Seasonal Herbs--Thanksgiving

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Lets start with one of the most commonly used foods this season--pumpkin!


Pumpkin Panacea - David Christopher M.H.

When Europeans discovered America they found a plethora of new flora. We have mentioned the importance of the discovery of the capsicum family in previous issues, and everyone knows about the discovery of corn and how it has benefited mankind. Another great find was the discovery of the family of squash. Pumpkin is a Native American squash that is so popular that it is now grown on all continents except Antarctica. Many consider it as a super food with wonderful medicinal qualities. Just one cup supplies 245% of the daily required value for Vitamin A. It also contains good amounts of the B complex, Vitamin C, K, and with the seeds it contains the full spectrum of vitamin E (alpha, delta and gama-Tocopherols plus the newly
discovered Tocomonoenols). It is also a good source of Copper (14%), Iron (10%), and contains Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium and Zinc. The seeds also contain Zinc at the rate of 10 mg. per 3.5 oz. Just the color of pumpkins would indicate a high Carotene content, having both Carotene A (amounting to 515 mcg.) and Carotene B (3100 mcg.) Other phyto-nutrients include Crypto-xanthin B (2145 mcg.) and Lutein-zeaxanthin (1500mcg.) All excellent for good eyesight, a healthy heart and wrinkle free skin.

Pumpkins are high in nutrients and also high in fiber but low in calories, making them a good food for weight loss. While losing weight with pumpkin one might also notice a reduction in hay fever symptoms, migraines and earaches. The cold mashed up pulp has been used to counter burns and the leaves have been used to reduce the swelling in sprains, lower fevers, cure diarrhea, and ward off cancer.

The seeds are remarkable. The consumption of the seeds reduces prostate enlargement and reduces the possibility of prostate cancer. The seeds have been used for kidney problems, including kidney stones, for gout, edema and even getting rid of tape worms. Another miracle: the seed oil reduces symptoms of female hormone insufficiency.
We would all benefit by eating more of this wonderful squash. Pumpkins aren’t just for carving and smashing.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. He
also co-hosts the popular radio show "A Healthier You" and is a popular international teacher
and lecturer.

OBTAINED FROM: http://herballegacy.com/Pumpkin%20Panacea.pdf


Please share any information on foods or herbs that you use this time of hear. Feel free to share any favorite recipes and tell us the health benefits of the foods and herbs in mixed in it.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Here is a recipe for you in time for the holidays. Puts a wonderful smell through the house, tastes great and is full of healthy stuff.

A couple of years ago I found fresh cranberries on the cheap at an Asian grocery. On impulse I bought two bags. When Thanksgiving came I bought a box of clementines, those little tangerines and made this recipe:

                             Cranberry Orange Compote

2 12oz bags fresh cranberries

small bag or box of clementines

orange juice

cinnamon sticks

cloves or ginger if desired

Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that don't look good, then put them in a crock pot or heavy, deep pan and set on low heat. Peel, section and de-seed 6 to 8 of the clementines, then add to the pot. If you like it sweeter add more clementine sections. Break three long cinnamon sticks in half and add to the pot. Then add orange juice to cover it all. Let it slow cook at least an hour , making sure the flavors blend. You can cook it longer and break down the fruit more and it will get sweeter, that's why I used my crock pot. You could add powdered ginger and cloves or fresh ginger slices and whole cloves in a bag or tea egg. I love cloves but I don't like biting down on small hard things in my food. If the liquid gets to low add more juice or a little water. 

It makes a lot so after the holiday I added it to the leftover brown bread my friend brought and made a great bread pudding! I drained off the excess liquid and stuck it in the fridge first. One night my throat was scratchy and I heated the juice up with a spoonful of honey. Worked like a charm. I guess that should be worked like a potion.