The Great Pumpkin
Anne Calzada Herbalist

Copyright November 2011

Pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima) ARE great!! A celebrated food by many cultures, the cultivation of the pumpkin has become worldwide. Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbitaceae family or more commonly known as the “gourd” family. Pumpkins are really squashes.. They originated in Central America and there were even remains found in ancient cliff dwellings in the Southwestern United Sates. Native American tribes feasted on pumpkin and introduced them to Europeans who brought seeds with them back to Europe. Pumpkins were a staple at the original “Thanksgiving “ celebrations and continue today in tradition. They are used decoratively at this time of year as well as consumed. Many could not imagine Halloween without a jack-o-lantern. History shows in Irish/Celtic practices, dressing and carving pumpkins, squashes, gourds and themselves were thought to scare off dead souls that came back on SamHain. This and the story of a mischievous Irishman named Jack O’Lantern!

Pumpkins have many nutritional and health benefits. Like all vegetables that are orange, pumpkins are a rich source of beta-carotene. Carotenoids are great sources of antioxidants. Pumpkins are also a significant source of vitamin C and potassium besides being high in fiber. They are cooling and sweet in flavor. This means that they are helpful in heat conditions such as skin inflammations. Pumpkin can help to relieve dampness such as lung congestion and edema.

Pumpkins seeds also known as “pepitas” have enjoyed much notoriety. Pumpkin seeds,

being one of the greatest food sources of zinc, are supportive of the male reproductive system. The seeds contain a compound called “cucurbitacin” that actually helps the body prevent conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone can increase prostate cells to continue to grow, thus encouraging an enlarged prostate gland. Maybe you have even heard commercials about DHT contributing to hair loss? Pumpkin seeds are also anti-parasitic and are used to rid the body of worms and parasites.

Pumpkin seed oil is an unsaturated vegetable oil. It is rich in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids as well as vitamin A, E and zinc. The oil is known to strengthen smooth muscle tissue such as the bladder and support the prostate gland. It supports the health of the skin, hair, eyes and brain functioning.

As if all of these wonderful benefits were not enough, pumpkins are known in spas for beautifying the skin. Due to it’s high beta-carotene, A, E and zinc content for certain. Remember the story of Cinderella and her carriage that would turn into a pumpkin if she were not home by midnight? Remember the band “The Smashing Pumpkins”? Our relationship with pumpkins go way back! Pumpkins will grace many a table soon and may you enjoy this great gourd!

Toasty Pumpkin Seeds

Remove the seeds from the pumpkin, clean and dry them.

Arrange them on a pan, drizzle olive oil and salt on them.

Bake @ 350 for about 30 minutes or until golden. Turn them over several times while baking them.

Add spices like garlic or chilli powder for an interesting flare!

Pumpkin Facial

3 TBSP. pumpkin (canned or peeled)

3 TBSP. pineapple (canned or fresh)

Puree these ingredients.

Add clay or honey. Mix to desired consistency.

Add a drop of your favorite essential oil!

Leave on for at least 10 minutes!