AYURVEDIC FOODS

Pumpkin Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Pumpkin: No Bake Paleo Pumpkin Ginger Cookies
Recipes with Pumpkin: No Bake Paleo Pumpkin Ginger Cookies
Pumpkin is best shared among friends and family, as it invites feelings of contentment and relaxation. Soft yet hearty, pumpkin will satisfy your stomach on a cool autumn day. Its mildly sweet taste is undoubtedly comforting. From pumpkin soup to pumpkin pie, this versatile vegetable can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, inviting a warm orange glow to your autumnal dining table. Whether you're visiting a pumpkin patch, carving this year's jack-o-lantern, or sharing a piece of pie on Thanksgiving, pumpkin is at the core of many memorable experiences. Even seeing one conjures images of the autumn harvest and evokes the scents and smells of Halloween.


Sit Back & Relax


Pumpkins have long been utilized as a natural sedative. The earth element predominates pumpkin, making it a heavy, grounding and nutritive ingredient. This earthy quality gives pumpkin its natural relaxant effect and makes it a comforting option in times of stress. Enjoy a steamy bowl of pumpkin soup on a blustery autumn day to bring a sense of calm to a swirling mind or relieve agitated thoughts. Many clients have confirmed the comforting quality of pumpkin. One describes it as, "Very comforting [and] grounding, like a security blanket," while another shares a similar experience, and notes how it was both "physically and mentally" grounding. This mild sedative effect, supported by its magnesium and potassium content, helps reduce tension in the body and relax the muscles. After eating pumpkin, you may feel a little sleepier than normal. This is due to its tryptophan content which encourages sound sleep and balances moods by increasing serotonin. A pinch of nutmeg compliments, and further enhances, the relaxing effect of pumpkin.

Soothe & Protect


The gooey, demulcent qualities of cooked pumpkin coats the digestive tract and acts like a protective barrier to the mucus membranes. This can actually be felt as you swallow the soft pumpkin. As one client describes it, "It felt like it was coating my mouth and insides protectively." Pumpkin is particularly pacifying for Pitta dosha as it is mildly sweet, cool in energy and drying by nature. These attributes of pumpkin give it an anti-inflammatory effect for soothing ulcers, acid reflux, an irritated gut, and in cases of a hot, burning digestive tract. Another client, who regularly experiences a hot digestive tract, reaped the rewards of this Pitta pacifying vegetable and notes, "It felt soothing in my upper GI which is highly acidic and easily aggravated."
Recipes with Pumpkin: Spicy Pumpkin Chai
Recipes with Pumpkin: Spicy Pumpkin Chai

Glowing Skin


The glowing amber hues of pumpkin skin can increase the lustre and glow of your skin too. Pumpkins contain high levels of beta-carotene, a pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their rich orange, yellow and red colors. The body converts this beta-carotene into Vitamin A which benefits the skin, the eyes and balances Pitta dosha. This, along with pumpkin's Vitamin C and E content, plays an essential role in the health, development and maintenance of the skin by minimizing cell damage caused by free radicals and protecting the skin from premature aging, leaving it feeling soft and supple. In Ayurveda, these anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients are recognized as playing an important part of rejuvenation of the body (rasayana) as they help slow down the aging process, enhance longevity and regeneration of cells. The body can also be massaged with pumpkin oil to promote healthy skin.

Light & Satisfying Food for Weight Loss


Don't let the association with rich pumpkin pie skew your vision of this vegetable and its role in weight loss. Even though pumpkin satisfies the stomach, it is light and dry in nature. This means it can be part of a diet supporting weight loss and balancing Kapha dosha. Pumpkin's earthy quality and high fibre content leave you feeling fuller for longer. A client shared this nourishing experience, "I was full for a very long time after eating the pumpkin soup and I really didn't expect this from veggie soup." Even though it is comforting, it feels light in the stomach and has a low calorie content, benefiting weight loss. You can actually experience the lightness of pumpkin for yourself. One client summarized this sensation clearly, "Pumpkin feels heavy and dense when you pick it up... I thought it would be heavy and dense on my tongue. But when you actually eat it, it has a light airy texture."
Recipes with Pumpkin: Pumpkin Waffles with Pecan Maple Syrup
Recipes with Pumpkin: Pumpkin Waffles with Pecan Maple Syrup

Effect on Digestion


For most people, pumpkin can help promote a regular bowel movement by both bulking and softening the stools. Pumpkin's demulcent qualities and soluble fibre content softens stools, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and can relieve constipation. Many of our clients have experienced this action of pumpkin first hand, with one remarking, "I had a large stool after eating pumpkin and felt very relieved." Another noticed how it kept digestion regular, even when going through a period of increased stress. She writes, "Usually during times like this, I either get constipated or have painful, burning elimination. I've noticed that the pumpkin has helped my elimination to stay somewhat normal, despite the extreme stress." Pumpkin's soothing effect is especially helpful for those with inflamed or irritated bowels.

