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What Are the Different Uses of Papaya Seeds?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Papaya seeds are the source of a prized extract thought by many herbalists to have a range of medicinal uses — from anti-cancerous and antibacterial properties to easing the pain of arthritis and even burns. Though edible, the seeds have a bold peppery taste, so consuming them might be an unpleasant way to ingest this potentially valuable supplement. While many purchase a tincture made of papaya seeds to get the concentrated effects, papaya seeds also can be used to grow more papaya trees, of course. With the right know-how, this bounty of seeds can then be used to make papaya extract or flour at home.

Papayas have a storied reputation, both as a fruit and as a medicine. Christopher Columbus famously dubbed it the "fruit of the angels" when he was introduced to the food by indigenous people who already revered it. The tree, Carica papaya, grows throughout the tropical regions of the world in 2011, though Mexico is considered its native home. A smaller variety, the Hawaiian papaya, is more commonly found in produce sections.

Papaya seeds are believed to have many medicinal qualities.
Papaya seeds are believed to have many medicinal qualities.

Many use slightly dried papaya seeds to cultivate their own trees, which can thrive in warm weather with just moderately moist, yet well-fertilized, soil. Any below-freezing weather is likely to kill a papaya plant, so potted specimens should be brought indoors during cold spells. It will take a year or more for the trees to actually flower and bear fruit, typically once they have reached the height of a full-grown man or higher.

Oil can be extracted from papaya seeds.
Oil can be extracted from papaya seeds.

Many supplement with papaya merely by eating the fruit or drinking its juice. Some buy tinctures made from the seed extracts, while others dry and grind the seeds into flour for use in breads or desserts. Since herbalists often recommend a concentrated dosage to get the most effects, many recommend a manufactured tincture made from thousands of seeds. No specific dose has been set by an official institution though, since the seeds have proven safe for most people at all doses, except those with allergies to latex.

Ringspot, which can cause circular lesions on plant leaves, is an example of a viral plant disease that can affect papaya.
Ringspot, which can cause circular lesions on plant leaves, is an example of a viral plant disease that can affect papaya.

The medicinal benefits are starting to stack up in favor of tinctures made of papaya seeds. A 2008 study by researchers at Ethiopia's University of Gondar found that papaya seeds had a marked antibacterial effect. Another study in 2010, by University of Florida scientists, discovered that cancerous tumors were detrimentally affected by a leaf extract from the papaya plant. Though as of 2011 further study is still required to verify all of the uses of this plant, healers for centuries have used it as oral contraception, to ease digestive disorders, as an antiseptic, and to fight pain and parasitic infections.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@donasmrs-- You can make a skin exfoliant from papaya seeds.

I've never made it, but I have a homeopathic facial scrub that contains ground papaya seeds. The enzyme in papaya is supposed to help get rid of dead skin cells and the seeds also work as a physical exfoliant.

I paid a lot for the product I use, but I bet you could add ground papaya seeds to any thick facial cleanser to make your own scrub. I think that whole papaya seeds would actually make a good body scrub because they are very coarse.

stoneMason

@donasmrs-- Some commercial papaya teas do contain the seeds. But they also contain papaya leaves or dried papaya fruit. So you might want to use papaya leaves or the skin in addition to the seeds. Otherwise, it might not taste like much.

Another option could be to ground them and eat them with something. It will have the same benefits that papaya extract has. I do this instead of buying papaya supplements. Papaya protects against cancer.

donasmrs

Can I make tea with papaya seeds?

I eat fresh papayas often and always throw out the seeds. I don't want to waste them anymore. Can I make tea with them?

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    • Papaya seeds are believed to have many medicinal qualities.
      By: efired
      Papaya seeds are believed to have many medicinal qualities.
    • Oil can be extracted from papaya seeds.
      By: idmanjoe
      Oil can be extracted from papaya seeds.
    • Ringspot, which can cause circular lesions on plant leaves, is an example of a viral plant disease that can affect papaya.
      Ringspot, which can cause circular lesions on plant leaves, is an example of a viral plant disease that can affect papaya.
    • Overwatering and poor soil drainage may cause rotten papayas.
      By: kurapy
      Overwatering and poor soil drainage may cause rotten papayas.
    • Papaya may be helpful in improving male fertility.
      By: s_lena
      Papaya may be helpful in improving male fertility.
    • Papaya seeds may be helpful in easing digestive disorders.
      By: Halfpoint
      Papaya seeds may be helpful in easing digestive disorders.