Pomegranate
In traditional medicine, pomegranate (Punica granatum) is considered a highly revered fruit, balancing all three body types due to its combination of sweet, astringent, and sour tastes. Its cooling properties make it particularly beneficial for reducing excess heat and inflammation in the body. Pomegranate is known for its numerous health benefits, particularly its ability to support digestion and improve blood circulation. It is rich in antioxidants and acts as a powerful rejuvenative, boosting energy and nourishing the tissues. The fruit is also helpful in promoting healthy heart function, improving skin health, and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. Additionally, its astringent nature aids in reducing diarrhea and strengthening the digestive system.
MONOGRAPH OF POMEGRANATE
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Punica Granatum
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Lythraceae
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COLD - Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
EASY - Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
LIGHT - Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
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METABOLIC TYPE - This body type usually has a strong digestion but is prone to overheating. They usually have good muscle tone and healthy weight.
ANABOLIC TYPE - This body type is prone to feeling heaviness, slow digestion and lethargy. A slow metabolism is common.
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SWEET - Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
ASTRINGENT - Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
(SLIGHTLY) SOUR - Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
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Autumn/Winter
Their cooling nature helps balance the excess heat that may build up during the summer, making them ideal for autumn. Additionally, pomegranates’ nourishing and rejuvenating properties help strengthen the body and provide vitality during the colder months of winter, supporting the anabolic type without causing excess heaviness.
Summer (for metabolic type)
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The chemical constituents of pomegranate include:
1. Polyphenols: Including ellagitannins (like punicalagins), ellagic acid, and flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties.
2. Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
3. Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
4. Organic Acids: Citric acid and malic acid.
5. Sugars: Primarily glucose and fructose.
6. Fiber: Dietary fiber, particularly in the seeds.
7. Tannins: Punicalins and punicic acid, contributing to its astringency and medicinal properties.
These compounds contribute to pomegranate's health benefits, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular-supporting effects.
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The nutritional value of pomegranate per 100 grams includes:
- Calories: 83 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18.7 g (of which sugars are about 13.7 g)
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
- Fat: 1.2 g
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C (10.2 mg), vitamin K, and some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Contains potassium (236 mg), calcium, and small amounts of iron and magnesium.
Pomegranate is also rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, which offer numerous health benefits.
TRADITIONAL USES AND MEDICINAL ACTIONS
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-ANTACID - Substances that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.
APPETIZER - Substances that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.
DIGESTIVE - Substances that encourage healthy digestion.
FIBER LAXATIVE - A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools.
HYPOLIPIDEMIC - Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells. This action helps to lower lipid levels (such as cholestrol and triglycerides) in the blood.
NUTRITIVE - A substance that is strengthening and nurturing to the whole system.
PREBIOTIC - Substances that have prebiotic effects, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing overall gut health.
QUENCHES THIRST - A substance that relives thirst
RELIEVES BURNING - Substances that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation.
SIALOGOGUE - A sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands.
SPLEEN TONIC - A substance that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds digestive fire, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
STOMACHIC - A substance that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.
STOOL SOFTENER - Softens hard and difficult to eliminate stool. Stool softeners are the safest and most gentle type of laxative. Foods that contain fiber also can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
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BUILD SEMEN - Substances that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general.
PROMOTES FERTILITY - A substance that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period).
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ACE INHIBTOR - Used to lower blood pressure. Promotes diuresis by inhibiting angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE).
ALTERATIVE - Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry.
ANTIOXIDANT - An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.
BLOOD TONIC - A substance that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.
HYPOTENSIVE - A substance that lowers blood pressure.
REBUILDS ELECTROLYTES - Substances that increase your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help you retain water, keep your palate moist, and truly quench your thirst.
REBUILDS FLUIDS - Substances that create moisture in the body and increase fluids.
REDUCES SWELLING - Relieves swelling / inflammation.
REFRIGERANT - A substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
STYPTIC - A substance that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used topically as a hemostatic to stop bleeding, or to reduce secretions.
VESSEL TONIC - A substance that improves the tone and integrity of blood vessel walls. This is helpful in easy bruising.
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IMMUNE CALMING - Substances that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.
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IRRITATES THROAT - Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing.
LUNG TONIC - Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.
Pomegranates can stimulate coughing due to their astringent properties. While astringent foods can help tighten and tone tissues, they may also create a sensation that triggers a cough reflex, especially if mucus is present in the respiratory tract. Additionally, their acidity might irritate the throat in some individuals, leading to coughing. However, their overall benefits for respiratory health generally outweigh this effect, as they provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.