However, not all digestive systems are created equal, and some people, particularly Vata types, can experience gas and constipation as pumpkin is cold and difficult to digest. Perhaps you never even thought about pumpkin as being a cold vegetable until now, and shared the experience with this client, "I never noticed the cool quality in pumpkin. I think this is because I always combine [it] with heating spices which, perhaps, balance out the cold." The cold, dry and light nature of pumpkin can lead to excessive gas for some. As one client noted, "I ate the pumpkin early afternoon, by the time I went to bed around 10.30pm I was extremely gassy." It just so happens that pumpkin pairs perfectly with some warming digestive spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon and cloves. These spices help keep your tummy nice and toasty and dispel the gas that dry pumpkin can create. Vata types can also benefit from adding a little ghee, a pinch of mineral salt and even a squeeze of lemon in savory dishes to improve digestibility and balance the dryness of pumpkin.

About Pumpkin

Soft, sweet, and buttery, pumpkin pie has been my favorite Thanksgiving treat since childhood. I've baked over 8 pumpkin pies this season alone.

Buying & Preparation

Look out for soft patches or discoloration indicating the pumpkin is rotting. Large pumpkins have a lot of water and are less sweet and tasty. Smaller pumpkins are ideal for pumpkin pies. I bake pumpkins for one hour, slice along the creases, and then peel the skin.

Cooking Pumpkin

Boil the pumpkin till soft. Large pumpkins have excess water which must be drained and reduced by boiling before making puree.

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Is Pumpkin Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Pumpkin' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1/2 c

Metabolic Nature of Pumpkin

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

Learn More

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DIFFICULT

ABOUT DIFFICULT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIFFICULT

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Vata aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Bland

BLAND

Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.

SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS


Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Muscle

MUSCLE

Muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu) includes muscles and ligaments.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE' FOODS / HERBS


Family: Cucurbitaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Pumpkin
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Relieves Burning

RELIEVES-BURNING

Herbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-BURNING' FOODS / HERBS

Makes You Tired

MAKES-YOU-TIRED

Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep.

SEE ALL 'MAKES-YOU-TIRED' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Relaxes Eyes

RELAXES-EYES

Eases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.

SEE ALL 'RELAXES-EYES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Relieves Tension

RELIEVES-TENSION

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-TENSION' FOODS / HERBS

Other:
Constituents:
Beta Carotene,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

, Potassium, Sodium, Vitamin A

Foods with a Similar Nature to Pumpkin

Popped Amaranth

Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Alterative, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relieves-tension, Appetite-suppressant, Nutritive, Satisfies-stomach, Muscle-relaxant, Relaxes-eyes

LEARN MORE

Amaranth

Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Satisfies-stomach, Muscle-relaxant, Relaxes-eyes, Alterative, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relieves-tension, Appetite-suppressant, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Poppy Seed

Poppy Seed has these Actions in Common

Makes-you-tired, Relaxes-eyes, Sedative, Muscle-relaxant, Relieves-burning, Appetite-suppressant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relieves-tension

LEARN MORE

Hemp Seed

Hemp Seed has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Makes-you-tired, Nutritive, Sedative, Muscle-relaxant, Relaxes-eyes

LEARN MORE

Beets

Beets has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Relaxes-eyes, Alterative, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Livotonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Oats / Oatmeal

Oats / Oatmeal has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Sedative, Appetite-suppressant, Relieves-burning, Makes-you-tired, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Acai

Acai has these Actions in Common

Livotonic, Relaxes-eyes, Alterative, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Appetite-suppressant, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Sorghum Flour

Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

Relaxes-eyes, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Nutritive, Sedative, Livotonic

LEARN MORE

Beer

Beer has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Makes-you-tired, Satisfies-stomach, Muscle-relaxant, Sedative

LEARN MORE

Potato

Potato has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Makes-you-tired, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Sedative

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Pumpkin

Self Massage

Self Massage has these Actions in Common

Relaxes-eyes, Relieves-tension, Sedative, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Relieves-burning, Relieves-tension, Sedative

LEARN MORE

Gokshura

Gokshura has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Relieves-tension, Sedative, Alterative, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Relieves-tension, Sedative, Alterative, Muscle-relaxant

LEARN MORE

Shirodhara Treatment

Shirodhara Treatment has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Relieves-tension, Sedative

LEARN MORE

California Poppy

California Poppy has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relaxes-eyes, Relieves-tension, Sedative

