This is the week that the United States celebrates its national Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time for acknowledging our gratitude to the Native American peoples who helped early settlers survive their first harsh winters with food and herbal medicines.

The holiday brings families and friends together to enjoy each other while feasting on traditional North American dishes such as turkey, cranberries, and pumpkins.

Pumpkins are native to North America and besides being loaded with important nutrition. They support heart health, boost the immune system, regulate the bowels, counter age-related eye issues, as well as help to prevent cancers. Their seeds can also be used as medicine to expel intestinal worms, ease symptoms associated with a swollen prostate, and even improve sperm count and motility.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine pumpkins and their seeds are also used to Calm the Fetus and Promote Lactation.

Have some fun exploring more about pumpkin than you might have known before.

May this week, wherever you live in the world, or whatever country you may be from, provide you with a moment to feel gratitude for those you love and the earth that provides us with so much nutritional and medicinal bounty.

Thank you for your ongoing support,
Happy Thanksgiving

Discover Pumpkin (Nan Gua) and other herbs by visiting our Herb Directory.