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Pomegranates benefit the nervous system through their high antioxidant content, particularly polyphenols, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neural tissues. This may enhance cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the nutrients in pomegranates, such as vitamins C and K, contribute to overall brain health and may support mood regulation. Their potential to improve blood circulation can also aid in delivering essential nutrients to the brain, further supporting its function.
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ANTIPRURITIC - Anti-pruritics are substances that inhibit itching, often associated with skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy rashes).
EMOLLIENT - Soothes & softens the skin. Often a topical demulcent or oil.
Pomegranate can be used as an emollient due to its hydrating and soothing properties. The oil extracted from pomegranate seeds is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, making it effective for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. This can help improve skin texture, reduce dryness, and enhance overall skin health. While pomegranate may not be a traditional emollient, its beneficial properties support skin hydration and softness.
SKIN TONIC - A substance that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.
Pomegranates can be considered a skin tonic due to their rich antioxidant content, which helps improve skin health and appearance. They promote hydration, enhance elasticity, and support the skin's natural healing processes. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation and redness, making them beneficial for maintaining a radiant complexion. Overall, incorporating pomegranates into your diet or skincare routine can contribute to healthier skin.
VULNERARY - A substance used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).
Many vulnerary substances contain astringent compounds that may help tighten and tone the skin as part of the healing process. Overall, while they primarily focus on healing, they can contribute to healthier, firmer skin indirectly.
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URINARY TONIC - A substance that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection.
DIURETIC - Substances that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect different parts of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract, particularly the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis). In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys, leading to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis. Therefore, a UTI can occur in either the bladder or the kidneys, depending on its severity and location.
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CHOLAGOGUE - Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.
HEPAPROTECTIVE - A substance that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
HYPOLIPIDEMIC- Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.
LIVER TONIC - A substance that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.
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Pomegranates support the liver and gallbladder by promoting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress. The high antioxidant content, particularly punicalagins and flavonoids, helps protect liver cells from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. Pomegranates may also aid in bile production and flow, supporting the gallbladder in the digestive process. Additionally, they help improve liver function by reducing fat accumulation and potentially assisting in the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), contributing to overall liver and gallbladder health.
Pomegranates are considered hypolipidemic, meaning they may help lower blood lipid levels, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The antioxidants, particularly punicalagins, found in pomegranates can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to high cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that consuming pomegranates or their juice may improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and improving HDL ("good" cholesterol). This can support cardiovascular health by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
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Pomegranates can benefit the musculoskeletal system primarily through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in pomegranates, such as polyphenols, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which may alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and support joint health. Additionally, pomegranates contain nutrients like vitamin C, which supports collagen production, a key component in maintaining healthy bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. This can contribute to overall joint and bone health, reducing the risk of damage and degeneration in the musculoskeletal system.
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Pomegranates can benefit the endocrine system by supporting hormone balance through their rich content of antioxidants and phytonutrients. These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often linked to hormonal imbalances. Some studies suggest that pomegranate extracts may have mild estrogenic effects, potentially aiding in hormone regulation, especially in women during menopause. Additionally, their role in promoting overall health through improved circulation, detoxification, and reduced inflammation can have positive indirect effects on endocrine function and metabolic processes.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Pomegranates may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
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POSSIBLE CONTRAINDICATIONS
Based on its tastes, Pomegranates in excess may aggravate these symptoms.
