Health benefits of the wonder fruit pomegranate according to Ayurveda

Pomegranate(Punica granatum) is a large deciduous shrub cultivated throughout the world. They belong to the family Punicaceae. It is known by various regional names. It is commonly known as Dadima in Sanskrit.

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Pomegranate is a shrub with opposite leaves that are glabrous. Their bark is grey in colour and is smooth. It has beautiful red coloured flowers. The edible part of pomegranate is the juicy fruit which is globose that is bright red in colour. According to Ayurveda, pomegranate is a wonder drug used in managing many health issues. Pomegranate is used due to its health benefits for thousands of years. Acharya Caraka has classified pomegranate under hridya varga and chardinigrahana varga. Hridya varga is a group of drugs that are beneficial for a healthy heart. Chardinigrahana varga helps in managing vomiting.

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Even though only the fruit of pomegranate is used commonly, its rind, stem and flowers also have medicinal value. The pomegranate is considered to be a great choice when a person experiences immense thirst. It also provides great strength, intellect and digestive power. Patients suffering from fever can take pomegranate juice to regain strength and vigour. The rind of pomegranate is found to have an excellent result in managing diarrhoea. Pomegranate is known to slow down the ageing process and the juice has been known to help fight breast cancer.

Ayurvedic properties of pomegranate

Rasa/ taste: Sweet, astringent, sour

Guna/ quality: light on digestion

Virya/ potency: Hot

Vipaka/ post-digestive taste: Sweet

Doshakarma/ effect on three vital humour of body: Tridosha shamaka or balances the three humour.

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Ayurvedic remedies using pomegranate

1. Diarrhoea - The juice of cooked ripe pomegranate cures diarrhoea

2. Bleeding piles- Cooked pomegranate rind decoction manages piles.

3. Pigmentation of skin- Pomegranate rind triturated with goats milk gives good complexion.

4.Bad odour of mouth - It can be managed by gargling with pomegranate juice.

5. Obesity - Taking pomegranate juice twice a week helps to reduce weight.

6.Nausea - Pomegranate juice manages nausea and vomiting. It is especially recommended in nausea during pregnancy.