A SELECTION OF MEDICINAL HERBS – PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYA) – A SUPERB REMEDY

It is interesting to note that wherever there are dangers to our health nature provides a local means of resistance or remedy. Papaya thrives in hot and humid tropical regions. I came across some marvellous specimens in Lagunas, where the trees grew to about 3-4 m (about 10-13 feet), the trunk to a diameter of about 20—25 cm (8-10 inches), bearing 20—25 fruits, which hang on the trunk between the axils of the large leaves. The ripe yellow fruits hang more towards the bottom of the tree; further up they are still green and unripe. They look like melons, are hollow inside and full of small, black, moist, round seeds. The active substance of papaya is to be found mainly in the unripe fruits and in the skin of the ripe ones, but this skin is usually peeled off and thrown away. The fruit pulp is yellow or pinkish, with an unusual taste, which it may take a while to become accustomed to.

As I suggested above, the fruit aids the digestion, so make it a habit to eat a slice after meals if you are visiting the tropics. The strong taste is less noticeable when papaya is mixed in a fruit salad together with pineapple, bananas and mangoes. It also helps to add a little lemon juice. Incidentally, papaya and pineapple mixed together in a blender make a tasty and refreshing drink.

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