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Blood and Circulation: Alcoholism, Candida / Yeast Infection / Thrush, Chronic Fungus infection, Chronic Infection, Cysts, Enlarged Spleen, Excess saliva, General Inflammation, Hepatitis (Past/Current), Jaundice, Jock Itch, Liver Sore, Puffy hands, Sensitive to Alcohol, Sores on tongue, Sour sweat, Staph infection, Strong body odor, Sweat often, Sweaty palms, Swollen lymph nodes, Swollen lymph nodes - arm pits, Teeth marks / Scallops on tongue edges, Thalassemia Minor, Yellow eyes / sclera, Yellow tongue coating
Skin: Acne - blackhead, Acne - cystic, Acne - general, Acne - painful, Acne - scars, Acne - whitehead, Athlete's foot, Blisters, Boils, Carbuncle, Clammy Skin, Large pores, Oily Skin Olive or Sallow Skin, Oozing Sores on Skin, Puffy / swollen skin, Ringworm, Ruddy complexion, Skin Infection, Skin problems on Chest, Skin problems on nose, Warts, Yellowish skin
Poop: 3+ bowel movements a day, Diarrhea, Diarrhea quickly after eating, Explosive elimination, Floating stool, Foul odorous stool, Frothy Stool / with Bubbles, Green stool, Narrow Stool / Stringy Poop - Thin, pencil stool, Orange / Rubbery Stool, Pus in stool, Soft Stool, Stool entirely liquid, no solid pieces, Stool formed, but porous & airy, Stool in mushy pieces mixed with liquid, Stool thick mud, Voiding large quantity of stool, Yellow stool
Digestion: Anal Itching, Bad breath, Foul taste on tongue, Frequent cavities, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Hyperacidity, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Pain around belly button, Smelly Gas, Sores inside mouth, Sour cravings, Sour Taste in Mouth, Strong food cravings, Strong hunger, Tonsil Stones, Traveler's Diarrhea, Vomiting Blood, Yellow teeth
Mind Stress Sleep: Bored easily, Easily insulted / sensitive, Feel judged / criticized, Feel rejected / unliked / unappreciated, I'm different from others / unique, Intense emotions, Migraines, Relationship issues, Self-Mutilation
Diet: Alcohol 2+ times / week, Dessert after meals, Pizza, Refined sugar, Soda / corn syrup, Tomatoes
Kidney Bladder Urinary: Bladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Burning / painful urination, Cloudy urine, Dark Yellow Urine, Kidney Infection, Smelly urine
Bones Muscle: Dandruff, Fibromyalgia, Flabby muscles / Poor tone, Nail / Toe Fungus, Sore muscles / achey
Reproductive Health: Pain in testicles, Vaginal discharge, White vaginal discharge, Yellow vaginal discharge
Skin problems in cheeks, Skin problems on chin
Respiratory Health: Ear pain/infection
Weight Loss - Pear shape
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Digestion: Difficulty Swallowing, Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis, Dry Mouth / Tongue, Gray teeth, Intestinal ObstructionIntestine lumpy / like a rope, Irregular/small appetite, Limited sense of taste, Nervous stomach / butterflies, Pain left lower abdomen, Palpable Mass in Abdomen, Strong/frequently thirsty, Alternating Diarrhea / Constipation, Constipation, Difficulty eliminating, Frequent urge to defecate, Impacted Fecal Matter, Less than 1 elimination a day, Rabbit pellet / Hard lumpy stool, Sausage shape stool with cracks on surface, Straining to eliminate, Chewing and spitting food, Fasting to lose weight
Blood and Circulation: Anemia, Cold extremities, Cold to touch, Dry eyes, Easily cold, Heart Palpitations, Iron deficiency, Many cracks on tongue, Raynaud's Syndrome, Sweat rarely
Skin: Chronic Peeling Skin, Cold aggravates my skin, Cracked skin / fissures, Dry skin, Dull / Gray Skin, Eczema, Pale Skin, Scaly / flaky skin, Thin skin, Tight / inelastic skin
Reproductive Health: Abortion (Past, Recent or Considering)Dry / light period, No period, Small breasts, Vaginal dryness
Diet: Anorexia, past or current, Beans, Currently/recently on a diet, Irregular Thirst, Restricting Food Intake
Disordered Eating: Drinking coffee to replace food, Eating vegetables to suppress hunger, Fasting during daytime hours / bingeing at night, Omitting Food Groups, Pretend Eating / Playing with Food
Respiratory Health: Dry cough, Hoarse Voice, Ringing ears
Lifestyle: Avoids cold
Mind Stress Sleep: Epilepsy, Frequent Stress
Kidney Bladder Urinary: Night-time Urination
Bones Muscle: Tight muscles
