Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

GALL- BLADDER DISORDER

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Gallbladder and it’s functions: A pear-shaped organ just below the liver that stores the bile secreted by the liver. During a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts, delivering the bile through the bile ducts into the intestines to help with digestion. Abnormal composition of bile leads to formation of gallstones, a process termed cholelithiasis. The gallstones cause cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder.

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Some 20 million Americans have gallstones, crystallized pellets in the gallbladder that can suddenly cause painful spasms a few hours after eating a rich meal. A high-fiber diet, along with certain supplements, can help prevent, relieve, or even dissolve these troublesome stones.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gallbladder disease occur when gallstones irritate the gallbladder. The most common symptoms associated with gallstone disease include:

Severe and intermittent pain in the right upper abdomen. This pain can also spread to the chest, shoulders or back. Sometimes this pain may be mistaken for a heart attack.

Chronic indigestion and nausea.
Intermittent pain on the right side of the upper abdomen. The pain typically develops after a meal, lasts from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and may move to the back, chest, or right shoulder.
Nausea and vomiting may accompany pain. Heartburn, gas, or bloating may also be present.

In Ayurveda it is known as PRATISHYAYA mainly due to vitiation of DOSHAS (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that averages three to six inches in length. It lies underneath the liver in the upper right side of the abdomen. It is connected to the liver and small intestine by small tubes called bile ducts. Bile, a greenish-brown fluid, is utilized by the body to digest fatty foods and assists in the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile. Between meals, bile accumulates and is concentrated within this organ. During meals, the gallbladder contracts and empties bile into the intestine to assist in digestion.

There are two major types of gallstones:
Cholesterol gallstones are composed mainly of cholesterol which is made in the liver. These account for nearly 80% of all cases of gallstones in the United States....CLICK & SEE

Pigment gallstones are composed of calcium salts, bilirubin and other material. They account for the remaining 20% of gallstones in this country.....CLICK & SEE

Causes for Gall stone :
Though the exact cause of gallstones is not known, several factors may contribute to their formation, including a low-fiber, high-fat diet; intestinal surgery; inflammatory bowel disease; or other disorders of the digestive tract. Gallstones tend to occur in people over age 40 and are three times more common in women than in men. Obesity is also strongly linked to gallstones, as is rapid weight loss. There may be a genetic component as well: Among Arizona’s Pima Indians, nearly 70% of women over age 30 have gallstones.

Approximately 80% of all gallstones are completely asymptomatic and “silent.” The chance that a “silent” gallstone will become symptomatic is 2% for each year.

People who are overweight

Older persons

Pregnant women

Women who use hormone contraceptives and post-menopausal hormones

Persons with a family history of gallstones

Persons of American Indian ancestry

Persons with diseases of the small intestine

Persons who have recently lost weight.

How are gallstones identified?

Nearly all gallstones can be easily identified by an ultrasound examination. This is a simple and painless procedure in which sound waves are utilized to create pictures of the gall-bladder, bile ducts and its contents. This test is highly sensitive for identifying either gallstones or sludge within the gallbladder.

What can be done at home?
Recurrent painful attacks, if mild, can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. Placing something warm on your stomach may be helpful, taking care not to scald the skin. The frequency of attacks may be reduced by a low-fat diet.

Can gallstones be prevented?
Recent studies have suggested that persons at highest risk for gallstone formation, obese persons undergoing weight reduction, can virtually eliminate their risk for developing gallstones by taking KANCHANAR GUGGULU.

Useful Herbs:
Gokshura, Punarnavadi ,Chicory, Dandelion, Olive and Sunflower Oil

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) :

The bark is astringent, tonic and anthelmintic. It is useful in Gallbladder disorders, scrofula and skin diseases. It is also used for ulcers and leprosy. A decoction of the bark is taken for dysentery. The dried buds are used for diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids.

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa ) :

Both the white and red species of Punarnava are used to treat kidney disorders, gallbladder stones, cystitis,heart disease, cough, intestinal colic, jaundice, urethritis. It is given when increased secretions of the kidney are wanted, or when there are lessened secretions, such as in ascites, whether due to the heart, kidney, or liver.

