Are you planning to spend some time in a pumpkin patch this fall? Take a look at Hanna’s remedies using pumpkin as well as three easy recipes for homemade pumpkin butter. Happy Fall!

Hanna’s Pumpkin Remedies from Her Books

• Pumpkin is high in beta carotene and is, therefore, an excellent food.
• It calms an upset stomach.
• Pumpkin seeds are used to rid the body of parasites.
• Pumpkin seed tea is used for gallbladder troubles. To make the tea take 1 teaspoon of ground pumpkin seeds and pour 1 cup of hot water over them. Steep for a few minutes and drink 2 cups a day for a healthy gallbladder.
• Pumpkin (both flesh and seed) is food for the spleen and pancreas.

Pumpkin Butter Recipes

In a stainless steel pot, combine 2 pounds of peeled, seeded, and diced sugar pie pumpkin (you may also use canned if needed), 1/4 cup turbinado sugar, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt; bring to a simmer. (If you are using fresh pumpkin, stir until the pumpkin is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.) Continue simmering until the mixture begins to thicken, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a blender; blend until smooth. Return mixture to pot and heat for 10 minutes on low until it reaches desired thickness. Remove, cool, and serve.

Want to try something new? Use one of these variations.

Apple-Cinnamon: Add ½ pound of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, ¾ cup apple juice (organic, no sugar added), 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/3 teaspoon ground ginger. (This variation is perfect on toast for breakfast or a sweet snack.)

Cardamom-Clove: Add 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon ground clove, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. (This variation is a wonderful addition to savory dishes.)