- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west and central)
- Sanskrit
- Dadima
Asia · Food · № 343
Punica granatum
Food · Asia
Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Traditionally attributed effects: root and stem bark astringent and strongly expel tapeworm; flowers and peel astringent and stomachic; juice cooling.
Safety notes
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)
- Chinese materia medica: Not at the start of diarrhoea or dysentery. When used against worms, do not take with oil or fat. Have worms and amoebae treated by a doctor.
Preparation
Fruit powder 4–8 g; flower powder 4–5 g; root or bark powder 1.5–3 g; bark decoction 100–200 ml (children 28–56 ml); leaf juice; decoction of the peel.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Dadima. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility and abundance in many cultures. In Ayurveda (dadima) the sour fruit is used for diarrhoea and the root bark against tapeworm; in Tibetan medicine (se 'bru) it is a remedy for strengthening the warmth of the stomach. In Iran the peel is used as a tanning agent for carpets.
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
Root and stem bark astringent and strongly expel tapeworm; flowers and peel astringent and stomachic; juice cooling; for dysentery, conjunctivitis, blood in the urine, haemorrhoids, coughing up blood, chronic diarrhoea, bronchitis, loose gums, prolapse, leucorrhoea.
Preparation and amount
Fruit powder 4–8 g; flower powder 4–5 g; root or bark powder 1.5–3 g; bark decoction 100–200 ml (children 28–56 ml); leaf juice; decoction of the peel.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Superfood: strengthens body and fertility, easily digestible, supports the heart and balances emotions; peel removes plaque, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, good for heart and brain.
Preparation and amount
Pomegranate seed powder (anardana) ½ tsp in dishes; seeds as a garnish; fresh fruit; grind the peel to a powder with ¼ part neem and ¼ part turmeric (and some sesame oil) as toothpaste.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sour, astringent, warm, slightly toxic
- Meridians
- kidney, large intestine, stomach
Attributed effects
The peel (shi liu pi) curbs chronic diarrhoea and dysentery from cold and deficiency and a prolapsed rectum, retains the kidney essence in seminal emission, heavy uterine bleeding and discharge, and was used against tapeworms, roundworms and amoebae; externally as a tincture for ringworm.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With areca nut against tapeworm
Caution: Not at the start of diarrhoea or dysentery. When used against worms, do not take with oil or fat. Have worms and amoebae treated by a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen