Natural Healing Sea Buckthorn
(Page 11 of 12)
November/December 2002
By Gina Mohammed, Ph.D.
Pine nuts (Pinus spp.) come from pine trees that have seeds large enough to be edible. They are also known as piñon or pignoli. Pine nuts lubricate the lungs and large intestines, are 14 percent protein, and are delicious in pesto.
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Pistachios (Pistacia vera) are native to the Middle East and Western Asia. The word pistachio is derived from the Persian word for this nut, pisteh. Pistachios lubricate the intestines and tonify the kidneys and liver. Pistachios are 55 percent fat and 20 percent protein. The green color of the nut is from chlorophyll.
Pumpkinseeds (Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo), also known as pepitas, are native to South and Central America. Pumpkinseeds help relieve nausea, erectile dysfunction, and help rid the body of worms (tape, pin, and roundworms). They are recommended to help protect the prostate gland from enlargement, due to their high zinc content and anti-inflammatory properties, and can also help reduce the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which can contribute to bladder and kidney stones.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) plants are thought to be native to India. They strengthen the kidneys, liver, bones, hair, nails, and teeth and are considered demulcent, emollient, laxative, and a general tonic. They are about 50 percent oil and 25 percent to 35 percent protein. Sesame contains a lignin called sesamin that is a powerful antioxidant and can inhibit cholesterol production and absorption. Black sesame seeds are considered strengthening to the reproductive system and prevent hair from graying, according to Oriental medicine. Grinding the seeds right before use makes them more digestible.
Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) are members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The Latin name is derived from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower). The Peruvian Incas considered the sunflower a representative of the sun god, Atahualpa. They carved sunflower images into gold and solar priestesses wore sunflower crowns. As a medicinal food, sunflower seeds are antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, and nutritive.
Sunflower seeds are considered a tonic for the eyes, decreasing light sensitivity and preventing eye degeneration. They strengthen the fingernails due to their high nutrient content. Like pumpkinseeds, sunflower seeds protect the prostate gland due to their high zinc content. Eat sunflower seeds in the shell to quit smoking, as it requires satisfying oral–manual work to crack open the shell and peel it off before enjoying the tender seed.
Walnuts (Juglans nigra, black walnut; J. regia, English walnut) are native to Eurasia (English walnut) and North America (black walnut). The genus name, Juglans, is contracted from the Latin Jovis glans, or “nut of Jupiter,” in the belief that gods dined on walnuts. The Chinese refer to walnuts as “longevity fruit” because a walnut tree lives for several hundred years. Walnuts strengthen the lungs and kidneys and lubricate the large intestines. They are about 60 percent fat and 20 percent protein. Because of their resemblance to the brain, many cultures consider walnuts a good brain tonic.
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