The fall is my favorite season.
The cooler weather and changes in the color of the landscape feels
good. It is also the season of the
pumpkin, one of my favorite pies. The
winter squash known as pumpkin was part of the Native Americans diet shared
with the Pilgrims. Although most
discard the pumpkin seed, it is a
useful nutritious food. (Roasting Pumpkin Seeds) It is odd that
many prefer seedless grapes and then buy grape seed extract.
What you may not know is that the pumpkin seed is also a valued
medicine that is rich in nutrients and medicinal properties, includes Vitamin
A, C, and E. It is also rich in
minerals including zinc, manganese, potassium and phosphorous.
Cucurbita pepo seeds (pumpkin seeds) is mentioned in many of the old
Materia Medica (materials of medicine) references. One primary use is in the treatment of parasites, including round
and tape worms. But the seeds and oils
are also well known as a treatment for non-cancerous enlarged prostate gland
(benign prostatic hyperplasia). It is also useful for intense nausea and
vomiting especially related to motion sickness or pregnancy.
Stay Well!
