Daily Ingredient: Pumpkin

Plump Pumpkin.

Yesterday October 26th was Pumpkin Day! And for most, pumpkins are presently visible everywhere…shop displays, grocery stores, farm stands, outside homes and local businesses. It’s certainly the month for Pumpkins. In fact they are one of the most popular crops here in America, with 1.5 billion pounds produced each year!! We sure love those jolly pumpkins. It’s the time we can find everything from home fragrance to warm drinks to desserts and skin care in the way of Pumpkin Spice flavor.

A big round pumpkin would be appropriate to harvest on the Full Moon (even try to acquire a ’Full Moon’, a white pumpkin variety] this coming October 29th- a couple of days before Halloween…providing a time to gives thanks for all the beauty and mystical power between the Heavens and Earth.

The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepõn meaning “a large melon”. The French adapted this to pompon. And English later made the word pumpion, with it developing to pumpkin over the years with the settlers here in North America. Imagine if we went around calling those adorable or sweet people we like the nickname “Pumpion”, hmm wouldn’t quite sound as smooth I think. But ‘Pumpkin’ is suited as a perfectly fun term of endearment.

The Pumpkin is technically a gourd like squash of the genus Cucurbita. Pumpkins have a strong history in the US, as they are native to North America and have been grown on this land long before the settlers of Europe arrived. Indeed the Native Indian Tribes gave thanks to the Three Sister Crops- Corn, Beans & Squash (which includes Pumpkin) which grew readily here, sustaining their people for hundreds of years and keeping them nourished through long harsh Winters. The pumpkin was even part of the very first Thanksgiving-with Native Americans presenting squash as a gift to the settlers. It wasn’t until years later, that simple Pumpkin Pies were created here through cooking & the greater availability of spices.

Native American Indians used pumpkin in many of their own recipes, prior to the arrival of English settlers. Pumpkins have being used in the native cuisine dating back at least 800 years, as archeologists found remnants of pumpkin among the ruins of the Anasazi in the southwestern United States. Though older evidence of pumpkin seeds have been found and dated between 7000 and 5500 BC in Mexico! The ancient tribes must have known the power and nourishment available to them by incorporating pumpkin in their diet. One of my favorite things about pumpkin is that ALL of it can be used- Shell, Flesh, Seeds. Nothing of pumpkin goes to waste [it even makes for great compost], which is a quintessential principle in Native American culture– appreciating and not wasting the provisions given from Mother Earth.

Pumpkin has a thick outer shell [typically orange or yellow] , that must be cut or carved into to open. The inside is filled with a squishy inner flesh and many seeds. Pumpkins are grown in a slew of varieties-ranging in size, shape, texture & colors [dark or pale green, white, gray, red, variegated]. Also in taste, some better than others for recipe use. Some varieties of pumpkin include: Aladdin, Baby Pam Sugar Pie, Big Rock, Charisma, Cinderella, Fairytale, Hooligan, Howden, Jack-Be-Little & Jack-Be-Quick, La Estrella, Lumina and Wolf. You can see that the cultivations have been as creatively named as the expressive shown carving & preparing them. How representative of, a literally glowing, Orange Sacral Chakra!

Pumpkins are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on their one plant. The bright beautiful yellow blossoms appearing out on the vine, as briefly as one day. Pumpkins grow well in a moderately cool temperature (they’re pretty hearty, but can be damaged by frost and exceedingly cold climate) and water rich soil. Though pumpkin is often used like a vegetable in the kitchen, it’a actually a fruit (carries seeds) and oftentimes has a mildly sweet pleasantly palatable taste.

Did you know? …that the practice of creating Jack-O-Lanterns was brought to the United States by Irish and English immigrants who originally in Europe carved turnips with human faces, as holders for a candles light to shine thru (also preventing it from blowing out). When they came to America, the pumpkin was more available and thus became what carried the tradition onwards and up to date. The Jack-O-Lantern is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits. It’s no wonder we get all crafty with pumpkins, their bright orange color radiates in tune with our Sacral Chakra- the creativity energy center of our bodies .

