Grows (where).—United States, etc., under the shade of woods and prefers a loose sandy soil enriched by decaying leaves.
Prepared (how).—Decoction and tincture; put a pound of the dried herb into a quart of water and three quarts of spirits; let stand for twelve days, and then turn off the liquid. This makes a tincture. To make decoction use one ounce of plant to a pint of boiling water and boil.
Diseases, Dose, etc.—Take one to two ounces of the decoction three or four times a day; fluid extract can be bought, dose fifteen drops four times daily. Dose of tincture, one-half to one teaspoonful.
[436 MOTHERS' REMEDIES ]
PUMPKIN. Cucurbita Pepo.
Internally, used for.—For tape worm and for urinary troubles, suppressed or retained urine.
Gather.—When ripe.
Grows (where).—Common.
Prepared (how).—A tea can be made of the seeds, or an oil gathered from them.
Diseases, Dose, etc.—A tea strong or weak as the age and case demand, may be given freely and is very effective. Do not bruise the seeds, as the virtue resides in the covering. An oil can be gathered from the seeds and is good for same purpose. Dose.—Six to twelve drops several times daily or three drops every two hours. For Tape worm, see article on another page. If it is best to take it as an emulsion get druggist to make it. Taken at night with fasting. In the morning take dose of salts. Watermelon seed tea is also good for kidney trouble.