Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
does papaya help in periods
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Question #24757
70 days ago
111

does papaya help in periods - #24757

Grayson

I am really trying to figure out if papaya helps in periods. Lately, I've been having these intense cramps during my cycle, and even though I try to eat healthy, I can't seem to get relief. A friend suggested that I start eating papaya because she heard that it can help with menstrual cramps and maybe even regulate the flow. Honestly, I'm skeptical. Like, does papaya really help in periods? Last month, I made a smoothie with papaya, but I didn't notice any significant difference, and I felt frustrated. Do I need to consume more of it, or is there a right time during my cycle when it’s most effective? I've also read some weird stuff online about papaya causing heavy bleeding—that's super confusing!! Should I be cautious about eating papaya if I already have heavy periods? I really wanna find something natural to relieve the pain and make my periods a bit easier. Any insights? I mean, does papaya help in periods or is it just one of those myths?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Papaya has indeed been a part of traditional remedies in Ayurveda for different menstrual concerns, thanks to its properties. However, let’s dive into how it may influence your menstrual cycle and whether it can help with cramps.

Papaya is considered slightly heating in Ayurvedic terms due to its enzyme, papain, which may help in regulating menstrual flow by aiding digestion and improving circulation. It’s thought to act on the uterine muscles, which might promote a more regular cycle. However, there’s a catch—because of these properties, it may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you experience heavy bleeding. Consuming papaya during heavy periods might intensify the bleeding because of it heating nature, so caution is advised.

For cramps, the logic that papaya aids digestion might provide some relief indirectly. Good digestive health can positively impact your whole system, potentially reducing cramps by easing digestive stress. However, it’s not a silver bullet for everyone.

If you want to try incorporating papaya, starting a few days before your period might be beneficial. You might consume a small serving daily but watch how your body reacts. Don’t overdue it, as this can cause overly loose stools or worsen heavy flows. Balance is key. Try mixing it with other ‘cooling’ foods to balance its heat, such as cucumber or yogurt, to mitigate potential side effects.

It’s essential to listen to your body. If papaya doesn’t seem to help or worsens your symptoms, consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor interventions to your dosha and specific symptoms. And if your cramps are intense and persistent, seek medical advice to rule out underlying concerns.

To manage cramps naturally, you might also look at other Ayurvedic remedies—like ginger tea, which can be soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties. Gentle yoga and pranayama exercises can also support in easing menstrual discomforts. Consistent lifestyle approaches, combined with tailored dietary choices, often yield the best results in Ayurveda.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Ayush Varma
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
29 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
234 reviews
Dr. Hemanshu Mehta
I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.
5
142 reviews
Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.
5
184 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
466 reviews
Dr. Arpita Bhaskar
I am an Ayurvedia practioner who’s kinda always drawn to healing things the natural way... herbs, lifestyle shifts, that deeper root-cause thing—ya that’s where I feel connected. I’ve done my graduation in BAMS from Government Ayurveda College, Jabalpur, MP. Those years were tough and full of grind but it gave me this solid, like really solid, foundation in classical Ayurvedic sciences. And yeah, not just bookish... real world side of it too. Now my focus honestly is to keep learning while helping real people—who come in with digestion problems or hormonal mess or mental stress or even chronic fatigue they can’t explain. Every case is diff, even if symptoms look same outside. That part makes me stop and look closer—what is vitiated? What system is overworking or under? My mind instantly shifts into that mode, trying to trace the imbalance and realign it without suppressin anything. Right now I’m still early in the field, but every patient, every prakriti I see adds a layer to how I understand dis-ease. I don’t rush, mostly just try to listen first... ppl are usually surprised when you sit n listen without cutting them off mid sentence. I don’t claim to fix everything but I do keep that long-term goal in mind—healing that lasts beyond just medicine course. My interest stays rooted in ahar, vihar, and herbal chikitsa. Working with traditional herbs in customized way, not some one-size-fits-all type. I feel Ayurveda demands patience, and yeah, I’m okay with that. Cuz body speaks when we slow down. And that’s what I try to bring in my work—space to slow down, observe, correct gently. Of course I mess up sometimes or miss smth small.. but I reflect and adjust. It’s all part of the practice. I wanna grow steady, keep that fire for real healing alive. This path’s not loud, but it’s deep. And I’m here for it.
5
1 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
112 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
45 reviews
Dr. K Bhagyalaxmi
I am an Ayurvedic doctor with 5 yrs of steady practice in the field—not a lifetime, but long enough to see how people respond when you really pay attention, not just to symptoms but to the whole story behind them. I started out thinking I’ll just treat the doshas, pick the right herbs, and things will work. But real patients kinda show you that it’s more layered. Now I mostly focus on connecting classical Ayurveda with actual day-to-day health struggles people bring in—digestive chaos, sleep going off track, periods all over the place, hair falling out for months, or just plain burnout. Over time I’ve worked a lot with people dealing with long-standing issues—like IBS, acne, weight gain that doesn’t budge, PCOS, stress spikes, thyroid shifts, low energy, even those vague feelings of “not feeling like myself.” I don’t rush into meds. I spend a good amount of time understanding lifestyle, eating patterns, stress points. A lot of my plans involve routine resets, easy-to-follow diet tweaks, herbal support if needed, and just—staying in touch. Most people don’t need complicated therapies, they need clarity. And someone who doesn’t make them feel like a list of symptoms. I’m usually direct but never pushy. I keep my advice realistic, cause no one's going to steam daily or wake at 4 am forever. Even basic things like fixing digestion or improving sleep hygiene makes a huge diff, if done right. Also I like writing or talking about healing in a way that doesn’t scare ppl off with too much jargon or pressure. 5 years in, I’m still learning. Still adjusting. Ayurveda is deep, and the body doesn’t always respond how you expect—but that's kinda the magic too. Every patient brings a different challenge, and I try to meet them where they are, not where textbooks say they *should* be.
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Allison
17 hours ago
The doc's answer was a life-saver, gave me simple remedies that actually make sense. I feel more at ease now about my health.
The doc's answer was a life-saver, gave me simple remedies that actually make sense. I feel more at ease now about my health.
Jaxon
18 hours ago
Thanks a ton for your response. It really helped narrow down the issue. Never thought about it like that, appreciate it!
Thanks a ton for your response. It really helped narrow down the issue. Never thought about it like that, appreciate it!
Claire
18 hours ago
Thanks for such a detailed and easy-to-follow response! Really appreciate the step-by-step guide to tackle my hair and teeth issues. Feeling hopeful now!
Thanks for such a detailed and easy-to-follow response! Really appreciate the step-by-step guide to tackle my hair and teeth issues. Feeling hopeful now!
Dylan
18 hours ago
Really grateful for this detailed response. The explanation and tips were really helpful and put my mind at ease about my hair situation. Thanks a lot!
Really grateful for this detailed response. The explanation and tips were really helpful and put my mind at ease about my hair situation. Thanks a lot!