Papaya is called Erandkarkati in Sanskrit which can be translated as the castor cucumber. 🥒🍑🥒🍑

The leaves have similarity with the castor oil leaves and the fruit is like a cucumber. 

The fruit contains many digestive enzymes and it aids in absorption and assimilation of food. Papaya is abundant in vitamins, such as Vitamin B, Vitamin A and Vit C and is filled with minerals such as sodium and potassium.

It is extremely helpful for people suffering from:

1. Enzyme deficiency

2. Colic, IBS, flatulence

3. Heartburn

4. Loss of appetite

5. Constipation

6. Parasitic infestation

7. Promotes liver and function of the pancreas

8. Reduces blood sugar

Its Ayurvedic properties are:

Taste: sweet and pungent

Vipaka/ post digestive taste: heating (katu)

Milk: 🥛 🍑

The milk of the raw papaya has anti bacterial and anti viral properties and is very useful to apply to mouth ulcers

Leaves: ☘️🍑

Warm the leaves of the papaya tree and apply as a hot poultice on affected arthritic joints.

Seeds: 🥚🍑

Crush the seeds and make a powder, this can be taken internally (only with supervision) to treat parasites.

Note: Papaya should be avoided during the pregnancy 🤰

According to Ayurveda fruit is best eaten alone. Papaya is also very tasty when steamed and eaten warm 😋

Some Ayurvedic formulations containing Erandakarkati

1. Ashmariharakashaya: is an Ayurvedic decoction given to treat urinary calculi (solid particals in the urinary system)

2. Caripill (containing fortified papaya) is a patent Ayurvedic formulation

Papaya also has wonderful benefits when applied externally.

Try this super easy to prepare face pack.

Face pack for dark spots (depigmentation)

Mash the papaya with some milk and apply to your face – all those enzymes will make your skin glowing 🥰🥰🥰 and smelling of papaya 🍑. Yum

We hope you love Papayas as much as we do. 

With love your Breathe Ayurveda team 🧡