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Herbs & Cultures
Image of Squash

Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 263

Cucurbita moschata

Region
Central America and the Caribbean
Origin
North America, South America (Central and northern South America)
Other names
Flespompoen
Traditions
Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions, Folk magic and herbal magic, Maya healing knowledge, Cherokee medicine, Haudenosaunee medicine, Indigenous healing traditions of North America
7 traditionsImage: fr:User:Jeantosti · CC BY-SA 3.0

Food · Central America and the Caribbean

Squash

Cucurbita moschata

Traditionally attributed effects: heart-warming and nourishing for body, mind and soul; good for skin and hair.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)
  • Chinese materia medica: Have a tapeworm treated by your GP.

Preparation

Stewed with ghee, spices, curry leaves and ginger (15–20 min).

Use in traditions

Squash was domesticated in Mexico some 10,000 years ago and is one of the 'three sisters' of the milpa, with maize and beans. Indigenous peoples used the seeds against intestinal worms; roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are still a common snack in Mexico. In Ayurveda pumpkin is eaten as a light, nourishing food. In herbal magic associated with abundance and harmony.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Everyday Ayurveda

Attributed effects

Heart-warming and nourishing for body, mind and soul; good for skin and hair.

Preparation and amount

Stewed with ghee, spices, curry leaves and ginger (15–20 min).

Ways to prepare herbs
Decoction
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