Description

(*CAUTION: Essential oils are NOT safe for internal use.  For external use only.)

Papaya Seed Oil (Carica Papaya)

COMMON NAME :  Papaya

SCIENTIFIC NAME :   Carica Papaya

OTHER NAMES :  Papaw, Pawpaw, Betik, Betek, Melon Tree, Ketalah

FAMILY :  Caricaceae

METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :

• Element: Water
• Planet: Moon
• Day: Friday
• Direction: West
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Chakra: 2^nd Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
• Energy: Yin
• Gender: Feminine
• Tarot Card: Ace of Cups
• Spirit Animal: Monkey
• Sabbat or Holiday: Lupercalia (Feb 15) ; Ostara / the Spring Equinox (btw. March 19-23) ; Beltane / Walpurgis / May Day (April 30 – May 1)
• Deity or God / Goddess Association: Anahita, Oshun, Ashi, Istustaya, Papaya, Éostre

Parts Used:  Seeds

Description:  Papaya is a tropical, broadleaf tree that is original to Mexico and naturalized via cultivation in Central America and South America. Because the plant is void of woody tissue, some botanists insist that the tree is actually a giant herb. Although papaya is grown and harvested for its melon-like fruits, the lobed, palm-like leaves of the tree contain some of the same enzymes, namely papain and amylase. Papaya leaf is used topically as a poultice or is powdered and then blended with a little water to make a paste. The leaf is also used to make tea and may be encapsulated as a dietary supplement. Papaya leaf has been shown to have antidiabetic properties and may help lower blood sugar. Papaya leaf tea is also believed to help fight against malaria.

Centuries ago, the Caribbean Indians noticed that meat wrapped in papaya’s broad leaves becomes tender. Today papaya extract is the active ingredient in most commercial meat tenderizers.

Its trunk is hollow, with spongy wood and fibrous light-colored bark that is used to make rope.

Papaya is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E. Papaya oil is made from the seeds. It is a carrier oil and does not require dilution. The oil is exfoliating and effective at removing dirt and dead skin. It is deeply hydrating and moisturizing, boosts collagen formation, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. It is skin lightening and can reduce the appearance of age and dark spots, brightening and lightening the complexion and evening skin tone. It is one of the most effective remedies for ringworm. One of papaya seed oil’s most proven effects is tightening skin and restoring elasticity. It can help wound healing, skin ulcers, boils, warts, cancerous skin tumors, and soothe skin irritations.

Simply mashed papaya fruit makes a great homemade face and hair mask.

Papaya seed oil is a carrier oil and does not require dilution.

Historical Uses:  SEED OIL: dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, irritated skin, cuticles, rosacea, acne, collagen boosting, anti-aging, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, scars, stretch marks, ringworm, abrasions, cuts, grazes, scrapes, wounds, boils, warts

Mystical Attributes:  As the papaya tree bears fruit so quickly, it spiritually represents fertility in many cultures. It is often associated with blessings for new couples, symbolizing a fruitful union and continuation of family lineage. Serving the fruit to a loved one will intensify feelings of love.

For wish-making, tie a rag around the limb of a papaya tree and meditate on visualizing your need.

In Columbia, the phrase “No dar papaya” is often spoken as a general rule for safety. It translates to “Don’t give papaya”, meaning you should never put yourself in a situation that makes you more vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

Papaya seeds are used in rituals for banishing. Hanging twigs of papaya wood over the doorway also helps keep evil from entering the home.

Mixing papaya leaves with mandrake to burn or use in a bath can reverse hexes and jinxes.

In Sierra Leone, the petiole is used in certain witchcraft to symbolize a gun.

Mystical Intentions:  banishing

Taste & Smell:  Papaya fruit can have a sweet, creamy taste and soft, musky flavor. Some say it tastes like a cross between a cantaloupe and mango. Perfectly ripe papayas should have a sweet smell. Papaya seed oil (not for ingestion or internal use) has a pleasant, tropical, sweet, and fruity aroma.

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  The papaya tree is native to the Caribbean and now naturalized throughout the tropics, southern Mexico, and Central America. A single papaya tree stem can grow to between 16 to 33 feet tall. The tree is usually unbranched, unless it has been lopped.

Its spirally arranged leaves are confined to the top of the trunk. Its leaves are large and smooth, hand shaped with seven deeply palmated lobes, often 2 feet across.

The flowers are similar in shape to the flowers of the Plumeria, but they are much smaller and wax-like. The flowers grow on the axils of the leaves and mature into large fruit. The fruits are yellow-green, pear shaped melons with tasty orange-yellow pulp, and contain many black seeds. Papayas sold in the United States are typically about the size of large potatoes, but in the tropics, they grow to the size of large honeydews and can weigh up to 10 pounds. The fruits generally measure from 5.9 to 18 inches long and 3.9 to 12 inches in diameter. The fruit is ripe when it feels soft (similar to ripe avocado or even a bit softer) and its skin shifts to an amber-to-orange hue. Depending on environmental conditions, the papaya tree can produce 30-150 fruits per year.

Papaya grows best in warm areas below 500 ft elevation. Fruit production and quality decline at higher elevations, where cooler temperatures cause flower drop and cat-faced (carpelloidic) fruits. Papaya can tolerate moderate winds if well rooted. Forty to sixty inches of rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year is adequate for growth. With higher rainfall, soils should be porous and well drained. Planting on slopes or on raised hills helps to prevent waterlogging.

Papaya grows well on many types of soil, but they must be adequately drained. Restricted soil drainage promotes root diseases. Standing water can kill the plant in 24 hours. Most commercial production in Hawaii is on porous aa lava. Production on other soil types is limited to low rainfall areas where restricted drainage is less likely to cause problems. Heavy clay and pahoehoe lava soils should be avoided.

Papaya is grown from seed. Dry seed may be stored for a year or more in airtight refrigerated containers. Fresh seeds will usually germinate in 10 to 14 days. Germination can be improved by removing the gelatinous outer seed coat before drying. Seeds are sown either in containers or directly in the ground.

Papaya leaves may be harvested throughout the growing season and dried for later use. Store dried papaya leaf in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• May cause allergic reaction, including skin irritation, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
• May cause skin discoloration.
• Excessive use can cause uterine contraction (miscarriage).
• Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
• Papaya leaves may negatively interact with blood sugar lowering drugs, drugs for heart conditions, antibiotics, and antimalarial medications.

Constituents:

• Acids (citric, fumaric, malic, malonic, succinic, tartaric)
• Vitamins (A, B, C, E, K, folate, pantothenic acid, zeaxanthin, lycopene, lutein)
• Minerals (potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorous)
• Fiber
• Alkaloids
• Glycosides
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Flavonoids

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks.