Pepo

Pumpkin-seed

Pumpkin-seed. The seed of Cucurbito pepo Linné (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae).

Actions and Uses

This is one of the most efficient remedies which we possess against taenia. Two ounces of the fresh seed are pounded in a mortar, with a half-pint of water, until the husks are loosened and an emulsion is made. The mixture is then strained, and the whole amount is taken fasting; but Squibb maintains that all should be taken, husks included. If an action of the bowels does not take place in two hours, the emulsion should be followed by castor-oil. If success is not attained, the dose may be repeated each morning until the parasite is produced. Numerous cases of successful use of pumpkin-seed emulsion have been reported.

The expressed oil, which is bland and unirritating, like almond-oil, may be used as a substitute for the seeds. It should be given in the dose of a half-ounce, two or more times, and after several hours followed by castor-oil. The rules already given, in regard to preliminary treatment, should also be followed.

Authorities referred to:

Cobbold, T. Spencer. On Parasites. Also various articles in The Medical Times and Gazette, 1875.

Husemann, Dr. Theodor. Handbuch, op. cit., erster Band, p. 202.

Kohler, Dr. Hermann. Handbuch der physiologische Therapeutik, zweiter Band, p. 1292.

Kuchenmeister, Dr. Frederick. On Animal and Vegetable Parasites, Sydenham Society, vol. i, p. 147, et seq.

StillÉ, Dr. Alfred. Therapeutics and Materia Medica, vol. ii.

Squibb, Dr. Edward. The Ephemeris, 1883.

These remedies are employed chiefly for their action on the genitourinary passages. They stimulate the kidneys to increased activity, and excite the functions of the pelvic viscera. In excessive quantity, or long continued, they may set up inflammation of the kidney, produce strangury and bloody urine, excite uterine contractions, and stimulate to an unnatural degree the sexual propensities. They contain an essential oil, or principle, which makes its exit by the urinary passages and excites local irritation by direct contact.