Cucurbita pepo

Cucurbita pepo
Family:Cucurbita pepo; Anthelmintic; Miscellany; Poultice.
Common name:Pumpkin
The pumpkin has been much used as a medicine in Central and North America. It is a gentle and safe remedy for a number of complaints especially as an effective tapeworm remover for children and pregnant women for whom stronger acting and toxic remedies are unsuitable. The seeds are mildly diuretic and vermifuge. The complete seed together with the husk is used to remove tapeworms. The seed is ground into a fine flour then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purgative afterwards in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body. As a remedy for internal parasites the seeds are less potent than the root of Dryopteris felix-mas but they are safer for pregnant women debilitated patients and children. The seed is used to treat hypertrophy of the prostate. The seed is high in zinc and has been used successfully in the early stages of prostate problems. The diuretic action has been used in the treatment of nephritis and other problems of the urinary system. The leaves are applied externally to burns. The sap of the plant and the pulp of the fruit can also be used. The fruit pulp is used as a decoction to relieve intestinal inflammation.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:41 []