I was so excited as a child when it was time to carve pumpkins. I made up sketches of what my pumpkin’s face was going to look like and relished scooping out the gooey earthy innards of the gourd [my mom would bake the seeds in our toaster oven, with a bit of salt]. This weekend is perfect for pumpkin carving, as we are only days away from Halloween and it makes for a fun activity [and will keep the pumpkin from rotting out before it is to be lit up].

Isn’t perfect how Autumn gives us the foods and foliage of flaming colors-red, orange and yellow- following a lush green Summer? It’s almost as to proudly announce a last abundant hurrah before the barrenness (& oft white) of Winter sets in. Pumpkins are a beautiful example of mother nature’s wonderful cycle and plan.

The largest pumpkins are Cucurbita maxima, grown not by the help of Miracle Grow-but rather enthusiastic farmers aiming to achieve the biggest pumpkins to date. Sometimes you may see a ‘Pumpkin Weight Guessing Contest’ where participants can win the prize of the pumpkin (or other designated surprise) when they correctly estimate its weight. There are competitions for these giant pumpkins too. Chris Stevens’s 1,810-pound Atlantic Giant pumpkin is the current record holder since October 2010. Pumpkin launching and carving contests also take place in Fall.

Fondly- It’s that time of year where the The Great Pumpkin [1966] with Charlie Brown and friends comes on TV and school children in classrooms rejoice as they’re played this classic episode as a special treat. I remember my school days, going to the pumpkin patch for a Fall field Trip. We’d get spooky hay rides and drink apple cider, then venture out into the muddy field to find the biggest and brightest pumpkins for our parents to haul (or roll) back to the school bus. What simple pleasures those days held.

Pumpkins also take center stage or a note in many literary classics and in folklore…

The expression “before I turn into a pumpkin”, is charmingly used to express that it’s soon time for you to go home and go to bed. A nod to the classic fairy tale Cinderella. The Fairy Godmother turns a humble pumpkin into a golden carriage, but the spell wears off at Midnight. As a little girl I dreamed of riding off in a golden pumpkin carriage to a fancy ball. I watched Disney’s (1950) animated version of Cinderella, and read the story in fairy tale books passed down generations…later repeatedly viewing our VHS tape of the made-for- television version [1997] with Brandy and late great Whitney Houston. I talked to my pet gerbil as if it were a character mouse, and scrubbed the bathroom floor with soap while singing ‘A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes’ ….pretending I was out cast by evil step sisters. Once I somehow got it in my head to play Cinderella’s house & sweep our dry dirt bottom shed, resulting in plumes of dust circulating the outside air. My mother must have thought I started a fire and it was “smoking” out the shed door- as she dashed to check on me. Sometimes these are the things you look back on and laugh. Imagination is a pretty playful thing. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.

Though at times I think I wanted to be the Fairy Godmother more than Cinderella (the same feeling I had towards the Genie in Aladdin, and Glinda in the Wizard of Oz). Noting their magical abilities and power to provide others with what they needed and desired. Still something I look lovingly upon. Speaking of the Wizard of Oz…author L. Frank Baum included the character ‘Jack Pumpkinhead’ in his Oz book series. Pumpkinhead was named such as he has a jack-o-lantern for a face, much like some Scarecrows put up in farmer’s fields.

Then there is Tim Burton’s masterpiece The Nightmare Before Christmas [1993] with Jack Skeleton “The Pumpkin King“, who lives in “Halloween Town” but discovers a portal to “Christmas Town”…entwining the two worlds together. And speaking of Tim Burton…I once lived right next to the village of Sleepy Hollow, NY. A place whose name was changed- to honor the author of ’The Legend of Sleepy Hallow- Washington Irving, who is buried in one of the village’s cemeteries. The film Sleepy Hollow [1999] directed by Tim Burton takes place there, and the film was originally intended to be shot on location- but was later changed to be filmed in England. Often the Headless Horseman of the story is depicted with a pumpkin as a “replacement” for his head or in carrying a jack-o-lantern to light his travels.

