Full Moon. Super Moon. Moon in Aries. My Dad and Mother-in-law’s birthdays. There’s a lot going on today, ha! This full moon is ushering in some big energy and I figured what better plant to highlight than one that is making itself bigly known this month - Pumpkin.
Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) are truly a gift from Mama Earth. They come in hundreds of varieties, cultivars, and shapes; all of which bring smiles to faces and have been important food crops for thousands of years. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants pumpkins serve the body in myriad ways. They are so much more than just a pie filling!
Medicinally, it is the seeds that shine the brightest. Pumpkin seeds have a special affinity for the prostate. By age 50 it is estimated that four out of five humans with a prostate will develop benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. This common condition impacts the urethra and can impact quality of life. Enter pumpkin seeds! High in phytosterols, pumpkin seeds block the enzyme that fuels prostate swelling. Multiple studies have shown that pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are complimentary and effective treatment for BPH - decreasing frequency of urination and improving urinary flow rate. Just say no to dribbling!
You need look no further than your own neighborhood to understand how pumpkins have been used magically. They have a long history of being carved into faces that ward off evil spirits. More than just a jack-o-lanterns though, pumpkin is also associated with money and abundance. They are believed to bring sweetness into your life.
So, I invite you to ‘grab a gourd’ this Full Moon. Bring that pumpkin love into your kitchen, your apothecary, and carved by your front door!
For more information on the medicinal benefits of pumpkin I recommend the book, Healing Spices, by Dr. Bharat Aggarwal. You can also plug in pumpkin seed to National Library of Medicine at pubmed.gov
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