Traditional methods of treating pumpkin leaves: how to use them in the fight against diseases

Benefit pulp and pumpkin seeds is undeniable. Did you know that pumpkin leaves are no less healthy? They are used both in cooking for preparing dishes and in folk medicine to treat pathologies of internal organs. In the article we will talk about the beneficial properties and contraindications, chemical composition and methods of using pumpkin tops.

Composition and beneficial properties of pumpkin leaves

In pumpkin, not only the pulp, peel, seeds, but also green tops. Its rich chemical composition has a beneficial effect on the human body and helps prevent the development of serious diseases.

Vitamins and microelements

Pumpkin leaves contain:

• vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• iron
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• manganese;
• copper;
• selenium;
• phosphorus;
• zinc.

Reference. There is more vitamin C in pumpkin tops than in the pulp.

Beta carotene has powerful effect on the human body: prevents the development of cancer, destroys viruses and bacteria.

Vitamin A normalizes vision, strengthens the skeletal system, tooth enamel, promotes rapid healing of skin damage and deep wounds.

B vitamins prolong youth, tone the body. Regulate the functioning of the central nervous system, relax nerve channels. Substances participate in metabolic processes and help lose weight.

Vitamin C Boosts immunity, synthesizes new cells, fights infections.

Vitamin E promotes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improves the condition of hair and skin.

Folic acid indispensable during pregnancy - it is necessary for the development of the neural tube of the fetus.

Microelements as part of pumpkin tops they help fight diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. They normalize blood circulation and cleanse the body of toxic substances.

Organic acids normalize the acid-base balance, the digestion process, and break down fat cells.

Fruit sugar – an indispensable product for diabetics. Allows you to balance blood sugar levels.

Cellulose regulates the digestive tract, improves intestinal motility, helps remove toxins from the body faster.

KBZHU

The calorie content of pumpkin leaves is only 9 kcal per 100 grams.

Nutrients:

• fats – 0.40 g;
• proteins – 3.15;
• carbohydrates – 2.33 g.

The leaves contain 92.88 g of water and 1.24 g of ash.

Use in folk medicine

Few people know about the medicinal properties of pumpkin leaves. Most often, seeds and pulp are used in recipes. In fact, the green part of the melon has many beneficial properties and is used to treat the genitourinary, endocrine, and immune systems.

Cancer treatment

Attention! Treatment of any cancer should occur exclusively under the supervision and approval of an oncologist. Uncontrolled use of “traditional medicine” can lead to irreversible consequences!

Pumpkin tops are also used in the treatment of cancer. Phenols, chlorophyll, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and glycosides are antioxidants that have a powerful impact on cancer cells.

The antitumor effect is achieved by binding and removing free radicals and slowing down oxidative processes. For treatment, decoctions and infusions are used, consumed raw and in salads.

Fighting cramps

Compresses based on a decoction of pumpkin leaves relieve joint pain and eliminate cramps in the lower extremities that develop as a result of stagnation of venous blood. To do this, dry crushed leaves are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. The proportions are arbitrary.

Increased fertility

Pumpkin leaves also help with fertility problems. They are useful for both women and men.

Infusions and decoctions of pumpkin tops:

• normalize hormonal levels;
• stimulate sperm production;
• normalize ovarian function;
• prepare eggs for fertilization.

Diabetes control

Decoctions of pumpkin leaves help control blood glucose levels for people suffering from diabetes. Ethyl acetate and polysaccharides act as an antidiabetic agent.

Since diabetes causes metabolic disorders, traditional healers advise taking tinctures of pumpkin leaves and flowers. To do this take:

• 3 tbsp. pumpkin inflorescences and leaves;
• 3 tbsp. licorice root;
• 2 tbsp. rowan fruit;
• 2 tbsp. l. dried seaweed.

The components are crushed, mixed, placed in a jar and poured into 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for two hours, then filter and take ¼ cup several times a day.

Boosting immunity

Ascorbic acid helps increase the body's defenses during the cold season. In order to prevent influenza and ARVI, it is recommended to take 200 ml of freshly squeezed juice of the leaves.

Skin and hair health

Compresses based on pumpkin tops help cure:

• acne;
• furunculosis;
• eczema;
• skin ulcers;
• seborrhea;
• burns.

Pumpkin tops juice strengthens hair, improves its growth, moisturizes, makes it smooth and shiny. To prepare, use a meat grinder. Twist the leaves, squeeze out the juice and rub into the roots of your hair.

How to use pumpkin leaves

Pumpkin leaves have a soft texture and good taste. They are added raw to salads, stuffed, pickled, salted, pickled, cooked in soups, and used as a filling for closed pies. Decoctions of pumpkin leaves taste good and smell like spinach.

Before adding the tops to the dish, they must be washed, sorted, damaged and rough parts removed, and scalded with boiling water. The leaves are often used by vegetarians, adding them to porridges, bread dough, vegetable cutlets, and cold soups.

How to store

The collection of pumpkin leaves for further storage begins in the summer. Most often, the tops of large-leaved species are cut off. Before frost hits, the remaining leaves are removed.

Drying tops is not easy because they contain a large amount of moisture. For this purpose, use the scorching rays of the sun, an oven or a gas stove. Linen bags, glass or plastic containers are used to store dry leaves.

Pumpkin leaves are suitable for fermentation due to their high sugar content.

Contraindications

Pumpkin leaves have no contraindications and are well tolerated by the body. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur. If the melon is grown in environmentally friendly conditions and has not been treated with chemicals, the tops can be used for food without fear. But it is not advisable to consume pumpkin fruits and seeds when stomach ulcer, diabetes mellitus and gastritis.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a waste-free product. The pulp, green leaves, and flowers are used for food. The benefits of tops lie in their rich chemical composition and therapeutic effect. Fresh green shoots will be an excellent addition to dishes; infusions and decoctions will help improve the condition of diseases of the internal organs.