POMEGRANATES

POMEGRANATES  ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

In Ayurveda Pomegranate is known as “Dadima”. Is a treasure of nutrients. It is popularly considered as a “Blood Purifier”.

English Name – Pomegranate

Hindi Name – Anaar

Botanical Name – Punica granatum Linn.

Family – Punicaceae

Qualities of Pomegranate

• Rasa (taste) – Madhura (sweet) , Amla (sour) , Kashaya (astringent).
• Guna (qualities) – Laghu , snigdha.
• Veerya (potency) – Anushna (neither cold , nor sweet)
• Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Madhura or Amla (sour).

Pomegranate – Effect on Dosha

• Sweet pomegranate balances Tridosha – Vata , Pitta and Kapha.
• Sour pomegranate balances vata and kapha and increases pitta.

Useful Parts

• Phala twak
• Kandamula twak ( stem and root bark)
• Pushpa (flowers)

Matra (dose) : Phala Rasa (juice) 20 -50 ml

Phala twak kwatha (decoction) 40-80ml

Chemical composition

Pomegranate  is good source of flavanoids, vitamin A,C B5 , anthocyanosides .  organic acids , triterpanic acid  , gallic acid and minerals such as potassium , sodium , magnesium , calcium , phosphorus .

THERAPEUTIC USES

• External uses
• Internal uses

• External uses –
• Due to its astringent nature the decoction of the bark is used in throat , oral disorders and in ulcers as a gargle.
• In epistaxis nasal drops of its fruit juice are very effective.

• Internal uses –
• For Glowing Skin –
• It prevents aging sign like wrinkle , pimple etc.
• it nourishes skin as it contains antioxidants  and vitamin A , C, E .
• For Circulatory System –
• It is useful in bleeding disorders like epistaxis , anaemia , bleeding piles .
• In epistaxis fruit decoction use as nasya.
• In bleeding piles pomegranate bark powder given internally with takra.
• For Respiratory system

The fruits act as expectorant.

• Increases sperm count

• For Healthy Digestive System

• Fruits are helpful in indigestion , anorexia , nausea , bloating and acidity .
• Its bark decoction is useful in Diarrhea , and IBS.
• The anticancer properties of pomegranate seeds prevents cancer cell proliferation .
• Pomegranate is Diuretic hence useful in urinary disorders.

How to Consume Pomegranate According to Ayurveda.

• Fresh Juice

Drink fresh pomegranate juice. It is a good source of antioxidants  and can help balance Pitta Dosha

• Seeds

 Eat the seeds of the pomegranate fruit have a sweet taste and are considered nourishing.

• Consume pomegranate seeds as a snack between meals as they can help balance blood sugar levels.
• In cooking use pomegranate seeds or juice in cooking . it can add flavor and nutrients to your dishes.
• Pomegranate is also used in various Ayurvedic Formulations  and medicines.

How should not consume Pomegranate ?

• Allergic Reactions : some individuals may be allergic to pomegranate , symptoms like itching , swelling or hives after consuming
• Kidney stones : Pomegranate contains oxalates which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
• Gastrointestinal issues : Such as stomach upset or diarrhea after consuming pomegranate.
• Interactions with Medications : Pomegranate juice may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners , statins  and ACE inhibitors.