Olive Oil :

During a gallbladder flush, 1-2 cups of olive oil are consumed to simulate the gallbladder into releasing bile. This increased demand on the gallbladder to release bile works to push the stones out,

Ayurvedic Supplements: 1. Gokshuradi Guggulu 2.Livrole 3.Arogyavardhini Bati

Diet :
Small gallstones can usually be cleared through dietetic cure. In case of acute gall bladder inflammation, the patient should fast for two or three days until the acute condition is cleared Nothing but water should be taken during this period after the fast the patient should take fruit and vegetables juices for a few days. Carrots, beets, grapefruit, pears, lemons or grape may be taken in the form of juice. Thereafter the patient should adopt a well balanced diet with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables, fruit and vegetable juice. Yogurt, cottage cheese and a table spoon of olive oil twice a day should also be included in the diet.

Life Style :
The pain of gallstone colic can be relieved by application of hot packs or fomentation to the upper abdominal area. A warm water enema at body temperature will help eliminate faucal accumulations if the patient is constipated. Physical exercise is also essential. Surgery becomes necessary if the gallstones are very large or in cases where they have been present for long.

The natural GallCleanse formula …………. home treatment claiming to completely eliminate gallstones and prevent new ones from forming.

Natural cure of Gallstones.

Homeopathic Remedy Of Gallstones
Gallstone Home Remedy

Helpful Yoga Exercises:
1.Vajrasana

2.The Knee to Chest (Pawanmuktasan)

3.The Lotus (Padma Asana)

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

Help taken from: medterms.com and Allayurveda.com

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Categories
Pediatric

‘Good’ Bacteria Help Kids with Diarrhea

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Supplements containing two different strains of lactobacillus, a bacteria commonly found in yogurt, can help ease bouts of severe diarrhea in children and reduce their hospital stays.

Such treatments, with so-called good bacteria,” are commonly referred to as probiotics. They are thought to work by altering the microbial ecology in the gut of the person who ingests them.

The probiotic treatment cut the amount of time children with diarrhea spent in the hospital. Probiotic-treated children spent 1.6 days in the hospital, on average, versus 2.6 days for the patients given placebo.

And children who received treatment within 60 hours of when their diarrhea began spent an average of 1.7 days in the hospital, versus 3.5 days for kids who received placebo within this time.

The research team also found that children given lactobacillus were less likely to show signs of infection with rotavirus, the leading cause of diarrhea in infants, than youngsters who did not receive the bacteria treatment.

From:The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

Dr. Mercola‘s Comment:

Although one less hospital day may not seem very significant, there clearly was a difference between the two groups. These are the types of studies that traditional doctors require before they adopt these simple measures more broadly.

It is likely that even more impressive results would have been achieved had the babies been put on the eating plan and eliminated wheat and dairy during their infection.

I have seen these probiotics work in many intractable diarrheas in a matter of hours. The trick is to use HIGH doses (which were not used in this study), which likely explains the small difference between the two groups.

Probiotics are the only supplement I advise nearly every patient to start. Once their food choices are cleaned up they can stop taking it. While it is not necessary to take them forever, I do believe it is wise to use one bottle of a good probiotic a year, as most of us are less than perfect with our food choices.

There are probably many other good brands in your local health food store. However, be careful because some brands do not contain what the label claims. A good probiotic will work very well most types of acute diarrhea. I recommend one capsule, or ¼ tsp of the powders, every 30-60 minutes until the diarrhea is gone. It usually resolves in about four hours. These products are quite impressive.

Source:www.mercola.com

Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Flatulence

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Flatulence….  Embarrassing Universal Problem

Flatulence is part of life! By Frank Morosky, Flatulence Guru

Flatulence is part of life. It is a natural result of good digestion. Most of us try to make light of it so as to not be embarrassed by its occurrence.

Flatulence ( fart, flatus, intestinal gas, breaking wind, SBD)- we all have it, and it is a normal part of life. It is a natural result of good digestion. Passing gas is a more familiar term to many people. Most of us try to make light of it so as to not be embarrassed by its occurrence. Gas pains can be uncomfortable and malodorous for many people but you can reduce the symptoms and find relief with proper diet control.

