Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo Fruit) Powder
Native to: North and Central America — first cultivated by Indigenous peoples over 7,500 years ago
Ritual Role: The Brightener — gently exfoliates, feeds the skin, and evokes warmth from within
Skin Benefits
Pumpkin powder is a natural source of fruit enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), vitamins A and C, and zinc. It helps dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother, more even-toned appearance — all without harsh abrasives. Its antioxidant-rich profile supports glow and radiance while protecting against environmental damage. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and especially beneficial for dull, congested, or uneven skin tones.
Nervous System Support
Warming and nourishing — evokes seasonal cycles of harvest and restoration. Symbolic of abundance, softness, and cyclical renewal.
Ancestral Use & Cultural Roots
For Indigenous peoples across the Americas, pumpkin was more than a food — it was medicine, ritual, and symbol. Ground pumpkin was used as a poultice to soothe inflammation and wounds, while its seeds and flesh were incorporated into skin remedies, ceremonial meals, and fertility rites. In Taíno culture, calabaza (a related squash) was a staple crop — tied to seasonal rhythm and matrilineal food sovereignty.
Sources & Receipts
- Academic: Pumpkin bioactives and skin health – PubMed
- Herbalist Text: Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel E. Moerman — documents pumpkin’s use for wounds, skin care, and inflammation
- Oral Tradition: Used by Pueblo and Mayan healers in skin poultices, exfoliants, and digestive tonics to clear internal and external heat
- Ethnobotanical Record: Calabaza/pumpkin in Taíno food and medicine systems for nourishment, menstrual balance, and skin resilience (Source: Smithsonian Indigenous Foodways)