Pumpkin Hollow: Scientific Profile

Pumpkin Hollow

Digestive & Gut-Nurturing Support

Part of the Briar & Bloom Herbal Research Series

Overview

Pumpkin Hollow is a soothing digestive blend built around beta-carotene-rich pumpkin and demulcent roots that calm the stomach lining. Its warm spice profile supports motility, microbial balance, and post-meal comfort while providing gentle anti-inflammatory effects.

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Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

Rich in carotenoids (β-carotene and lutein) and fiber, pumpkin assists mucosal healing and provides antioxidant protection¹. Studies show pumpkin polysaccharides promote beneficial gut flora and reduce oxidative stress². Its mild sweetness complements warming spices and marshmallow root’s demulcency.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

Contains anethole, fenchone, and estragole, compounds that relax smooth muscle and reduce bloating³. Human trials demonstrate fennel’s effectiveness in functional dyspepsia and colic⁴. Acts synergistically with ginger to relieve post-meal gas.

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

A mucilage-rich demulcent that coats and soothes gastrointestinal mucosa⁵. Polysaccharides form a protective barrier that decreases irritation from acid and spice⁶. Traditional use and in-vitro work confirm anti-inflammatory and epithelial-healing activity.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Contains gingerols and shogaols that stimulate gastric emptying and reduce nausea⁷. Demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in both clinical and pre-clinical studies⁸. Warming synergy amplifies cinnamon’s circulatory effects.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols regulate glucose metabolism and exert antimicrobial activity⁹. Aids digestion by increasing digestive-enzyme secretion and reducing intestinal fermentation¹⁰.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Eugenol is its primary bioactive, showing strong carminative and anti-microbial effects¹¹. Also exhibits local anesthetic properties that ease stomach discomfort¹².

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Myristicin and safrole contribute mild anti-spasmodic and antioxidant effects¹³. At culinary doses it supports digestion without psychoactive risk.

Allspice (Pimenta dioica)

Contains eugenol and quercetin derivatives that provide anti-inflammatory and anti-flatulent benefits¹⁴. Traditionally used in Caribbean and Central American medicine to soothe gas and cramping.

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Preparation & Ritual

Steep 1–1½ tsp per cup at 205 °F for 10–12 minutes, covered. Excellent after meals or as an evening comfort tea. Add a splash of milk for extra gut soothing.

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References

1. Kim SY et al. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2012;21(5):1395-1401.

2. Zhou Y et al. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020;150:593-602.

3. Rather MA et al. BioMed Res Int. 2016;2016:6785164.

4. Portincasa P et al. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61(11):3249-3257.

5. Wagner H. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(3):219-227.

6. Nosál’ová G et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;175:372-379.

7. Mashhadi NS et al. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36-S42.

8. Black CD et al. J Pain. 2010;11(9):894-903.

9. Ranasinghe P et al. Nutr J. 2013;12:89.

10. Anderson RA et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2016;35(2):113-122.

11. Cortés-Rodríguez M et al. Pharm Biol. 2020;58(1):106-118.

12. Chaieb K et al. Phytother Res. 2007;21(6):501-506.

13. Prakash O et al. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2013;5(1):21-29.

14. Liu C et al. Molecules. 2019;24(9):1730.

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Briar & Bloom Teas | Handcrafted in Idaho | www.briarbloom.com

This document is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.