The average person expels gas 14 times every day. The amount of actual gas released ranges from as little as one cup to as much as one half gallon per day. Gas is made primarily of odorless vapors such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of flatulence comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain hydrogen sulfide.(sulfur smell) Contrary to popular belief, women have just as many passages as men, and older people, have no more gas than younger individuals.

Flatulence occurs when a food does not break down completely in the stomach and small intestine. As a result, the food makes it into the large intestine in an undigested state. Most lower intestinal gas is produced when bacteria in your colon ferment carbohydrates that aren’t digested in your small intestine. The body does not digest and absorb some carbohydrates (the sugar, starches, and fiber found in many foods) in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes.

This undigested food then passes from the small intestine into the large intestine, where normal, harmless bacteria break down the food, producing gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and, in about one-third of all people, methane. As much as 80 to 90 percent of rectal gas (flatulence) is formed by bacteria. Eventually these gases exit through the rectum. Certain foods produce more flatulence than others because they contain more indigestible carbohydrates than others. Beans are well known gas producers. The beans pass through the small intestine and arrive in the large intestine without being digested, which causes flatulence to occur.

Unfortunately, healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, oatmeal and legumes (beans and peas) are often the worst offenders. That’s because these foods are high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water forming a gelatinous substance in the bowel. Fiber has many health benefits, including keeping your digestive tract in good working order, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and helping prevent heart attacks and other heart problems. But it can also lead to the formation of gas. In the colon the bacteria thrive on the undigestible fiber. These bacteria are harmless but for those who have an intestinal gas or flatus problem it is probably best to avoid or carefully test soluble fibers to see if they are contributing to intestinal gas.

On the other hand, insoluble fiber as found in wheat, rye, bran, and other grains does not dissolve in water. It is not used by intestinal colon bacteria as a food source, so these bacteria generally do not produce intestinal gas. Both soluble and insoluble fiber should be eaten on a daily basis.

By contrast, fats and proteins cause little gas. They are absorbed in the digestive tract before they get to the colon.

Sugars are known to create gas. Fructose is naturally present in onions, artichokes, pears, and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks. Sorbitol is a sugar found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many dietetic foods and sugarfree candies and gums.

Foods that may cause gas include: Most beans, especially dried beans and peas, baked beans, soy beans, lima beans, vegetables, such as Cabbage; radishes; onions; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; cauliflower; cucumbers; sauerkraut; kohlrabi; asparagus, potatoes Fruits such as Prunes; apricots; apples; raisins; bananas. Carbonated beverages- Soft drinks, fruit drinks, milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream. Packaged foods prepared with lactose, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing. Foods containing sorbitol, such as dietetic foods and sugarfree candies and gums.

Source    :www.flat-d.com

Categories
Healthy Tips

Beneficial uses of some Herbs & Spices

There are too many herbs & spices to give a full list of all their benefits (already many of them and their uses & benefits in details, separately mentioned in my blog).

Some of them are the more common ones used for cooking and easily available in the supermarket (or to grow yourself) are mentioned in short, below.

“Herbs”
___________

Basil . the classic accompaniment to all tomato dishes. It is also a natural tranquilliser and a tonic to calm the nervous system. May aid digestion and ease stomach cramps. Basil tea may relieve nausea.

Bay leaf – is used to stimulate and aid digestion.

Chives ….. help to enliven dishes with a delicate onion taste. Chives can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.

Coriander .…..fresh leaves can be eaten as a tonic for the stomach and heart. The seeds and leaves are used for treating urinary tract infections.

Dill – has proved itself to be effective in the relief of gripes and flatulence (gripe water).

Fennel ... fresh leaves have a mild aniseed flavour and are used, along with the seeds; to aid digestion, prevent excessive wind, insomnia, nausea and vomiting.

Feverfew ..
although not commonly used in cooking, I included this one as it makes a good alternative to pills to combat a headache. Eat 3-5 fresh leaves every day between slices of bread to reduce the frequency of migraines and to aid restful sleep. Do not eat raw leaves as they can produce mouth ulcers

Mint …….
used mainly in cooking, mint also aids digestion and hot mint tea can help at the start of a cold.