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NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN

Rich in Dietary fiber, Anti-oxidants, Minerals [Copper, Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus], Vitamins (A, C & E) and Flavonoid compounds such as B-Carotenes-cryptoxanthin- lutein and zea-xanthin (which all convert to Vitamin A in the body).

A good source of B-complex vitamin group- Folates, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Thiamin and Pantothenic acid.

Did you know? Pumpkin Seeds are some of the World’s Healthiest Foods! They are one [if not THE best] plant source for Zinc. Making them a valuable source of the nutrients for vegans and raw vegans alike. The seeds are also a great source of Manganese, Tryptophan, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Protein and Iron. The seeds are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health.

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11 CULINARY IDEAS USING PUMPKIN

Pumpkin goes well with coriander, sage, thyme and rosemary; also ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla and cloves. Pairs great with orange or lemon (grated rind or juice), maple syrup, pecans, sweet onions, sweet potato, kale, olive oil, honey, raw goat’s cheese (though not for strict vegans).

**Most of the following recipes do contain raw pumpkin, though a few I’ve included as they call for Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix(which is simply a combination of cinnamon/ginger/nutmeg and allspice or cloves.) Giving it that perfect Autumn flavor. Some of the recipes involve Pumpkin Puree (aim separate of the canned cooked varieties), by using a raw version.

#1 FALL for Some Pumpkin Puree Soup

Most I think, would enjoy a warm bowl of soup on a crisp Autumn day. These raw versions are sure to make you smile and feel all cozy inside. Usually these recipes include some heating spices/ ingredients, as raw foodies don’t cook their food, but still find ways to bring warmth to dishes. Certainly if you wanted to- make sure ingredients are all at room temperature before blending, and perhaps warm slightly in/on top of dehydrator or at very low temp [for a short time] in saucepan on stove. Garnish with some fresh thyme and raw pumpkin seeds!

Even make a soup tureen out of a hollowed pumpkin, with handled lid. Just find an appropriately sized pumpkin, or one that’s even a gorgeous color (white, variegated, etc.) and scoop out the inside.

Raw Pumpkin Soup by Keimling Raw Food

Raw Harvest Pumpkin Soup by Rhonda Malkmus, Via Hallelujah Acres

Raw Pumpkin Soup from Vegalicious Recipes

Pumpkin Soup with Orange by Gitta, Via Gone Raw

Savory Pumpkin Harvest Soup from In The Raw

Seasonally Raw Pumpkin Soup by Melissa Henig

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#2 Pumpkin Smoothies & Mylk

Pumpkin Smoothies with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon on top are a delicious idea for the season [particularly October], sure to please adults and children alike. Even add a bit of Raw Pumpkin Seed Butter (or Pumpkin Seed Oil for creaminess) into your own favorite smoothie recipes.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie * from For the Love of Food

*for an all raw recipe: make pumpkin puree, using raw pumpkin chunks ground down in a food processor. Pumpkin is about 90% water, so you won’t need to add alot/any to get it going.

Raw Pumpkin Smoothie by DaNae Johnson, via Smoothie Handbook

Raw Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie from Bonzai Aphrodite

Raw Pumpkin Smoothie from Down to Earth

Gena’s Spooky Pumpkin Smoothie from Choosing Raw

Pumpkin Smoothie from In The Raw

Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothies by Tracy Russell @ Incredible Smoothies

Fresh Pumpkin Milk from Sweetly Raw

Blackberry Vanilla Green Smoothie * from Healthful Pursuit

* but you could technically substitute raw Pumpkin Seed Butter for any nut butters, called for in these gorgeous recipes.

Banana & Pumpkin Seed Butter Smoothie * from Omega Nutrition

* use raw vegan nut mylk.

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#3 Pumpkin Juice

Who knew Raw Pumpkin Juice has so many health benefits ? [or that you can even juice it?!]. I surely did not. But when writing, I remembered that Pumpkin Juice is particularly popular among students in the Harry Potter series. They certainly love the drink at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. It is drunk there at any occasion; all regular meals or at feasts and special occasions. It’s even mentioned for sale on the Hogwarts Express! So get the kids involved- ”brew” some up together and cozy up to reading one of the books together. Or if you’re just into Harry Potter yourself, that works too.