LEARN MORE

Kava Kava

Kava Kava has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relieves-tension, Sedative, Makes-you-tired

LEARN MORE

Shatavari

Shatavari has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Relaxes-eyes, Relieves-burning, Relieves-tension

LEARN MORE

Licorice Ghee (9oz)

Licorice Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

Relieves-burning, Alterative, Livotonic, Nutritive, Relaxes-eyes

LEARN MORE

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

Relaxes-eyes, Relieves-burning, Alterative, Livotonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Pitta Shirodhara Oil

Pitta Shirodhara Oil has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Relaxes-eyes, Relieves-tension

LEARN MORE

Impact of Pumpkin

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Pumpkin affect your temperature?

0
11
11
5
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your ear temperature?

0
26
1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your sweat quantity?

0
3
23
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your skin?

1
2
0
0
24
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your tongue body?

4
5
1
17
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
1
25
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your appetite/hunger?

3
16
3
5
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your digestion speed?

0
9
9
8
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

TOXINS

How did Pumpkin affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
8
13
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your stool smell?

0
3
19
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
4
16
5
2
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your tongue coating?

8
0
2
4
13
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your throat soreness?

1
24
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your urine smell?

0
2
25
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
1
23
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your sweat smell?

0
1
24
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your acne?

1
25
1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your freckles/moles?

0
27
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
1
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
26
No Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of the lower eye lid?

1
0
26
0
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

HYDRATION

How did Pumpkin affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
5
19
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the dryness of your skin?

8
2
17
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

2
25
0
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the cracks on your tongue?

1
2
19
5
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Pumpkin affect your ear pressure?

3
23
1
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your congestion?

6
20
1
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

4
21
2
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Pumpkin affect your energy levels?

2
10
10
5
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your muscle tension?

1
8
12
6
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your anxiety?

0
14
9
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the stillness of your tongue?

8
17
2
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

DIGESTION

How did Pumpkin affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
8
13
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your appetite/hunger?

3
16
3
5
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

1
5
20
1
0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your digestion speed?

0
9
9
8
1
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

TONGUE

How did Pumpkin affect the stillness of your tongue?

8
17
2
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
4
16
5
2
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the cracks on your tongue?

1
2
19
5
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your tongue body?

4
5
1
17
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your tongue coating?

8
0
2
4
13
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
1
25
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

STOOL

How did Pumpkin affect your stool smell?

0
3
19
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your stool consistency?

0
12
5
10
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your stool frequency/quantity?

1
7
10
7
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your stool color?

3
1
0
6
17
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your stool lightness?

0
6
15
6
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

URINE

How did Pumpkin affect your urine smell?

0
2
25
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your urine lightness?

0
4
22
1
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
5
19
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
1
23
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your urine clarity?

0
25
2
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

SWEAT

How did Pumpkin affect your sweat smell?

0
1
24
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your sweat quantity?

0
3
23
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

SKIN

How did Pumpkin affect the dryness of your skin?

8
2
17
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your skin?

1
2
0
0
24
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your freckles/moles?

0
27
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your acne?

1
25
1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

EYE

How did Pumpkin affect the color of the lower eye lid?

1
0
26
0
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

2
25
0
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
1
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
26
No Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

ENT

How did Pumpkin affect your congestion?

6
20
1
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your ear pressure?

3
23
1
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your throat soreness?

1
24
2
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

4
21
2
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your ear temperature?

0
26
1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

SYSTEMIC

How did Pumpkin affect your anxiety?

0
14
9
4
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your temperature?

0
11
11
5
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your energy levels?

2
10
10
5
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your muscle tension?

1
8
12
6
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

HEART

How did Pumpkin affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0
0
27
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your heart rate?

0
6
18
3
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)

How did Pumpkin affect your heart rhythm?

1
26
0
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:114 (2022-11-14 - 2022-11-28)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Pumpkin may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Pumpkin'

Do you like 'pumpkin'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'pumpkin'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 153 likes
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Does pumpkin make people tired because its glycemic index, please?
- Cristina, Levallois perret , 07-19-16 (Reply)
John, can you please, please post a pumpkin pie recipe in honor of autumn?!??
- Larissa Demalteris, Golden, CO , 10-31-16 (Reply)
Pumpkin has natural sedative qualities - it is not due to the glycemic index.
Hi Anna, great question! Pumpkin can be aggravating to vata because of it's cold, dry and difficult nature. If a vata wants to enjoy pumpkin they could ensure they use warm, digestive spices and ghee to make it easier for their system to process.
- Katie Clinton, Ferndale, sligo, AL
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 09-12-20 (Reply)

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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