The word pomegranate translates to, "apple with many seeds". Rightfully so, as a single pomegranate can house up to ONE THOUSAND seeds. And if you are someone who has opened, gathered, and eaten the seeds of a pomegranate, then you know how daunting of a task it can be. Yet, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience of preparing a pomegranate for lunch. Pomegranates have been exploited for their benefits since 1500 BCE when ancient Egyptians used them as a remedy for worms. Since then, the medicinal benefits of pomegranates have been studied and the results showed that pomegranates are also effective as a cardiovascular system treatment, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic activity. Additional uses are likely to arise as more research is performed.
History & Folklore
First brought to Egypt in 1500 BCE by pharaoh Tuthmosis, pomegranate quickly became prized by Egyptians as a food and then for its deworming agents. Later, it became a custom to place pomegranates in graves, specimens of which are preserved to the present day. Egyptians also used it to adorn columns. Finally, pomegranates are found in the Bible. During the building of King Solomon's temple where "network[s] of pomegranates" can be found adorning the columns.
Habitat & Cultivation
The pomegranate grows on a deciduous shrub or tree which can grow up to 20 feet high. It also has spine-tipped branches, plenty of lance-shaped leaves, and deep red flowers. Not to be forgotten is the actual fruit of the tree: The Pomegranate. It has a hard, leathery rind protects up to 1000 scarlet colored, pulp-covered seeds. The pomegranate is native to southwestern Asia, though it has become naturalized in Europe. The plant is harvested in autumn for its bark and --more commonly-- the fruit.
Uses
Deworming Agent using the rind and bark, pomegranate was traditionally used as a remedy for tapeworm infestation
Heart Health and Circulation Pomegranate juice is widely known for its positive effects on cardiovascular functions
Prevent Dental Plaque
Parts used
Juice
Fruit Pulp
Rind
Bark
Key Actions
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antibacterial
Antiseptic
Estrogenic Activity
Constituents
The fruit and juice contain pelletierene alkaloids, elligatannins, and triterpenoids. The alkaloids are highly toxic.
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 259-260.
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