‘Pumpkin and Cascara Combination Tea'

• Composition Pumpkin, Witch hazel, Culver's root, Mullein, Cascara sagrada, Slippery elm, Wild Violet leaf, Marshmallow.

• Properties Anthelmintic, Laxative, Antiseptic, Vulnerary

• General description

Pumpkin and Cascara combination is used to eliminate worms and parasites from the digestive tract.  The herbs are anthelmintic, are purgative, shrink inflamed tissues and are antiseptic.

Chinese herbalists would describe this herbal combination as a metal enhancing formula.  It also enhances the earth and fire elements while reducing the wood and water elements.

Pumpkin and Cascara combination has traditionally been used to treat worms, parasites, irregular bowel movements, and food cravings.

This formula is commonly used in conjunction with the vitamin C family, zinc, echinacea and germanium.

• Imbalances: indicating the use of this formula are commonly noted in the colon acupressure point located approximately four inches to the right of the navel.  Imbalances are often noted surrounding the nerve wreaths around each pupil.  Use caution in cases of high fevers.

• Individual Components

—Pumpkin seed— contains bitter compounds that are anthelmintic and antiseptic. It is an excellent herbal source of zinc.  Pumpkin has been used to treat intestinal worms, parasites and dysmenorrhea.

—Culver's root— contains bitter compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, especially bile, are laxative and emetic.  It has been used to treat indigestion, constipation, liver congestion and gallstones.  

 —Cascara sagrada bark— is perhaps the most famous herbal laxative.  It contains bitter compounds that increase peristalsis, are purgative, increase the release of bile and promote the growth of friendly colonic bacteria.  Cascara is used to treat constipation, dyspepsia, liver congestion, gallstones, hemorrhoids, jaundice and intestinal parasites.

—Violet leaf— contains bitter compounds that increase the production and release of bile, decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids and increase the flow of urine.  It has been used to treat jaundice, inflammatory skin conditions, gout and pleurisy.

—Digenia herb— contains mucilaginous compounds that are anthelmintic, soothe inflamed tissues, absorb toxins from the bowel and give bulk to the stool. It is an excellent source of sodium, calcium, magnesium and iodine.  Digenia has been used to treat intestinal worms and parasites, colitis and ulcers.

—Witch hazel bark— contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues, stop bleeding and are antiseptic.  It has been used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, burns and insect bites.

—Mullein leaves— contains mucilaginous compounds that decrease the thickness and increase the production of mucosal fluids.  These compounds also soothe inflamed tissue.  Mullein also contains aromatic compounds that increase the flow of urine.  The herb has been used to treat bronchitis, coughs, colds, hay fever, dysuria, nephritis and sinus congestion.

—Slippery elm bark— contains mucilaginous compounds that decrease the thickness while increasing the production of mucosal fluids.  These compounds soothe inflamed tissue, decrease bowel transit time and absorb toxins from the bowel.  It also contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues.  Slippery elm has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, colitis, coughs, weak digestion and inflammatory bowel disease.

—Marshmallow root— Aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus.  Soothes and heals skin, mucous membranes, and other tissues, externally and internally.  Good for bladder infection, digestive upsets, fluid retention, headache, intestinal disorders, kidney problems, sinusitis, and sore throat.

—Vitamin C—- is an antioxidant that is required for at least three hundred metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums.  It also aids in the production of antistress hormones and interferon, an important immune system protein, and is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma.  It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity.  Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.  It can combine with toxic substances, such as certain heavy metals, and render them harmless so that they can be eliminated from the body.

—Zinc— Is important in prostate gland function and the growth of the reproductive organs, acne, promotes a healthy immune system and healing of wounds. Zinc also enhances acuity of taste and smell.  It protects the liver from chemical damage and is vital for bone formation.  It is a constituent of insulin and many vital enzymes, including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (COD).  It also helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals in other ways.

—Echinacea— Fights inflammation and bacterial and viral infection.  Stimulates certain white blood cells.  Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system.  Useful for allergies, colic, colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses.  

• —References— “Medical Herbalism” The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine By – David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; ISBN: 0-89281-749-6 Copyright 2003

• —References— “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen; ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

• —References— “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Fourth Edition a practical A to Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements By – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; ISBN: 1-58333-236-7 Copyright 2006

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• Recipe:  Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Pumpkin seeds, culver's root, cascara sagrada bark, violet leaf, Digenia, witch hazel, mullein leaves, slippery elm bark. Marshmallow root. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.

• Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Pumpkin seeds, culver's root, cascara sagrada bark, violet leaf, Digenia, witch hazel, mullein leaves, slippery elm bark. Marshmallow root and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Echinacea or germanium]. Steep 5 to 10 minute add honey.

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Generated on February 27, 2009

Updated on October 14, 2009