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Blood and Circulation: Alcoholism, Atherosclerosis, Avoids humidity, Blood dark in color, Blood thick / Congested lymph, Cancer, Candida / Yeast Infection / Thrush, Chronic Fungus infection, Chronic Infection, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Cramping back of leg, Diabetes (Adult Onset Type II), Edema, Excess saliva, Fatty Liver, Feet or Ankles Swelling, Fever (Current), Floaters in eye, Gallbladder Inflammation, Gallbladder Removed, Gallstones / Attack, Glaucoma, Heart Attack, Heaviness in heart area, High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Insulin Resistance, Jock Itch, Non-healing sore / ulcer, Pins and Needles Hands and Feet, Poor circulation, Puffy face, Puffy hands, Puffy under eyes / Bags, Rosaceae, Smooth patches on tongue surface, Sour sweat, Staph infection, Sticky saliva, Swollen lymph nodes, Swollen lymph nodes - arm pits, Swollen lymph nodes - hips, Swollen lymph nodes - neck, Thick coating tongue, Tingling / Numbness, Tongue frothy on edges, Varicose Veins, Wake up with sleep in eye, Water Retention, Watery Eyes, White tongue coating
Respiratory Health: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Clear mucus, Cough with mucus / wet cough, Croup, Cystic-Fibrosis, Difficulty expectorating, Ear pain/infection, Emphysema, Green mucus, Large amounts of mucus, Laryngitis, Mold allergy, Mucus Congestion, Mucus/congestion in mornings, Pneumonia, Post nasal drip, Pressure / popping ears, Seasonal allergies / Hay fever, Shortness of Breath, Sinus Headache (Pain in forehead), Sinus Infection, Sinus pain around eyes, Sinus pain in cheeks Sore throat, Strep Throat, Stuffed nose (can't breathe), Swallowing mucus, Thick mucus, Tightness in Chest when Breathing, Waxy clogged ears, Wheezing, White mucus, Yellow mucus
Weight: Angry when someone eats my food, Binging more than 1x monthly, Can't stop eating once I start, Distress when sweets unavailable, Eat when lonely / depressed, Eating without realizing it, Emotional eating, Fat back of arms, Fat on back, Fat on buttocks, Fat on thighs, Feel overweight, Frequent baking, Gain weight easily, Hypothyroid, Low basal body temperature, Low metabolism, Pear shape, Spending all day in the kitchen, Stocky, round, broad or large, Stomach fat, Trauma-induced overeating, Trips to food stores daily, Trying to lose weight, Uncontrollable compulsion to eat, Uneasy when food unavailable
Digestion: Bad breath, Dry Mouth / Tongue, Foul taste on tongue, Frequent Burping, Frequent cavities, Frequent Nausea, Gum inflammation, Intestinal Worms / Parasites / Protozoa / Bacteria, Large portions, Limited sense of taste, Lumps on Surface of Belly, Receding gums, Slow, heavy digestion, Steady, moderate appetite, Sweet taste on tongue, Tired after eating, Toothache, Tooth Infection, Vomiting, Vomiting Mucus, Mucus on stool, Sinking stool, General Malaise
Mind Stress Sleep: Calm, greedy, stagnant, Caring, calm, patient, Conflict makes me depressed, lazy, Confusion / Cloudy Mind, Cry easily, Depressed, Depressed when stressed, Difficulty waking up, Excessive sleep, Fatigue / tiredFeel pain less than other people, Friendships are long lasting, sincere, Homesick, Low energy, Panic Attacks / Anxiety Attack, Sleep deep & long, trouble waking up, Sleep during the day, Slow, monotonous speech, Steady emotions, Tired in morning
Diet: Burgers/Hot Dogs, Candy, Dairy/milk/cheese/ice-cream, Dessert after mealsEating after 8pm, Fast food 2+ times / week, Fatty fried food, Few leafy greens, Frequent snacking, Meat every day, Peanuts, Pizza, Protein Shakes, Red meat, Refined flours, Refined sugar, Soda / corn syrup, Sweet cravings, Wheat
Skin: Acne - cystic, Athlete's foot, Cellulite, Fatty deposits/lipoma, Humidity aggravates my skin, Large pores, Oily Skin, Pliable / elastic skin, Puffy / swollen skin, Skin tags numerous, Stretch marks, Thick skin
Reproductive Health: Breasts Lumpy, Clogged Milk Duct / Breast Infection, Clots in menstrual blood, Insufficient Breast Milk, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Tender breasts near menses, Uterine Fibroids, Vaginal discharge, Vaginal Inflammation, White vaginal discharge, Yellow vaginal discharge
Bones Muscle: Broad, large chest, Bulky muscles, Dislocated shoulder / ribs / etc, Flabby muscles / Poor tone, Nail / Toe Fungus, Thick Hair, Wide, Heavy Hips
Kidney Bladder Urinary: Bladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Burning / painful urination, Dark Yellow Urine, Kidney / Bladder Stones, Kidney Infection, Night-time, Urination
Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, Rich, holds onto money, Sedentary Desk / Computer Job
Pomegranate is recommended for Autumn/Winter. Check out these other Autumn/Winter foods here:
FOODS WITH A SIMILAR NATURE TO POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate may have some medicinal actions in common with these foods. Please keep in mind that qualities such as taste or characteristic may be different.