Parsley .…… a widely used herb for garnishing, it contains vitamin C and iron. Fresh parsley leaves also make a good breath freshener when chewed after eating garlic.

Rosemary…. used extensively throughout the Mediterranean, it is said to act as a stimulant to both the nervous and circulatory systems, and may help to soothe the digestive system, relieving indigestion and flatulence. Drinking a weak infusion may also help to relieve a nervous headache, neuralgia and colds. Rosemary also makes a good antiseptic gargle.

Sage .….aids in the digestion of rich or heavy foods (hence its affinity with goose and venison). Sage tea can also be used for indigestion, anxiety, excessive sweating and as a gargle to ease a sore throat.

Thyme....has strong medicinal qualities. Take as a tea for a digestive tonic and a cure for hangovers. Sweeten the infusion with honey for convulsive coughs, colds and sore throats. Apply diluted thyme oil as a massage for headaches and use the essential oil in a burner as an antiseptic room freshener. It may also relieve insomnia, poor circulation and muscular pain.

“Spices”
__________

Black pepper ….. Stimulates digestion, eases flatulence, relieves constipation and improves circulation.

Caraway seeds…. said to relieve flatulence, colic and bronchitis. They also stimulate the appetite, can be used to ease menstrual pain and increase milk flow in nursing mothers.

Cardamom ….. 
is an excellent digestive tonic and is also used to treat some kidney disorders. The seeds contain oils, including borneol, camphor and pinene. Chewing on them directly release these components and gives a comforting, but not to fiery, warmth that eases indigestion, flatulence and colic. It can also be used in the treatment of colds coughs and bronchitis.

Cayenne pepper
 …..a spice claimed to act as a tonic to the digestive and circulatory systems. It can be used to treat indigestion and has been found to be helpful in the treatment of chilblains.

Chillies ……chilli peppers are a fruit and they provide three times more vitamin C than oranges. Moderate amounts of fresh or dried chillies will induce the body to sweat – a cooling mechanism which could explain the popularity of chillies in hot climates. The heat comes from a component called capsaicin, which is concentrated in the white ribs and seeds. Capsaicin can relive nerve pain and is used in a medicinally prescribed cream to ease the pain of shingles. Herbalists advocate the consumption of chillies to warm the body, improve circulation and stimulate the metabolism. Do not use if suffering from conditions that cause abnormal facial flushing.

Cinnamon …….
 research indicates that cinnamon can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including E. coli (NOT mutant strain) when added to foods. It has been used by herbalists as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral substance for many years. It can treat stomach upsets and vomiting, reduce cold and   flu symptoms. Adding a dash to a honey and lemon drink can aid a sore throat. It is also an anti-spasmodic and thus ideal to ease menstrual cramps if taken as cinnamon tea.

Cloves ..…..
 the oil, applied directly, has long been used to ease toothache (or try clamping a whole clove between your teeth). It is also an effective insect repellent.

Coriander seeds
  help to stimulate the digestive system. It has also been prescribed in the treatment of diarrhoea, cystitis and other urinary tract infections.

Cumin seeds
“ in the past these seeds have been used to cure flatulence and colic.

Fenugreek “ is high in ingredients that soothe and heal. Freshly ground fenugreek can be used in cooking or as an infusion (1oz seeds to 1 pint of boiling water) to ease inflammatory conditions of the stomach and intestines. Alternatively they can be sprouted and the green parts eaten when 2-3 inches high (together with the seeds). It should not be used during pregnancy.

Ginger 
aids digestion, circulation and is a popular remedy for nausea, especially travel and morning sickness. It is also used to protect against respiratory and digestive infections and to ease flatulence and griping pains. It can also be chewed to relieve toothache. At the first sign of a cold or ˜flu, hot ginger tea may help to clear a blocked nose and stimulate the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream, (1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey, topped up with boiling water). Ginger’s warming effects have also been held to reduce rheumatic aches and pains.

Horseradish when eaten with rich meat or oily fish is an aid to digestion. Taken as an infusion (1oz fresh root, 1/2 oz crushed mustard seeds in 1 pint of boiling water. Take 2-3 tablespoons 2-3 times a day) will increase urinary flow and can disperse excess fluid to reduce water retention.

