Pomegranate

Pomegranate is known as “Dadima” in Ayurveda. Pomegranate has been used medicinally for centuries dating back to 1500 BC when it was described in writings as a treatment for tapeworm and other parasitic infections. Now, people use it to manage conditions ranging from chronic obstructive lung disease to high blood pressure.

The bark and root bark are used for diarrhea and dysentery, while the fruit and the rind (pericarp) are used as medicinal foods and home remedies as well as in more complex Ayurvedic formulations.

Pomegranate rind is a rich source of phytoestrogens helpful for menopause. The fruit contains numerous antioxidants including phenolics, flavonoids, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidin compounds as well as minerals, mainly potassium. 

Ayurvedic Actions

Health Benefits

Diarrhoea

Intake of Pomegranate powder helps to control diarrhea because it has Kashaya (astringent) that retains fluid in the intestine and reduces the frequency of motion. Pomegranate is rich in tannic acid, flavonoids and alkaloids. These inhibit intestinal motility. They also promote reabsorption of water and salts thereby inhibiting the accumulation of fluids. Pomegranate inhibits the growth of S.aureus and C.albicans that causes diarrhea due to its antimicrobial activity.

Obesity management

Pomegranate contains antioxidants, ellagic acid and tannic acid. It helps in managing obesity by inhibiting fat absorption in the intestines and suppressing appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals. This reduces swelling and stiffness of joints as well as joint damage. Pomegranate can thus be useful in the prevention of onset and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Diabetes management.

Pomegranate contains polyphenols that reduce the glucose present in the blood. It also stimulates insulin-producing cells in the pancreas known as beta cells. Pomegranate is also rich in antioxidants like gallic acids. They prevent cell damage that can cause diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease.

Manage COPD.

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease which causes difficulty in breathing. Regular intake of Pomegranate helps to reduce symptoms of COPD as it helps balance all the dosha and gives strength to the lungs. This is because the antioxidants and polyphenols in Pomegranate do not get absorbed and metabolized in people with COPD.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque accumulates inside the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. 

Pomegranate helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). It prevents the buildup of excess fat leading to hardening of arterial walls. Pomegranate is a natural blood thinner and is rich in antioxidants. It lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). This also reduces the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.

Erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual problem in males in which erection cannot be maintained or the erection is not firm enough for sexual intercourse. Pomegranate helps manage erectile dysfunction and improve sexual performance. Pomegranate is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. 

It decreases inflammation and oxidative stress and increases the availability of nitric oxide in the blood. This increases the blood flow and relaxes the smooth muscles of the male genitals resulting in proper erectile function.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

Dried fruit rind - 1 tsp

Fruit.

Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

References

1. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1.Volume 1.
2. Bhowmik D, Gopinath H, Kumar P, et al.Medicinal Uses of Punica granatum and Its Health Benefits. J Pharmacogn Phytochem.2013;5(1):28-35.