Medicinal Power of Pumpkin or Wattakka

Pumpkin or Wattakka is found in plenty and is cheap too. Jaundice and fever patients, who are given a cup of pumpkin juice with an equal quantity of cow's milk and honey or sugar to sweeten it, feel greatly relieved. It is good for cases where there is flatulence with constipation as it acts as a purgative. The same is given to hemorrhoid patients too. The late Dr. White who practiced in Colombo many years ago used pumpkin as an external application in cases of pneumonia and it is said that the Chinese doctors also use it for the same purpose.