Juniper berries   since they have antiseptic properties, these berries have been used to treat infections of the urinary tract. They are a kidney irritant so do not use if suffering from any type of kidney infection or disease. They will also cause the uterus to contract so do not use during pregnancy.

Mustard seeds   the black seeds are hotter than the white. Hot water poured onto crushed seeds and used as a footbath is said to ward off  flu and relieve headaches.

Nutmeg   and mace (the outer covering) both contain myristicin, a substance that can cause drowsiness, (warm milk and grated nutmeg at bedtime will promote sleep). When taken in moderation they may alleviate nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhoea, but taken in large quantities they become toxic.

Saffron    one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is said to relieve menstrual pain (and problems), depression, chronic diarrhoea and neuralgic pain.

Turmeric   contains compounds that herbalists use to treat and prevent conditions of the liver such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice. It calms the digestive system and stimulates the gall bladder to release bile (aiding the breakdown of fats). Added to beans and pulses it can help to reduce gas and bloating. Curcumin, an active component, is thought to have anti-tumour effects, and a recent study suggests that curcumin causes breast cancer cells to self-destruct. (University of Miami School of Medicine).

Source:   herbsandspices.htm

Categories
Fruits & Vegetables Herbs & Plants

Papaya is a fruit and medicine

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Botanical: Carica papaya
Family: Caricaceae (papaya)

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Genus: Carica
Species: C. papaya

Other common names: Papaw, Mamao, Tree Melon, Paw-Paw

Papita  in Hindi, 

Habitat:Papaya is a very a common fruit grows in tropical countries. In India,Burma,Pakistan and Bangla Desh.The papaya (from Carib via Spanish), is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, in the genus Carica. It is native to the tropics of the Americas, and was cultivated in Mexico several centuries before the emergence of the Mesoamerican classic cultures. It is sometimes called “big melon” or “pay paw,” but the North American pawpaw is a different species, in the genus Asimina.

Troubled with heartburn and indigestion? Try    Papaya Fruit!    Papaya contains papain, a remarkable, protein-dissolving enzyme that eases many stomach ailments and is an exceptional aid to digestion. A rich source of minerals and vitamins A, C and E, papain also breaks down wheat gluten, which may be of great help those with Celiac disease.
.

History: The papaya needs a tropical climate that is dry when cold and wet when warm; consequently, its greatest success appears in the equatorial zone with its warm wet season and cool dry season. It is extremely sensitive to frost, and water-logging will kill the taproot within forty-eight hours. The papaya is especially susceptible to parasites, pests and diseases. This fussy plant needs a lot of water but must have good drainage, and it bears most fruit in light, porous, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. Said to be a native of the Caribbean, the Papaya is the true papaw that now grows abundantly throughout tropical America, Hawaii and many other tropical climates throughout the world.

Description:
It is a large tree-like plant, the single stem growing from 5 to 10 meters tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk; the lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50-70 cm diameter, deeply palmately lobed with 7 lobes. The tree is usually unbranched if unlopped. The flowers are similar in shape to the flowers of the Plumeria but are much smaller and wax like. They appear on the axils of the leaves, maturing into the large 15-45 cm long, 10-30 cm diameter fruit. The fruit is ripe when it feels soft (like a ripe avocado or a bit softer) and its skin has attained an amber to orange hue. The fruit’s taste is vaguely similar to pineapple and peach, although much milder without the tartness.

click to see the pictures…>….….(01)….(01)...(1)..(2)......(3).…….(4)…....(5).……(6).....

It is eaten as vegetable when green and as fruit when ripen.Ripen papaya flesh is very delicious to eat.

Cultivation and uses of papaya
In Hawaii, two varieties of genetically-modified papayas, SunUp and Rainbow, have been grown by several growers since their development in the 1990s. By 2004, non-genetically modified and organic papayas throughout Hawaii had experienced widespread contamination from the genetically-modified varieties. Originally from southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America, the papaya is now cultivated in most countries with a tropical climate, such as Brazil, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

The ripe fruit is usually eaten raw, without the skin or seeds. The unripe green fruit of papaya can be eaten cooked, usually in curries, salads and stews. It also has a relatively high amount of pectin, which can be used to makes jellies.