MORE INFORMATION ON POMEGRANATE
A sip of pomegranate on a hot day slices through muggy heat like jumping into a cool mountain stream. A bright combination of sweet, sour and astringent, pomegranate juice bursts with flavor. Its light yet rich sweetness simmers down the most heated temper, while a layer of astringency leaves you feeling refreshed, new, bright, and clean. Pomegranate stimulates the salivary glands relieving thirst on a hot summer's night. This sophisticated fruit juice makes a perfect addition to cocktails at parties, as it's liver nourishing qualities reduce hangovers and neutralizes alcohol's toxicity. Make pomegranate a nice addition to your barbeque, picnic, or even happy hours.
Cleanse the Stickiness out of Summer
Humidity can leave you feeling sticky, sweaty, and just plain down-and-out. Pomegranate's astringency can help dispel this stickiness and restore your elegance and equanimity. It's sour taste increases the flow of bile which removes sticky oils from the blood, making you feel refreshingly light. After a glass of this sour spritzer, you'll find immediate relief and begin to feel restored, clean, energetic, and bright.
Soothe Burning & Irritation
When heartburn, gas, & bloating leave irritation and burning in its wake, pomegranate juice is a tried-and-true remedy. The sour taste in both pomegranate reduces production of irritating stomach acids, while astringency cools down inflammation.
Pomegranate is excellent for all heat conditions of the digestive tract, including nausea. If you get nausea on an empty stomach or even morning sickness, it may be due to hyperacidity in the stomach.
Blood Tonic Beverage
If you are anemic or just feeling a little run-down and depleted, you may have a mild case of blood deficiency. Pull down your bottom eyelid and look in the mirror. If you see that the capillary bed looks pale, this is a great drink for you. The red color of pomegranate is an indicator that it has blood tonifying properties. Pomegranate helps in the production of red blood cells as it rebuilds fluids. It's sweetness, anti-oxidants and sour taste nourish the liver and restore blood chemistry. Together, these qualities make Pomegranate a great blood tonic. It builds the blood without building heat, which is why Pomegranate is an ideal fix for problems of the blood.
Alkaline Pomegranate
There is a lot of talk about alkaline foods. In Ayurveda, we translate that to mean foods that cool the blood. The next time you feel overheated, sip some pomegranate and check in to how your body feels about ten minutes later. Chances are, you feel relaxation around the eyes where you once felt tension. Your mind softens and your emotions cool down. You have just been "alkalized!!"Recipes with Pomegranate: Pomegranate Coconut Punch
Recipes with Pomegranate: Pomegranate Coconut Punch
Glowing Skin Tonic
Skin disorders start in the liver. When the liver is taxed and overheated in summer, the skin comes to rescue by helping the liver detoxify the blood. The result is ruddy, acne ridden complexion as blood toxins come to the surface and irritate your skin. When this happens your skin will look inflamed, hot, and puffy. The liver cleansing & nourishing qualities of pomegranate restores strength to the liver and thus beauty to the skin. You'll feel your skin relax after drinking Pomegranate.
Digestive Aid
Pomegranate is strongly sour, thus encouraging secretions in the digestive tract and salivary glands. These secretions improve taste, digestion, and regular elimination (functioning as a mild laxative and reducing gas). Their watery nature alleviates dryness, hydrating both the skin and internal membranes such as the colon.
Although many sours are irritating topically, pomegranate is a rare gem because it is a soothing exception to the rule. This makes pomegranate a very useful digestive aid to those suffering from high Pitta in the digestive tract. If a pomegranate mocktail is too cold for you, and suppresses your natural appetite, add pinch of ginger powder to warm it up a touch and pacify frazzled Vata. To counteract dryness in Vata pushing Pitta type digestive tract, add lime and a pinch of salt. Pomegranate is also used as a rejuvenator. Our friend and Ayurvedic practitioner, Aubrey Bamdad, suggests adding the bitterness of aloe vera to this recipe. We agree and love this delicious, cooling variation!
Muscle strength
Pomegranate was used in ancient times for heart and muscle strenth, perhaps due to pomegranates sourness which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. In modern times, pomegranate is used to improve muscle strength and reduce soreness after exercising.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Pomegranates cooling, pitta pacifying qualities, ability to improve blood vessel function, and its ability to calm pitta in the mind make it useful for high blood pressure.
About Pomegranate
Pomegranate comes from the latin words for apple (pomum) and seed (granatum), altogether meaning 'seeded-apple'. The seeds of the pomegranate are embedded in a white membrane that is also used for its medicinal qualities in Ayurveda. The french word for pomegranate, grenade, gave rise to the military term grenade. The city of Grenada in Spain was also named after the pomegranate.
