Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health: Pumpkin Seeds Expel Parasites

[Guest guest]

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health: Pumpkin Seeds Expel Parasites

_http://www.naturalnews.com/027875_pumpkin_seeds_parasites.html_

(http://www.naturalnews.com/027875_pumpkin_seeds_parasites.html)

 

 

In ancient China, people used an herb called Nan Gua Zi - pumpkin seeds -

to expel parasites, especially tapeworm and roundworm. Today parasites may

be more of a problem than commonly thought. In Healing With Whole Foods,

Paul Pitchford writes, " Various parasites infect a major percentage of the

population. " (1). He mentions that pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can

proliferate in a weak digestive tract.

 

 

In , pumpkin seeds are considered to have a sweet and

bitter taste, and so influence the Large Intestines and Stomach. Research has

shown that both a decoction (strong tea) and powders of pumpkin seeds have

been effective against tapeworm and other parasites in animals. (2)

 

 

Parasites can often be detected by live blood cell analysis by a trained

technician looking at a drop of live blood under a special microscope. Even

without special analysis, parasites may be suspected in many cases. The

following are symptoms which could indicate parasites:

 

-- general weakness

-- emaciation

-- voracious appetite

-- white coin-sized blotches on the face

-- anal itching (especially at night)

-- nose picking

-- cravings for sweets, dried food, raw rice, dirt, charcoal and burned

food (3)

 

 

Winter squash and pumpkin seeds share the same properties. In addition to

expelling parasites, they are high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. When

next preparing butternut or other squash, save and rinse the seeds. Allow

them to air dry, or toss with olive oil and salt and bake at 350 degrees for

about 20 minutes.

 

 

Pumpkin seeds can also be found in the supermarket. Known as pepitas, they

are hulled and are a green color with a delicate texture and taste. To be

effective against parasites, pumpkin seeds can be eaten regularly in a

variety of ways:

 

-- raw or roasted

 

-- made into tea by boiling 3 cups of water with 2 Tbsp of pumpkin seeds

for 30 minutes

 

-- made into pumpkin seed milk by blending 4 cups of water with one cup of

seeds and straining with a nut milk bag. Sweetener can be added to taste.

 

 

The nutmilk can be used on cereal or as a base for smoothies. The seeds

can be mixed with other nuts and dried fruits to be eaten as a snack. Try

this recipe for a tasty treat:

 

 

Spiced Pistachio and Pumpkin Seeds

 

1 cup raw pistachio nuts (peeled, unsalted)

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), soaked at least four hours and rinsed

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp tamari or nama shoyu

 

Toss all ingredients until well coated. Spread on dehydrator tray and

dehydrate at 105 degrees for 6 hours, until dry. If you don't have a

dehydrator, place on cookie sheet in oven at 250 degrees for a couple hours.

 

 

Footnotes

 

1. Pitchford, p.74

 

2. Gamble and Bensky, p.441

 

3. Pitchford, p.74)

 

 

 

References

 

-- Bensky, Dan and Gamble, Andrew. Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia

Medica. Revised Edition. Eastland Press. Seattle, Washington. 1986.

 

-- Cheng, Xinnong. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Foreign Languages

Press. Beijing. 1987.

 

-- Pitchford, Paul. Healing With Whole Foods. North Atlantic Books.

Berkeley, CA. 1993.