Green papaya fruit and the tree’s latex are both rich in an enzyme called papain, a protease which is useful in tenderizing meat and other proteins. Its ability to break down tough meat fibers was utilized for thousands of years by indigenous Americans. It is included as a component in powdered meat tenderizers, and is also marketed in tablet form to remedy digestive problems. Green papaya is used in Thai cuisine, both raw and cooked.

Papain is also popular (in countries where it grows) as a topical application in the treatment of cuts, rashes, stings and burns. Papain ointment is commonly made from fermented papaya flesh, and is applied as a gel-like paste. Harrison Ford was treated for a ruptured disc incurred during filming of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by having papain injected into his back.

Women in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the world have long used green papaya as a folk remedy for contraception and abortion. Medical research in animals has confirmed the contraceptive and abortifacient capability of papaya, and also found that papaya seeds have contraceptive effects in adult male langur monkeys, possibly in adult male humans as well. Unripe papaya is especially effective in large amounts or high doses. Papaya is not teratogenic and will not cause miscarriage in small, ripe amounts. Phytochemicals in papaya may suppress the effects of progesterone.

The black seeds are edible and have a sharp, spicy taste. They are sometimes ground up and used as a substitute for black pepper. In some parts of Asia the young leaves of papaya are steamed and eaten like spinach.

The papaya fruit is susceptible to the Papaya Fruit Fly. This wasp-like fly lays its eggs in young fruit. In cultivation it grows rapidly fruiting within 3 years, however is it highly frost sensitive.

Although grown to some extent in south Florida, the true papaw is not related to the North American papaw. The fruit is usually pear-sized and has a central cavity filled with edible, pea-sized seeds. Papaya fruit is eaten as a melon, included in salads and when unripe, it is cooked as a vegetable. The seeds are said to have a similar flavor as capers. The green fruit, stems, and leaves are a rich source of a gummy, milky, white latex that contains the powerful enzyme, papain. This protein-dissolving substance has not only been widely used for stomach and digestive disorders, but it is also included in commercial preparations as a meat tenderizer, chewing gum and as a stablizing agent that is used to clarify beer. Some of Papaya

Fruit’s constituents include the fermenting agent myrosin, beta-carotene, rutin, resin, linalool, lycopene, malic acid, methyl salicylate, another enzyme (chymopapain), calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C and E.

Beneficial Uses:
Papaya is an excellent treatment for digestive disorders and extremely useful for any disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. Papain, the powerful enzyme in Papaya, helps to dissolve and digest protein, thus easing stomach ailments and indigestion. (Because papain breaks down tough meat fibers, it is often used in restaurants and is the major ingredient in commercial meat tenderizers!) Papaya has been effective in easing heartburn and is given to treat dyspepsia and gastric catarrh. Papaya also stimulates the appetite.

Papaya’s enzyme, papain, not only digests protein, but it extends its activity to digesting carbohydrate. Papain also breaks down wheat gluten, which may be helpful for those suffering from Celiac disease. Those who have difficulty digesting starchy foods, such as breads, cereals and potatoes, might find great relief in including Papaya in their diets.

Papaya helps to settle a nervous and upset stomach and the queasy feelings often associated with travel and motion sickness. It has also been helpful in relieving morning sickness.

The papain in unripe Papaya’s gummy milk sap has been known to kill parasites by digesting them and has been used in herbal medicine to kill and expel worms. (Papaya has even been used for termite control.)

The papain in Papaya is currently undergoing studies to investigate its efficacy in treating the Herpes simplex virus. The other papayan enzyme, chymopapain, has been used in the treatment of slipped

spinal disc and pinched nerves.

Papaya is said to stimulate the bowels in times of constipation and is also believed to be useful in treating inflammatory bowel disorders.

Since many stomach problems are the direct result of indigestion, use of Papaya appears to help prevent many ailments. It stimulates digestive acids and the production of bile, which may also lead to a healthier liver and pancreas.

