POMELO (CHAKOTRA)

INTRODUCTION

Botanical Name – Citrus maxima

Family – Rutaceae

• Pomelo (Chakotra) is a natural large citrus fruit and highly nutritious.
• it’s similar in appearance to a large grapefruit , but with a thicker skin and a milder , sweeter flavor .
• It is best for cardiac tonic and nutritive fruit .
• Pomelo is a hydrating fruit with water content

PART USED – Fruit , Leaves  , Rind

• Its leaves are traditionally used to treat epilepsy chorea , whooping cough and hemorrhage disease.
• Flower is used as a mild sedative.
• Fresh leaf oil – anti dermatophytic activity and fungicidal activity.
• Chakotra Rind used for :
• Vomiting , Abdominal colic pain , Diarrhoea , Headache , Eye diseases .
• it act as anti asthmatic , sedative and brain tonic.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF POMELO

• Rasa – Madhura  (sweet )with a slightly sour aftertaste.
• Gun – Guru and snigdha
• Verya- Shita
• Vipaka – Sweet (madhura)
• Effect on Tridosha – Balance all three Dosha (Vata , Pitta and Kapha).

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF POMELO FRUIT

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B1 , B2 , B12
• Protein
• Calcium

• PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF POMELO

Extract of Pomelo have Antimicrobial , Antihelmintic , Antioxidant , Antidiabetic etc.

IN AYURVED TRADITIONAL USED AS :

• Bleeding disorders
• Tuberculosis
• Asthma
• Hiccups
• Emaciation
• Giddiness

USES OF POMELO FRUIT

Pomelo Fruit is used in various ways both culinary and medicinal , some common uses are :

• Culinary use : Pomelo fruit is often eaten fresh , either on its own or added to fruit salads. Its sweet and slightly tangy flavor makes it a refreshing
• Juice
• Smoothies

• Candied Peel :

 The thick peel of the pomelo can be candied and used as a sweet treat or added to baked goods for flavor.

• Preserves and Marmalades :

Pomelo peel is sometimes used to make preserves or marmalades , which can be enjoyed on toast or used as a topping for desserts.

• Medicinal use

 In traditional medicine , pomelo fruit is used for its medicinal properties. It aid digestion, reduce inflammation and boost immunity.

• Aromatherapy

The essential oil extracted from the pomelo peel is used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and energizing properties .

Health Benefits

• Boosts Immune system
• Maintain normal blood pressure
• Relieves intestinal conditions like constipation and indigestion.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling in the bladder.
• pomelo contains vitamin A which is vital for protecting the eyes from damage and vision- inked disorders in old age.
• Reduce skin inflammation , Redness.

SIDE EFFECT

• Avoid eating Pomelo fruits in case you are allergic as it may lead to severe situations of hypersensitivity .
• Do not consume pomelo in excessive amounts as the stomach acid level may become high.