Pumpkins for health and beauty

When the first explorers arrived in America, they discovered the pumpkin vine in the cultivated maize fields of the Native Americans, who used the plant for medicine as well as for food. An emulsion made from a mixture of pumpkin and watermelon seeds served to heal wounds for members of the Yuma tribe. The Catawba tribe ate the fresh or dried seeds as a kidney medicine, while the Menominee tribe drank a mixture of water, powdered squash, and pumpkin seeds to ease the passage of urine. Soon the settlers themselves began to use the ground stems of pumpkin infused as a tea to treat ‘female ills’, and the ripe seeds were made into a preparation to dispel worms.

Today we know that pumpkin seed, aids prostate health in men and bladder health in women. Pumpkin seed extract is now on sale in health food shops and it provides all the valuable nutrients in a highly condensed form.

Home made treatments

Pumpkin makes an excellent facemask ingredient for all skin types, especially environmentally damaged or sensitive skin. Because it is high in vitamins A and C (anti-oxidant) and zinc, the pumpkin soothes, moisturises and acts as a carrier, assisting the other mask ingredients to absorb deeply, intensifying the results of the treatment.

Pumpkin Face Mask

2 teaspoons cooked pureed pumpkin
One-half teaspoon of honey
One-quarter teaspoon milk
Optional Ingredients
For dehydrated skin, add one-quarter teaspoon whipping cream to increase moisturising
For oily or combination skin add one-quarter teaspoon cranberry juice

Directions

Combine the ingredients and apply to your face - avoiding the eye area. Rest and relax for 10-15 minutes while your facemask gently exfoliates, nourishes and conditions your face. Rinse with warm water.

Pumpkins for health and beauty

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