Being an American kid in the ’90′s one would be familiar with Goosebumps series by R.L Stine, one of his short stories in Still More Tales to Give You Goosebumps was entitled Pumpkin Juice.

For the adults, many drink Pumpkin Ale (a hearty seasonal brew) this time of year. You can make a mock raw vegan version of sorts, by using fresh pressed pumpkin juice and raw kombucha in about equal parts. I like GT’s Gingerade Kombucha or Citrus Kombucha for this purpose.

Pumpkin Juice by DianeRawGirl

The Magical Pumpkin Juice by Benduno

Pumpkin Juice is Pumpkin Fresh! from Juicer Select

Pumpkin Juice by Richard Green, Via Juicing & Raw Foods

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#4 Humble as Pumpkin Pie & Cheesecake

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin Pie.” ~Jim Davis

Pumpkin Pie is a classic dish, and an absolute favorite, included in many people’s Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. We’re so very blessed [and thankful] to enjoy the creativity of those who’ve developed raw versions of this wonderfully traditional recipe!! There’s so many variations to try, you might want to whip up more than one. Try a Pumpkin Cheesecake for a modern twist. Relish the flavor of the season with friends and family. Served topped with a dollop of raw whipped cream or pomegranate seeds.

Earth Cafe also makes amazing Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake seasonally [includes fresh pumpkin], available in stores across the United States!

FullyRaw Pumpkin Pie [and it's low fat] by FullyRawKristina

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie by Dan McDonald

Raw Pumpkin Pie by Bonzai Aphrodite

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie from Choosing Raw

Not Your Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie from In The Raw

Raw Pumpkin Cheesecake from Blogilates

Raw Pumpkin Cheesecake by Michelle, via Viva Pura

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake from Vegangela

Macadamia Nut Whip Cream from Forks & Beans

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#5 Pumpkin Spice Latte & Pumpkinny Drinks

When the days grow darker and chillier, we find ourselves bundling up in warm knits and boots for walks amongst the glorious changing hues of Autumn. A crisp breeze at our backs. We might stop into a local coffee shop and order a hot drink. But sometimes we might crave more than a favorite herbal tea.

When this is the case won’t need Starbucks, Dunkin’ Doughnuts or Panera for a delicious autumn pick me up. You can make a lesser fat, sugar, no additive one for yourself using all raw ingredients.

STASH sells decaf Pumpkin Spice flavored tea, as does Zhena’s Gypsy Tea (which are 100% Fair Trade & Organic).

Pumpkin Nog by krispi, via Gone Raw

Pumpkin Nog from In The Raw

Raw-Vegan Pumpkin Nog * from Feed Your Skull

* try using raw mycotoxin-free wild jungle peanut butter or substituting with almond butter

Pumpkin Latte by Spirited Mama, via Gone Raw

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Spice “Latte” by Breanne Hendrickson

Pumpkin Spice Latte * by Kathleen, via Raw Food Rehab

* omit coffee all together or use cold-pressed and substitute raw whipped cream (if desired).

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#6 No Trick, Just Treat- Pumpkin Cookies & Truffles

Make wonderful and healthy treats for children (adults will love them too!) this Halloween, for one pumpkin-filled evening. As the jack-o-lanterns are all aglow and these prim pumpkin treats are doled out in festivity. Enjoy yourself with a hot tea or pumpkin spice latte [as seen above]. Gnosis Chocolate even makes Pumpkin Spice Truffles, in limited editions- so get ‘em while they last!

For Halloween Treats: Use a Pumpkin Cookie Cutter to shape the cookies and place in eco-friendly brown paper treat bags (recyclable or compostable) with some beautiful fall color ribbons (plum, orange-red, golden-yellow, black) or natural raffia/twine. A great natural (sans cavities) choice for parties this time of year… alongside bobbing for apples!

