~Health Tip Tuesdays~ Pumpkin Seeds

~Health Tip Tuesdays~

Pumpkin Seeds!

I have not had pumpkin seeds in such a long time! But I have been reading about them lately, and I have already decided to grow some pumpkins this year, mainly for the seeds! (I will also save some of the seeds for planting next year if they grow well).

So how good are pumpkin seeds for you?

Well here is some of the info I have found and combined just for you!

From Rebecca Wood:

"The seeds from pumpkins, or any other variety of winter squash, make a healthy and tasty snack. They're protein rich and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin A.

Commercially available green pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have had their fibrous white hull removed. To hull your home-prepared seeds, crack each seed individually between your teeth, discard the hull and savor the tender kernel.

It's faster to crunch and swallow the seeds and hulls together. This, incidentally, is a home remedy for expelling pinworms or other intestinal parasites. As the seed and hull pass through your digestive tract, the seed is assimilated and the fibrous, indigestible hull gently scours out unwelcome guests.

To roast pumpkin seeds place them on a lightly buttered cookie sheet and add a pat of butter and a dash of cinnamon or curry powder and salt. Bake for about 15 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven, stirring once, until the seeds are aromatic and lightly browned."

For Parasites and Worms Herbal Legacy says:

"A simple herbal aid for a mild case of worms is to use pumpkin seeds (Cucurbitaceae). It is best when fresh seeds are used. To make the infusion, steep one ounce of crushed seeds for fifteen to twenty minutes in a pint of boiling hot water. Dosage: One teacupful or more (up to one pint daily), six days a week for one to three weeks. Also eat one to two ounces of the pumpkin seeds each day. [HHH p.124]

Another "Seed" Aid is to Combine the Following:

1 part pumpkin seeds, crushed (Cucurbitaceae)
1 part watermelon seeds, crushed (Citrullus vulgaris)
1 part cucumber seeds, crushed (Cucumis sativus)

Dosage: Take one pint of emulsion (two ounces of seeds triturated in honey and distilled water) in doses at two hour intervals; or take one to two tablespoons of the crushed seeds in honey, syrup, etc., in three doses at two hour intervals.

The patient should fast during this treatment, then take an appropriate cathartic several hours after the last dosage such as senna tea or preferably the lower bowel formula [Fen LB]. Use this procedure at least three days in a row. [HHH p.124]".

By the way, is case you are wondering "[HHH p.124]" means that the quote is from Dr. Christopers book, "Herbal Home Health Care". I Highly recommend this book to everyone!

From: REJUVENATE YOUR LIFE: Recipes for Energy by Serene Allison

"ZINC BUILDER MILK

3/4 - 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
3 cups distilled water
1 scant TBS. of honey or pure maple syrup
Optional-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Blend until creamy and frothy."

And here is a trea from the Bulk Herb Store:

"Smoothies/Blended Drinks
Basic recipe:
1/2 - 1 c. liquid of choice (apple juice, orange juice, coffee, yogurt, milk, water, etc.)
1 banana, fresh or frozen in 1" pieces
1/4 c. fresh or frozen fruit of choice (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, etc.)
1 Tbls. Chia seeds
1 Tbls. seeds or nuts (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax seeds, soaked almonds or brazil nuts)
Directions:
Blend and serve.The more fruit you add the thicker the drink. With a 1/4 cup of liquid you can create a pudding-like dessert from any fresh fruit and liquid of your choice."


You can buy pumpkin seeds from:

Tropical Traditions,
Natural Zing

And you can buy pumpkin seed oil from
Mountian Rose Herbs!

So pumpkin seeds have essential, unsaturated fatty acids, are loaded with zinc, and are a super food! Wow! Sooo much packed into a seed!
I am really looking forward to using them more and introducing them to my children! =)

God bless your health!
~Hannah