Pumpkin – Cucurbita pepo L

PUMPKIN
Cucurbita pepo L

PumpkinPumpkin

Common name: Pumpkin
Latin name: Cucurbita pepo L
Other names: Field Pumpkin, Vegetable Marrow
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Habitat: Native to Central America. Nowadays, it is cultivated in many parts of the world.
Description: Pumpkin plant is an annual, herbaceous plant. It has a flexible, climbing stem, and large, dark-green leaves. Leaves are heart-shaped, with well marked nerves, slightly hairy. Flowers are orange and trumpet-shaped. Fruits are oval to spherical, green or orange in color.
Parts used: Seeds, pulp.
Useful components: Amino acids, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, vitamins A and B, lecithin, calcium, cobalt, boron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron.
Medicinal use: Pumpkin acts as an antirheumatic, demulcent, diuretic, nervine, and  taenifuge. Traditionally, Pumpkin was used to treat kidney problems and intestinal parasites. Today, its internal use is beneficial as a good laxative and diuretic. It has shown to be helpful in treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Used externally, Pumpkin pulp is an excellent emollient, softening dryness of skin. It is useful in treatments of pimples, spots, freckles and burns. Pumpkin plant also acts as a good immune booster, containing great amount of vitamins A, C and glycine.
Safety: Some herbs could react with certain medication. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption of any herb.

Next herb: Purple Loosestrife

Previous herb: Pomergranate