Raw Pumpkin Cacoa Cookies from Oh, Lady Cakes

Orange Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Addicted to Veggies

Raw Pumpkin Seed Raisin Cookies from Sacred Source Nutrition

Nut Free Spiced Pumpkin Butter & Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies from Addicted to Veggies

Go Raw Makes Pumpkin Bars (that include only 5 ingredients- pumpkin and flax seeds, dates, agave nectar & salt). You can also try to hand at making some Pumpkin Seed Power Bars (from KHolistic), Pumpkin Bars (by Frankie Giglio, via The Renegade Health Show), or Sugar Free Snack Bars (from Casey Lorraine).

Raw Brownies with Chocolate Pumpkin Frosting by Gena, Choosing Raw

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#7 Pumpkin Bread [....with Pumpkin 'Butters' or Pumpkin Seed 'Cheeses'] & Cake

Reclaim use of the health promoting ingredient by simply following these recipes…

Raw Pumpkin Bread by Chef Rachel Fracassa, via We Like It Raw

Raw Pumpkin Spiced Carrot Cake with Walnut Pumpkin Frosting * from What Runs Lori

Raw Pumpkin Cranberry Layer Kreamcake * from PurelyTwins

Raw Vegan Sweet Pumpkin Layer Cake by Christy Smith of Whole to Healthy, Via Healthy Blender Recipes

*use fresh raw pumpkin puree, outside of canned

Pumpkin Seed “Cheese” by Dan McDonald aka The Life Regenerator

Raw Pumpkin Butter from Raw is Sexy

Raw Pumpkin Date Spread [ includes an excellent technique for making raw puree!) from Nouveau Raw

Pumpkin Seed Cheeze from Whole Promise

You can make your own Raw Pumpkin Seed Butter or pick up one of the already cold-ground prepared brands (Wilderness Poet, Living Tree Community, Rejuvenative Foods) at Whole Foods Market, your local co-op or health food store.

**Had to make a special note recognizing the gorgeousness of Raya Belna's sweet creations- such as a Almond Pumpkin Seed Cake With White Chocolate Macadamia Frosting & Edible Flowers. Can we say, FABULOUS? Perfect for the Autumn Bride, i'm sure any raw vegan betrothed would 'just live' for one of these treats! <3

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#8 Pumpkin Ice Cream & Pudding

Not the most traditional of ice cream flavors, nor is ice cream quite suited for the brisk weather of Fall and Winter. But whenever you're cozy inside, you might just love trying one of these fabulous desserts. For a Pumpkin Praline Banana split- sprinkle Living Intention's Maple Mesquite Walnuts on top of bananas and icecream, with Raw Caramel Sauce (from Rawified) or sliced/blended completely ripe & squishy persimmons (they taste like caramel!).

Pumpkin Ice Cream * from Sweetly Raw

* use raw coconut milk, homemade

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream from The Raw Project

Raw Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream from Fragrant Vanilla Cake

Raw Pumpkin Pie Persimmon Pudding by Dara Dubinet

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#9 Pumpkin Dips, Pesto & Dressings

Maybe you've got everyone huddled around for a college football or basketball game, and are looking for a nutritious alternative to your old (and fart inducing) bean dip. Pumpkin dips makes for an improved healthy and seasonal option. Make a holder for your dip, using a small pumpkin of your choice- such an awesome festive presentation.

Use pumpkin seed oil or pumpkin seed butter (thinned down with water, citrus juice or another oil) to make dressings, in vinaigrettes. Has a very robust flavor, that works when used with other oils.

Dip flax crackers or Raw Sweet Potato Pumpkin Seed Crackers [from Raw Food Recipes], & crudite into these yummy for Fall dips. Also fabulous with Nori Nachos-Cheddar or homemade crispy sweet potato chips.

