PUMPKIN CUCURBITA PEPO
The seed is cooling and of the nature of the Melon.
An annual creeper with stems up to 30 feet (9 m) long, furnished with large claspers. The leaves are large and rough like Melons. The flowers are large like yellow Lilies in colour. The fruit is very large and contains white, flattish seeds.
Where to find it: Dunghills.
Flowering time: Midsummer. The fruit is ripe in autumn.
Astrology: Under the dominion of the Moon.
Medicinal virtues: It is rarely used in medicine except in the making of emulsions.
Modern uses: The seeds, bruised and liquidised in water, form an emulsion which is used to expel tapeworms. An infusion of the seeds is useful against catarrh and as a demulcent for the bowels and urinary tract when there is irritation. The seed contains anti-tumour properties, and is particularly suitable for the treatment of enlarged prostate. Pumpkin seeds are incorporated in many patent remedies available from health stores. |