🌴Caribbean Folk Medicine

Paw Paw Root

Carica papaya

About Paw Paw Root

Paw Paw Root (Carica papaya) is a herb used in the Caribbean Folk Medicine tradition to help with Dengue, Platelet Support, Digestive Issues, and Parasites. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

The papaya (/pəˈpaɪə/ or US: /pəˈpɑːjə/) (from Carib via Spanish), papaw, (/pəˈpɔː/) or pawpaw (/ˈpɔːˌpɔː/) is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Its origin is in the tropics of the Americas, perhaps from southern Mexico and neighboring Central America.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Root · internal
🫖

Decoction

1–2 cups daily
  • Add 1–2 tsp of dried Paw Paw Root to 2 cups of cold water.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  • Strain and drink warm.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Paw Paw Root into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Paw Paw Root into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Paw Paw Root in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Paw Paw Root itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ Allergic Reactions

    Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    ⚠️ Not Medical Advice

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

    Drug & herb interactions

    No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Paw Paw Root in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

    Where to find in nature

    Native region

    Caribbean islands, coastal Central America

    Climate

    Tropical maritime

    Habitat

    Tropical coastlines, rainforest interiors, and traditional medicine gardens of Caribbean islands

    🌿 To see Paw Paw Root growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

    Where to buy

    In store

    • Caribbean grocery stores and botanicas
    • West Indian food markets in cities with Caribbean communities
    • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
    • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
    • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

    Online

    iHerb

    Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

    Mountain Rose Herbs

    Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

    Starwest Botanicals

    Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

    Herb Pharm

    High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

    Amazon

    Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

    Etsy

    Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

    Quality tips

    When buying Paw Paw Root, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.