Pumpkin Hummus from Raw Food For Kids

Spicy Pumpkin Dip by Alara, via The Raw Food World

Avocado, Tomato & Pumpkin Seed Dressing by RawRob

Organic Winter Green Salad with Raw Pumpkin Seed Dressing from Vibrant Raw Foods

Pumpkinseed Ginger Dressing from Tasty & Meatless

Spicy Pumpkin Seed & Cilantro Veggie Dip by Dan McDonald aka “The Life Regenerator”

Pumpkin Seed Pesto from The Celiac Chronicles (spread the pesto onto crackers or dehydrated breads for a delicious sandwich, add into raw wraps or simply toss into zucchini pasta)

Turmeric & Pumpkin Seed Pate by Gena, Choosing Raw

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#10 Pumpkin Seeds [also known as Pepitas]

While most foodies know about toasted pumpkin seeds “in shell” (either crisping in pan or in oven), you can make a raw low-temp processed version using a dehydrator. Just clean pulp off pumpkin seeds after hollowing out organic pumpkin and lay them on teflon sheets, sprinkling sea salt or sweet spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove) on. Would also be wonderful glazed in bit of honey-maple syrup and grated ginger/orange. Here’s a recipe for Cinnamon Thyme Pumpkin Seeds: Dehydrated [by Heather Crosby, via YumUniverse]. Soak & Sprout them [the raw green dehulled ones bought in stores] for maximum nutrition, whether or not you do dehydrate them. A great source of protein, zinc, copper & magnesium.

Go Raw sells Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds that are organic and lightly sprinkled with sea salt. Enjoy a handful plain as a snack or sprinkled over soups & salads, even rolled into romaine or rainbow chard wraps.

You can sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds onto your favorite raw parfait, pudding or granola with nut mylk, for some Zinc in your breakfast. Or pick up a pre-made package- Go Hunza makes a unique and tasty Really-Raw Austrian Pumpkinseed Granola.

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#11 Pumpkin Seed Salads & Specialities

Sprinkling raw pumpkin seeds onto your favorite raw salads makes for more power packed nutrition- also add some dehyrated cranberries or goji berries, for a colorful autumn blend. In the Southwest US and Mexico, pumpkin and squash flowers are a popular and completely edible item- if you’re lucky enough to find ‘em….toss them into salads [or use as garnish for desserts.]

Raw Kale & Citrus Salad with Pumpkin Seeds- from Clean & Delicious with Dani Spies

Mango, Jicama, Pumpkin Seed & Fresh Herb Salad from Relish

Pumpkin Seed Salad by Sarma, One Lucky Duck

Heirloom Tomato, Kale and Basil Pumpkin Seed Napolean from Choosing Raw

Carrot & Parsnip Pasta with Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto by Carmella, via Raw Freedom’s Community

Zucchini Pasta with Basil Pesto & Pumpkin Seed Parmesan from Raw Food Recipes

Arugula Pumpkin Seed Pesto Sauerkraut Lasagna from Raw Food Recipes

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OTHER PRACTICAL USES FOR PUMPKIN

FOR INTESTIONAL PARASITES Pumpkin seeds are a long-practiced naturopathic remedy for parasites. Cucurbitin is a substance that is found only in the seed of pumpkin- a substance known to be useful to expel worms. Take on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, and followed an hour later with a laxative tea or castor oil to help expel any worms that have been paralyzed.

FOR DECOR Use a hollowed pumpkin as a container for a flower arrangement. You can either fill directly with water (those this might rot it quickly, so only for a brief time) or place a short vase inside. Use sunflower, mums or fall branches that are in season- or experiment with gorgeous hued roses (think yellows, oranges or coral), dahlias, zinnias & cosmos for a unique pumpkin display. Also make an outdoor or side table arrangement of various pumpkins (different sizes, shapes, colors).

FOR SKIN With so much pumpkin-spiced out this season, it’s no surprise you can even find pumpkin soaps in limited editions. Soaps by Nature makes a Pumpkin Bread Vegan Soap, Babylon Soap Co. a Pumpkin Soap… the list goes on & on. There are so many splendid soap makers- perhaps you ‘ll even find some natural pumpkin soap at one of your local farmer’s market booths or local boutiques.

