We're here for the Pumpkins!

Oh my gosh there’s a chill in the air, the earth smells like clove, and the leaves are changing. I don’t care if its still 90 degrees five o’ clock in the afternoon, it is fall, it is sweater season, and pumpkins are back! By the power of seasonal lattes, women everywhere are ready to welcome the season! And what better way to express our devotion than with pumpkin everything. We decorate with them, we carve them, we bake with them, we fuel ourselves with specialty coffees and just so we can feel even better for the season, I’m here to shine some light on the medicinal uses this beautiful squash can offer.

Pumpkins have been grown for a couple thousand years. There are many early cultures that cultivated this crop for food and medicine longer than medicinal practice was known. And from their practices research was brought forth to reveal their truths even in the modern age.

Pumpkin oil

has been shown to improve bladder function. Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan that may help with depression as well as reducing risk for kidney stones. And fun history fact, thanks to the Native Americans, the United States Pharmacopoeia came to list pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for parasite elimination from 1863 to 1936 until more effective medicines could be made. Pumpkin is also full of healthy minerals and vitamins including 209% of your daily vitamin A, 37% of your vitamin K, 28% copper, 22% vitamin E, 18% iron, and 10% each of your vitamin D, vitamin C, and potassium all from one cup serving. Now does this mean our favorite coffees will support this? Those are more than likely artificial. But pumpkin pie? Grab your spoon.

So with the power of pumpkins behind us, let us enjoy this new season! Bring on the pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pie, smoothies, lattes! Explore the pumpkin patches! Share with us your jack o’ lantern photos and all the creative ways you like to use pumpkin! And if you’re a pumpkin grower, share with us photos and stories of your prize pumpkins! As always, we’re here for the pumpkins!