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What Is Papaya Tea?

By A. Gamm
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,665
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Papaya is a tree more commonly known for its fruit, though as of 2011 papaya tea is becoming increasingly popular. The tea is primarily made from papaya tea leaves, but it may occasionally be made from the seeds of the papaya fruit. Several studies suggest that the tea may have numerous health benefits, most notably its potential anti-cancer properties. It may also prevent certain gastric problems, increase appetite and metabolism, and even help with allergies.

Typically, papaya tea is made from dried papaya leaves. The leaves are either hung to dry or kept under low heat for a period of time. It is then put in tea whole or crushed and kept in a tea holder. Some people also make tea using whole papaya fruit seeds either fresh or dried. Both are believed to aid health, but the tea leaves may possibly contain a higher concentration.

There is no known toxicity level for papaya tea, and it is actually recommended that people drink at least one cup of tea each day for optimal health benefits. Drinking too much of the tea, however, may have some diuretic side effects. Enzymes in the tea may also create allergic reactions in some people. The tea may be infused with cayenne pepper, lemon juice, ginger or sweetened with sugar, honey or fresh papaya fruit.

Several beneficial properties are found in papaya tea. Notably, it contains phosphorus and zinc as well as high concentrations of vitamins A, B, C and E. Papaya also contains an enzyme commonly known as papain. As with most teas, it is rich in several antioxidants.

Some research successfully noted that papaya tea is able to lower the toxicity of tumors in the body as well as inhibit its growth. It may also activate the immune system so that it is able to help the body’s own ability to fight the cancer. The tea may possibly further aid in reducing inflammation in patients already receiving treatments.

It is believed that papaya tea may also help many gastrointestinal problems. Studies have shown the tea is effective in preventing gastric ulcers. In addition, the tea may relieve constipation as well as aid indigestion. Metabolism and appetite are also increased through drinking the tea. It is believed the papain may help protein and carbohydrates be digested as well.

Other benefits of papaya tea include preventing heartburn and easing menstrual cramps. It is further believed that the tea may help relieve the symptoms from allergies. Several people also believe the tea may potentially help the body process gluten. As with many other teas, it is recommended to first discuss drinking papaya tea with a healthcare professional.

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Discussion Comments
By burcidi — On Nov 21, 2013

My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She did a lot of research about possible natural treatments and came across papaya. Soon after she was diagnosed, she started consuming fresh papaya fruit and papaya tea regularly. Of course it didn't cure her, but it raised her low platelet counts during chemotherapy. Even her doctors were surprised about it and asked her if she had done anything different. She had started eating papaya and drinking papaya tea.

By donasmrs — On Nov 20, 2013

@fify-- It's best to ask a doctor about this, but I think that it's best for pregnant women to avoid papaya tea.

Papaya is only dangerous for pregnant women if it's unripe. Ripe papaya is okay in moderation. But I have no idea about the leaves of the plant. If the leaves contain the same enzymes that unripe papaya contains, then that can be dangerous during pregnancy. It's not a good idea for pregnant women to drink herbal teas without asking their doctor first anyway.

I think that moderation is key to everything. I'm not pregnant and I do drink papaya tea for digestion but I never have more than one cup.

By fify — On Nov 20, 2013

Papaya is usually not recommended to pregnant women because the enzymes in it can cause uterus contractions. So it can cause early delivery or miscarriage. Does papaya tea carry this risk as well?

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