Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Papaya Solves Heartburn Problems

Q. I frequently have heartburn and finally found a wonderful remedy: papaya pills. Every time I have heartburn I eat one of the pills and the heartburn disappears.

My doctor says these are fine to use. The roll is easy to carry in my pocket or purse. I thought your readers would like to know about this great way to treat heartburn.

A. Papaya is a tropical fruit that contains an enzyme (papain) that may be helpful for digestion. Although it does nothing to suppress acid, some people report that papaya relieves heartburn.
Anyone who is allergic to latex should avoid papaya since there is cross reactivity, which could be very dangerous. Papain may also increase the blood thinning effects of Coumadin (warfarin).

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.