Medicinal Properties of the Pomegranate
A Fruit with Curative, Preventive and Other Uses
Jul 31, 2009
A native of Iran and Afghanistan, the pomegranate was grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and was widely known in ancient Egypt. It is a soothing fruit and easy to digest. Moreover, it has medicinal properties and many health benefits.
Composition of the Pomegranate
A pomegranate contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and some vitamins and minerals. It can supply 40% of an adult’s daily requirement of vitamin C. It also has some vitamin B, folic acid and citric acid. Minerals include calcium, phosphorus and iron. Finally, it is extremely rich in antioxidants.
Medicinal Properties of the Pomegranate
- The pomegranate is considered a good tonic for the heart.
- It reduces the systolic pressure, and thus keeps blood pressure under control.
- A pomegranate enhances the functions of the kidney and liver, and is used to treat spleen enlargement. Moreover, it supplies minerals and helps the liver to absorb vitamin A from the food.
- The sweet variety is useful as a laxative. The sweet and sour variety alleviates heartburn and stomach inflammations.
- The antioxidants in the juice boost immunity, and increase resistance to diseases, specially TB and cancer. Studies have shown that the pomegranate can be used to treat cancers of the lung, prostrate and breast.
- The juice also has antiseptic properties, and is useful in alleviating fevers. Moreover, it used for healing cuts.
- Due to its astringent properties, it is also beneficial in diarrhea and dysentery.
- The juice is used as a digestive and appetizer, and is useful in colitis. When mixed with honey, it can alleviate nausea and vomiting, specially during morning sickness. This combination is also used in folk medicine to enhance the memory.
Other Uses of the Pomegranate
The skin, leaves, flowers and bark of the tree have been used as ingredients for medicines for thousands of years. The skin can be powered and used to treat skin disorders and alleviate itching. The dry rind combined with salt is used to treat pyorrhea and strengthen the gums. The dried powdered flowers too can be massaged into the gums to control bleeding. A decoction made from the bark is effective in destroying intestinal worms, due to its alkaline nature. The seeds ground into paste can be used to treat kidney and bladder stones. The dried seeds are also an important ingredient in some dishes like desserts, specially in the Asian countries.
The pomegranate is not just a delicious and refreshing fruit, but incorporates a number of health benefits. It keeps the main organs like the heart, kidney and liver healthy, and is useful in treating various conditions.
Tip: The fruit should be eaten immediately after cutting, as the seeds lose color quickly.
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