Papaya is said to have compounds that act as the female hormone, estrogen and has been used in folk medicine to promote milk production, facilitate childbirth and increase the female libido. In some parts of the world, it is used to induce menstruation.

In other cultures, Papaya has many medicinal applications. For treatment of poisonous snakebites, Papaya helps to degrade the venom protein in the blood, thus losing its deadly strength. It is used topically to rid the pain of insect stings, and it is said that when applied to heal wounds, it digests dead tissue without affecting the surrounding live tissue. In Jamaica, the gummy latex of the unripe papaya fruit is slowly dripped onto warts and corns, shriveling them, and they fall off. The juice has been used as a facial wash to remove freckles.

Papaya Seeds: …………..click  &  see
Aroma and Flavour: Papaya seeds are slightly aromtic when fresh but their aroma is less pronounced as they dry. Fresh seeds have a sparky taste, strongly resembling that of mustard and cress. They can be used fresh or allowed to dry in the sun, when their smell and taste are somewhat diminished.

Culinary Use: The plant sap, which is tapped from the trees like rubber, is rich in the enzyme pa pain which is an efficient meat tenderizer of commercial value. Both fruit and seeds also contain papain. Rub tough meat with the seeds and the skin of the fruit, or wrap it in papaya leaves (if available) and leave to marinate for several hours. Remove the papaya leaf wrapping before cooking . Crushed papaya seeds can be added to minced meat for koftas (spicey meatballs) or to a marinade for meat. Some of the pounded flesh of the fruit can also be added. When cooked, the meat will be tender with and interesting, peppery flavor.

Crushed papaya seeds can be added to salad dressing s or sauces to serve with fish. They also add texture and flavour to a fruit salad. The fresh fruit can be served in slim wedges with the seeds still intact. Next time you cut a papaya, remember the many interesting ways in which the seeds can be used before you discard them.

Medicinal and Other Use:Carica papaya contains many biologically active compounds. Two important compounds are chymopapain and papain, which are supposed to aid in digestion. The level of the compounds varies in the fruit, latex, leaves and roots. Papaya has been used for digestive problems and intestinal worms. The softening qualities of papain have been taken advantage of in the treatment of warts, corns, sinuses, and chronic forms of scaly eczema, cutaneous tubercles, and other hardness of the skin, produced by irritation. Papain also is used to treat arthritis.

*The mature (ripe) fruit treats ringworm, green fruits treat high blood pressure, and are used as an aphrodisiac.
*The fruit can be directly applied topically to skin sores .
*The juice of the fruit (specifically the enzymes within it) are used to reduce gastrointestinal gas, useful to sufferers of IBS.
*The seeds are anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic, and they are used to treat stomachache and fungal infections.
*The leaves are used as a heart tonic, analgesic, and to treat stomachache.
*The roots are used as an analgesic

In India, papaya seeds are chewed to freshen the breath, and they are widely used as pessaries, also as a medicine for flatulence and piles. Australian aboringines have a more romantic approach to the seeds, and consider them to be of value as an aphrodisiac.
*Papaya Juice – Cure for Dengue*.…Blend them and squeeze the juice! It’s simple and miraculously effective to cure dengue  fever!!

Papaya leaves are very effective to cure dengue  fever
Raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf.. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like “Won Low Kat”. But it works like a magic for dengu fever..

Allergies and side-effects
Caution should be taken when harvesting, as papaya is known to release a latex fluid when not quite ripe, which can cause irritation and provoke allergic reaction in some people. The papaya fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves also contains carpaine, an anthelmintic alkaloid which could be dangerous in high doses.

Excessive consumption of papaya, as of carrots, can cause carotenemia, the yellowing of soles and palms which is otherwise harmless

In India, papaya seeds are chewed to freshen the breath, and they are widely used as pessaries, also as a medicine for flatulence and piles. Australian aboringines have a more romantic approach to the seeds, and consider them to be of value as an aphrodisiac.

Click to learn more Medicinal Uses of Papaya———Carica Papaya.   Papaw.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya
http://www.hotel-club-thailand.com/thai-cooking/thai-spices.htm

http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-herbs/carica-papaya.html

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