FOR BEAUTY Though I would normally suggest only using raw ingredients (and this is still an option-raw pumpkin blended) but you might be cleaning out cupboards while transitioning to living foods or know someone who has leftover Organic Pumpkin Puree this time of year….so this food item can be transformed into a perfect affordable autumn at-home facial. Follow this DIY Vegan Pumpkin Face Mask [from Vegan Beauty Review], *substituting soy with raw almond mylk. Feel free to add in a Tablespoon Carrot or Lemon Juice or 1 Tb. honey for a moisturizing, anti-aging [reduces fine lines and wrinkles] facial.

Check out these gorgeous items for Pumpkin Inspiration; Natural Pumpkin Peel Facial Mask from Grace Farm Organics, Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub from Bella Lucce, Pumpkin Seed Night Organic Serum from Om Aroma & Co……OR these fab Pumpkin fixes via Pretty in My Pocket.

Make a Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub [a beautifying recipe from For The Love of Food] too. The pumpkin contains lots of vitamins, minerals, enzymes that slough off dead skin cells, alpha hydroxy acids that will make skin silky soft- all leaving you with a glowing vibrant look. There are some natural beauty products that have Pumpkin Seed Oil as a highlighted ingredient- Such as Nakee Natural’s Pumpkin Potion Complexion Oil. You can lightly used raw Pumpkin Seed Oil/or Pumpkin Seed Butter on your face, it actually unclogs congested pores. One of my favorite natural brands is MyChelle Dermaceauticals which boasts a line of pumpkin infused skincare (cleanser, renew cream, pumpkin peel, etc.)

FOR HAIR Regular use of Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed oil is said to help men (and women) with the issue of hair loss/balding. Some people have even applied the oil directly to their scalp to help with the process, though consuming raw soaked seeds and cold-pressed oil will provide your body with lots of nutrients, including Zinc, and lower/regulate levels of delta-7-sterine (which in high levels are attributed with causing hair loss & enlarged prostate in men). The company Zevi makes a Pumpkin Seed Moisture Shampoo.

FOR FRAGRANCE Light up some Pumpkin spice scented candles this Autumn for a sweet fragrance to fill your home. It will smell as if you’ve been baking a pie. Yankee sells a Pumpkin Crunch Cake Soy Candle and you can find many homemade vegan pumpkin candles on Esty. Sursprisingly, Pumpkin fragrance has the ability to leave us feeling “turned on” (in studies, especially increasing male response). Also it’s a nostalgic scent oft reminiscent of family oriented celebrations like Thanksgiving [ with pumpkin pie]- triggering an emotional connection that makes us feel unified and uplifted. Wow, what Provacative Pumpkin! Rub some Pumpkin Icing Solid Perfume (from Zaja Natural) for some romantic attraction.

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Warmth & Joyful (+ Safe) Pumpkin Carving,

GreenAura

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater,

Had a wife and couldn’t keep her.

He put her in a pumpkin shell,

And there he kept her very well.

–Nursery rhyme

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” ~Henry David Thoreau

“I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. I was entirely happy. Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge.” ~ Willa Sibert Cather

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Photo Credits:

1. [featured image, front pumpkin] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/elanaspantry/2971439925/”>elana’s pantry</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

2. [cinderella in pumpkin coach] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammers05/4431082628/”>Samantha Decker</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

3. [pumpkin & blue cloudy sky] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackcustard/271814820/”>Matt Callow</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

4. [carved pumpkin, house] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinyfroglet/2990741426/”>tinyfroglet> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>cc</a>

5. [pumpkin patch] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/wvs/58075137/”>wvs> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

6. [latte] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/tabasco/1811413299/”>DBTabasco</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/”>cc</a>

7. [jack-o-lantern] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/pyth0ns/6296294246/”>Mark J P</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

8. [jack the pumpkin king] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmortah/5115158216/”>MMortAH</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

9. [soup] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/elanaspantry/4077990755/”>elana’s pantry</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

10. [flower arrangement] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/lentina_x/5190765490/”>lentina_x</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>