- Region
- South America
- Origin
- South America
- Sanskrit
- Ananas
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Folk magic and herbal magic
South America · Food · № 250
Ananas comosus
Food · South America
Pineapple
Ananas comosus
Traditionally attributed effects: fever-reducing, cleansing, bitter tonic; ripe fruit diuretic, induces sweating, cooling, digests protein; leaf laxative and expels worms; unripe fruit strongly diuretic, promotes menstruation and abortifacient.
Safety notes
Unripe fruit not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Unripe fruit not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Fruit juice 14–28 ml; leaf juice 4–12 ml.
Use in traditions
The pineapple was domesticated in South America; for the Tupi-Guaraní it was nanas, 'excellent fruit'. Columbus came across it on Guadeloupe in 1493; in Europe it became a symbol of hospitality and luxury. In Ayurveda the juice is used for digestive complaints; the enzyme bromelain breaks down protein and is used as a meat tenderiser. Sanskrit name: Ananas. In herbal magic associated with prosperity, luck and protection.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Fever-reducing, cleansing, bitter tonic; ripe fruit diuretic, induces sweating, cooling, digests protein; leaf laxative and expels worms; unripe fruit strongly diuretic, promotes menstruation and abortifacient.
Preparation and amount
Fruit juice 14–28 ml; leaf juice 4–12 ml.
Caution: Unripe fruit not in pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Prosperity, luck, protection.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Fruit salad (prosperity).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen