Pumpkin

Botanically it is known as Cucurbita maxima. The quick-growing, small-fruited bush or non-trailing varieties of C. pepo are called squash in America, while the long-season, long-trailing, large-fruited varieties are called pumpkin in India or other tropical countries.

The fruits are large, generally 4 to 8 kg in weight; usually white, oblong, round or elongated in shape. The largest variety may weigh 30 kg or more. Pumpkins are commonly grown in North America, Great Britain, Europe and India, for human food and also for livestock feed. The rind is removed and the pulp is cooked. The seeds are small, white and flat and lie in rows within the fruit. The fruit and seeds are used for medicinal purposes. The fruit juice is often applied as beauty aid.

Pumpkins contain vitamins A, B, C and G and minerals. Pumpkin juice is very useful in cases of sun­stroke, heat-stroke, acidity, and liver troubles. It keeps the body cool during hot summer months.

Benefit and uses of Pumpkin.

• Pumpkin juice is often applied externally on the face to remove dirt, black spots, and to make the skin soft and lovely.
• Pumpkin juice with water is very useful in case of cataract. It is to be applied locally.
• White patches on the skin can be easily removed by applying pumpkin flower juice several times daily.
• This disease can be cured by gargling with roasted pumpkin juice.
• Roasted pumpkin juice is a household remedy for acidity.
• The fruit juice is very useful in piles and fistula.
• Pumpkin seeds are usually prescribed in prostate gland disorders.
• Pumpkin seeds are very useful in removing tapeworm.
• Pumpkin fruits offer an inexhaustible source of vigour and vitality to the body. They are very rich in phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and B, calcium, protein and fat. They have some nutritional effects on male sex organs and thereby makes them strong and healthy. They are very good in case of impotency or sterility.