Pumpkin seeds, also known as Nan Gua Zi in mandarin, are one of fun snacks for entertaining. In China this is one of good old-fashioned treats for small get-together, especially when friends chat over a cup of tea. Homemade pumpkin seeds become less common these days. Instead, people tend to buy them from the grocery. Among all those flavors available, the spicy, salted, roast, and bake pumpkin seeds seem gain more popularity. In other words, raw and unsalted pumpkin seed is less favored. However, you may not know the fact that the raw one will provide you with more health benefits and medicinal uses. No wonder as a Chinese herb it is always used in the raw form. And medicinally it is widely used for killing intestinal parasites, preventing prostatic diseases, benefiting pregnant women, protecting gum and alveolar bone in the elderly, improving low milk supply, and so on.

This herb, as its name says, refers to the dried ripe seeds of Cucurbita moschata Duch., which is a member in the family Cucurbitaceae. So, its other names include Semen Cucurbitae Moschatae, Semen Cucurbitae, Cucurbita moschata seed, etc. In China, it is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan. And it is usually harvested and dried in summer and autumn when the fruits are ripe. Medicinally it is used in the raw and powder form. The fresher it is, the better its efficacy will be.

PUMPKIN SEED HEALTH BENEFITS 
The high nutritional value of pumpkin seeds means a lot to the health of human body. They are rich in amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, carotenoids and other nutrients. Long term use of them can not only prevent the occurrence of kidney stones, but also promote the discharge of persistent stone.

They are rich in two major nutrients that are important to the health of gingiva and alveolar bone. Firstly, they contain plenty of phosphorus. To be specific, every 100g seeds contain about 1159mg phosphorus. And the loss of phosphorus is believed to be the main reason for alveolar bone atrophy in the elderly. Secondarily, they are rich in carotene and vitamin E, which can directly nourish the gums, and thus prevent gum atrophy.

In recent years, nutrition experts point out that pumpkin seeds are actually one of the best snacks for man. Research shows that prostate enlargement and prostatic hyperplasia are bound to happen when men lack zinc in their blood. Since mineral zinc is the required element in the synthesis of male androgen, normally its content in the prostate is much higher than in other body organs. That's the reason why eating them on daily basis can relieve the symptoms of urgent urination, urinary frequency, dysuria, urinary incontinence, and nocturia.

Pumpkin Seeds

SAMPLE PUMPKIN SEED RECIPES IN HERBAL REMEDIES 
The Chinese Materia Medica believes that it is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature and it goes to meridian large intestine. Basic functions are killing parasites, promoting breast milk supply, and inducing diuresis to alleviate edema. Main pumpkin seed uses and indications include teniasis, Ascariasis, bilharziasis, ancylostomiasis, enterobiasis, lack of milk production in new mom, hand and foot swelling after delivery, pertussis, and Hemorrhoids. Recommended dosage is from 30 to 60 grams in decoction, powder, or emulsions.

1. According to Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Ying Yong (Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Herbs), pumpkin seed oil or emulsion can expel tapeworms.

2. According to Min Dong Ben Cao (Eastern Fujian Materia Medica), it combines with boiled water and honey or sugar to make paste to get rid of roundworm.

3. According to Yang Fang Xuan Ji (Proved Recipes Selection), it mixes sugar with water to cure schistosomiasis;

4. According to Jiang Xi Zhong Yi Yao (Jiangxi Chinese Medicine & Medicinals) (8):20,1953, its power is taken after mixed with brown sugar soup to treat pertussis.