Pumpkins: Uses, Medicinal, Synonyms, Effects, and Side Effects

Pumpkin originally came from Central and South America, but the plant is cultivated worldwide today. This has resulted in varieties in which the seeds have a very soft shell or no shell at all, which means that shelling is no longer necessary. In this country, the seeds are mainly imported from Eastern European countries and Mexico.

Pumpkin seeds in herbal medicine

In herbal medicine, the ripe, dried seeds (Cucurbitae semen) or the seed oil are used.

Pumpkin pulp is often used in soups and pies. Ornamental gourds are unsuitable for consumption due to the higher content of bitter substances.

 

Pumpkin: unique characteristics of the plant

The annual pumpkin develops climbing tendrils up to 10 m long, with which it spreads flat on the ground. The five-lobed leaves are huge and hairy. The plant also bears large, funnel-shaped yellow flowers.

The most characteristic, however, is the vast, yellow-green or orange spherical fruits containing numerous flat seeds. From a botanical point of view, the fruits represent berries.

Properties of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are greenish to brownish, oval, flat-topped, growing to about 7-15mm long. They are round at one end and pointed at the other.

To a certain extent, the seeds of other pumpkin species, such as Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita mixta, are also used in herbal medicine.

The seeds do not give off any particular smell. The taste of pumpkin seeds is oily and slightly sweet.

Pumpkin – application

The prostate (prostate gland) in men lies tightly against the urethra. Since a benign enlargement usually originates from the inner part of the organ, it can lead to the narrowing of the urethra. Problems that arise, such as urinary problems, bladder emptying disorders, and irritable bladder, can be effectively treated with pumpkin seeds.

However, the seeds should only be taken for symptoms caused by stage I and II prostate hyperplasia.

Pumpkin seeds: used in folk medicine and homoeopathy

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds are used to strengthen and strengthen bladder function. In folk medicine, pumpkin seeds have been used since the Middle Ages to treat kidney and bladder problems and irritable bladder. Pumpkin is also suitable as an anthelmintic, especially for tapeworms and dishworms, and for faster wound healing.

In homoeopathy, pumpkin seeds are used for vomiting, among other things.

 

Constituents of Pumpkin

Pumpkin seed oil contains fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid. Other essential active ingredients are phytosterols, trace elements such as selenium and manganese, carotenoids, vitamin E, tocopherols, cucurbitin, amino acids and magnesium salts.

The exact composition of the ingredients varies depending on the type of pumpkin. The flesh of the pumpkins is particularly rich in vitamins and minerals.

Pumpkin: For what indication?

Areas of application for the medicinal use of pumpkin seeds are:

• Repeatedly
• Benign enlargement of the prostate
• Benigne Prostatahyperplasie
• BPH
• Discomfort when urinating
• bladder emptying disorders
• urinary problems

Pumpkin – dosage

Pumpkin seeds can be taken directly in whole or ground form. For therapeutic purposes, 1-2 tablespoons (1 tablespoon corresponds to 10 g) of the chewed or ground pumpkin seeds should be taken with some liquid in the morning and evening. Hard-shelled roots should be peeled first.

Pumpkin for prostate and bladder

Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are also in many finished medicinal products for treating irritable bladder and prostate. Pumpkin seed extracts can also be taken with other suitable herbal remedies (saw palmetto, stinging nettles) for problems with the prostate and bladder.

 

Pumpkin seeds: average daily dose

Unless otherwise prescribed, the average daily dose is 10-30 g of the seeds. Experience has shown that pumpkin seeds should be taken over weeks and months to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Are you making pumpkin seeds as tea?

There is no need to prepare tea since pumpkin seeds are not suitable for taking in the form of tea.

 

Who shouldn’t use pumpkin seeds?

When taking pumpkin seeds, there are no known side effects, contraindications or interactions with other substances. In sporadic cases, a cross-allergy with zucchini can occur.

Instructions for using pumpkin seeds

The symptomatic therapy of benign enlargement of the prostate should be carried out under close medical supervision since pumpkin seeds can alleviate the symptoms. Still, it cannot stop the growth of the prostate.

Pumpkin seeds should be stored dry, cool and protected from light.

Pumpkin synonyms

German plant name: pumpkin

German synonyms of the plant: Garden Squash, Garden Squash, Vegetable Squash, Common Squash, Rock Gourd, Oil Squash, Hercules Mace

Latin plant name: Cucurbita pepo L.

Latin synonyms of the plant: Squash squash

German drug name: pumpkin seed

German synonyms of the drug: Hercules seeds, pepon seeds, Plutzer seeds, pumpkin seeds, Babenkern, Jonaskern, Plumperskern, Kürwessam

Latin drug name: Pumpkin seed

Latin synonyms of the drug: Pumpkin seed, Pumpkin seed, Watermelon seed

English word: Pumpkin seed (Droge); Pumpkin, Field pumpkin, Naked-seeded pumpkin, Pumpkin, Courgettes, Marrow, Vegetable marrow, Custard marrow, Squash, Acorn squash, Delicata squash, Summer squash, Spaghetti squash, Bitter bottle gourd (Pflanze)

Plant family Latin: Cucurbitaceae

Plant family German: cucurbits

 

Pumpkin – effect

The sterols are probably primarily responsible for the alleviating effect on the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. These are intended to inhibit the binding and production of certain hormones that accelerate prostate growth.

Other Effects of Pumpkin Seeds

• The bladder-strengthening effects of pumpkin seeds are primarily attributed to tocopherols, which strengthen muscles and connective tissue.
• The selenium it contains has anti-inflammatory properties.
• The components of pumpkin seeds also appear to have water-carrying (diuretic) and antimicrobial effects.
• Cucurbitin is also said to be effective against tapeworms.

 

Pumpkin: interactions and side effects

When taking pumpkin seeds, there are no known side effects, contraindications or interactions with other substances. In sporadic cases, a cross-allergy with zucchini can occur.