Cucurbita ficifolia is a perennial, climbing vine that grows to 45 feet in length. Its fruit is oblong and resembles a watermelon. Its flowers are yellow to orange. Other common names include the seven-year melon and the figleaf gourd.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Mexico to Chile, Africa highlands, India, Asia, Philippines, California
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti- aging, vermifuge, detoxifying, and treats sore muscles and diabetes
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
To detoxify, mix 1 teaspoon ground squash
seed or 1/2 teaspoon squash seed extract
with the juice of 1/2 lemon in 12 ounces room- temperature water. This is especially powerful when fasting or on a cleanse. To make a decoction, boil 2 tablespoons squash seeds in
3 cups water for 30 minutes. Drink before meals.
