Pumpkin Seed Cucurbita pepo

Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have been used since the time of the Greeks for healing damaged skin including burns and wounds. Pumpkin seed oil is best used cold for salad and vegetable dressings, heat destroys it's healthy properties. The oil is a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals and well as both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The addition of these fatty acids to the diet has been found to increase energy, mental focus and overall vitality.

Traditional uses of pumpkin seeds include treating parasites and worms, bladder infections While it is less reliable than the more toxic remedies such as male fern ( Aspidium filix-mas) and wormwood, it has the great advantage of being entirely safe. ^{(Weiss, Rudolf Fritz M.D.)}

Pumpkin seeds are a heart healthy snack. A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium that is essential for your heart. Having your pumpkin seed snack a few hours before bed will help you get a good nights sleep. The seeds contain the ammino acid tryptophan, the same stuff that makes Thanksgiving turkey such a stupor inducing meal. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, which boots the production of your serotonin levels and promote a restful night's sleep. Round out your night time snack with a small piece of fruit, or mix pumpkin seed powder in applesauce to accelerate the tryptophan levels available to the brain. ³

Pumpkin seed may be best known for addressing prostate problems. The seeds contain a heavy concentration of phytochemicals called cucubitacins that are being studied in benign prostate enlargement. ^{Dr. Duke's Phytochemical Database} While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, The results suggest that the mechanism of efficacy was mainly based on influencing the smooth bladder and prostate muscles. Drugs widely available in Europe for treatment of BPH contain extracts of both C.pepo and S. repens and are considered safe and effective. ^{American Botanical Council - HerbalGram}