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Pumpkin Seed
Cucurbita moschata, NAN GUA ZI
The pumpkin, nan gua zi (south
melon seed) is also called jin gua mi (gold melon seed) or nan gua ren
(south melon kernel). It is an annual vine. The fruit is like a flattened
globe or a ball, with a diameter of 200-800mm, there is a wide disparity in
size and appearance. The outer surface is golden yellow or ochre yellow.
The flesh is slightly sweet. In the centre is a juicy part containing the
seeds. The seeds are a flattened egg shape and thin, about 20 mm long and
pale yellow. The kernels are cream or white. They have a pleasant fragrance
and slightly sweet flavour. Their nature is warm. The seeds can eliminate
internal parasites, and benefit the intestines.
The seeds contain protein, oil, amino acids, orease, enzymes, vitamins B1,
B2, C, carotene, etc.
APPLICATIONS
1. TAPEWORMS; ROUNDWORMS. Take 60 grams of dry seeds, discard the shells and
add 30 grams of sugar and an appropriate amount of water. Grind into a paste
and eat on an empty stomach. Do this once a day for 3 successive days.
2. SNAIL FEVER; SCHISTOSOMIASIS. Take dry seeds and stir-fry till fragrant.
Discard the shells and grind to a fine powder. 2-3 times a day take 30
grams, mix with sugar and water and drink. Do this for 15 days as a single
treatment.
3. WHOOPING COUGH IN SMALL CHILDREN. Take some seeds and stir-fry till the
skins begin to scorch black. Discard the shells and grind to a fine powder.
Take 1-1½ grams mixed with sugar and water, 3-4 times a day.
4. NURSING MOTHERS, LACK OF MILK. Take 30 grams of fresh seeds or 18 grams
of dry seeds. Discard the shells and add 30 grams of sugar and a little
boiled water. Grind into a paste. Mix with boiled water when serving. Take
some in the morning and again in the evening daily 3-5 days.
5. HAEMORRHOIDS, BLEEDING AND SORE. Take 1 kilogram of fresh seeds or half a
kilogram of crushed dry seeds. Cover with water and simmer. Wash affected
parts daily 2-3 times for 5-7 days.
6. ANEMIA; MALNUTRITION, WITH YELLOW FACE AND CONSTIPATION. Take one
(Chinese) soup spoon of pumpkin and sesame seed tonic daily, in the morning
and again in the evening.
PREPARATIONS
PUMPKIN AND SESAME SEED TONIC. Take 60 grams of pumpkin seeds and stir-fry
till fragrant. Discard the shells. Take 60 grams of black sesame seeds and
also stir-fry till fragrant. Do the same with 30 grams of fresh peanut
kernels. Add 60 grams of sugar and a little boiled water and grind into a
paste. It is then ready to use.
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