaves in modern medicines.
Another benefit of the enzymes is that they can help fight cancer. They regulate T-cells and help the body to fight off tumors in the lungs, the liver, the pancreas, the cervix and the breasts, for instance. Some doctors now prescribe and extract from the leaves to their patients undergoing chemotherapy.
By encouraging the production of platelets and white blood cells, the enzymes are a great immune booster. This is very useful in treating cold and flu symptoms, especially since the leaves also contains a lot of Vitamin C. Intestinal parasites like worms and fungi can be fought off by the tannins present in these leaves as well.
Papaya leaves are also great for hair and skin health. They're a good anti-dandruff agent and are sometimes added to shampoos and conditioners to promote scalp health. They are also a great skin cleanser that can help reduce and prevent acne. Some people use the leaf juice for treating eczema, warts and wounds.
You don't have to have a tree growing in your garden to be able to make your own papaya leaf extract. If you do manage to get hold of fresh leaves, you can crush them and press out the juice. However, you can also get dried leaves from health shops or order them from online suppliers. Boil these leaves in water, simmer until the liquid is reduced and then strain it. It will keep for a few days as long as you store it in the fridge. Then drink it with other juices to make the bitter taste more palatable and let it work its wonders. Just remember that it can cause miscarriages so avoid it if you're expecting.
The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. However, it is native only to Mexico, Central America and the very northern countries of South America. The fruit is versatile and you'll now even find it as a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine.
While most people know the fruit as a source of vitamins and minerals, the leaves are often used too. In Indonesia, for instance, they're boiled and used in a salad. The leaves actually contain more Vitamin A and C than the fruit and are also an important source of minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorus.
The leaves contain enzymes that can increase the production of blood platelets and white blood cells. For this reason, in some places people boil the leaves in water to make a tea. They then use this tea for its anti-malarial properties. Scientific studies have shown that the tea can also be useful in the treatment of dengue fever and pharmaceutical companies are now also looking into the benefits of an extract of the tree's leaves in modern medicines.
Another benefit of the enzymes is that they can help fight cancer. They regulate T-cells and help the body to fight off tumors in the lungs, the liver, the pancreas, the cervix and the breasts, for instance. Some doctors now prescribe and extract from the leaves to their patients undergoing chemotherapy.
By encouraging the production of platelets and white blood cells, the enzymes are a great immune booster. This is very useful in treating cold and flu symptoms, especially since the leaves also contains a lot of Vitamin C. Intestinal parasites like worms and fungi can be fought off by the tannins present in these leaves as well.
Papaya leaves are also great for hair and skin health. They're a good anti-dandruff agent and are sometimes added to shampoos and conditioners to promote scalp health. They are also a great skin cleanser that can help reduce and prevent acne. Some people use the leaf juice for treating eczema, warts and wounds.
You don't have to have a tree growing in your garden to be able to make your own papaya leaf extract. If you do manage to get hold of fresh leaves, you can crush them and press out the juice. However, you can also get dried leaves from health shops or order them from online suppliers. Boil these leaves in water, simmer until the liquid is reduced and then strain it. It will keep for a few days as long as you store it in the fridge. Then drink it with other juices to make the bitter taste more palatable and let it work its wonders. Just remember that it can cause miscarriages so avoid it if you're expecting.
About the Author:
Papaya leaf is now available on the World Wide Web at www.iowaselectherbs.com. You can get full details and information about the benefits of using this product at http://www.iowaselectherbs.com.
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