The Healing Nature of Watermelon Seed Tea
The Healing Nature of
Watermelon Seed Tea
A commentary on the uses of a great Cayce remedy:
Watermelon seed tea.
By Ellen Satinsky, NMD, DIPL. Ac. (NCCOAM), Staff Physician, A.R.E. Clinic
In the process of researching and applying the medical information contained in the
Edgar Cayce readings, one of the things we regularly do at the A.R.E. Clinic is compare Cayce’s use of a particular herb to the normal use of that herb in other healing systems.
One herbal preparation that Cayce mentioned approximately 75 times was a tea made from the white seed of the common watermelon. This herb is also used in Chinese medicine and in Naturopathic medicine. Since their use parallels Cayce’s approach, it appears that Cayce’s method of using
Watermelon seed is well supported by the experience of natural medicine physicians.
A very important tenet in the Cayce philosophy is to bring health through the internal cleansing of the body.
Watermelon Seed Tea is a remedy that Cayce often gave to help cleanse the body through the urinary system.
According to Cayce, this herb is a stimulant to the functioning of the kidneys and bladder, acting as a diuretic (increasing the flow of urine). In this manner it may assist in the healing of infections and removal of accumulations in the urinary system, and can cleanse the body of wastes that might otherwise contribute to skin conditions like urticaria (hives), or contribute to forms of edema (swelling).
It was also used for relief of gastric pressure due to accumulation of fluid in the abdominal region, for ovarian inflammation due to accumulation of fluid in the lower abdominal or pelvic regions, and was used post-partum (after childbirth) to normalize and improve kidney function which may be impaired during the course of pregnancy.
While there was some variance, the dosage Cayce often recommended was 1 teaspoon of seed to 1 pint of boiling water. Allow this to steep 15 minutes. Take once per week or more. In many readings it was advised that the preparation best be taken in smaller quantities several times a day, rather than in a large quantity all at once.
In Chinese medicine the seeds are used as a diuretic, and they are also used as a remedy for constipation.
The fruit has a diuretic effect, which is probably related to its citrulline and arginine content, which cause increased synthesis of urea in the liver. The fruit is used by Chinese physicians to build body fluids, moisten the intestines, and decrease thirst. It is helpful to detoxify the body and to remove excess heat. This lessens the incidence of canker sores, kidney and urinary infections, kidney stones, dysentery, and irritability.
The rind has a high silicon content; in Chinese medicine it is used to treat diabetes and hypertension. The rind can be juiced and drunk, or small amounts of the rind can be eaten. The rind also may be rubbed on acne, to help decrease the blemishes with its cold nature.
It should be noted that, according to Chinese medicine, watermelon is to be avoided in those with weak digestion, anemia, asthma, or excessive or uncontrolled urination.
Naturopathic uses of watermelon seed are similar to those utilized by Cayce and Chinese medicine. They are used in children to relieve urinary pain, and to facilitate the passage of urine. It has also been used for backache caused by the passage of kidney stones. They help to soothe the kidneys and the bladder, reducing inflammation. The seeds contain cucurbocitrin, a compound that dilates blood capillaries, which can assist in lowering the blood pressure.
Watermelon seed is helpful for maintaining the health of the urinary tract, and may even be used as a preventative in individuals who show a weakness in the urinary system organs.
“Know that there is within self all healing that may be accomplished for the body. For all healing must come from the Divine, for who healeth thy diseases? The source of the Universal Supply.”
EDGAR CAYCE READING (4021-1)
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