Pomegranate is a treasure of nutrients, known as “Dadima” in Ayurveda, that has been used for its numerous health benefits for centuries. It is popularly considered as a “blood purifier”.
Pomegranate juice, when taken on a regular basis, is helpful in relieving digestive problems like diarrhea. It is also beneficial for managing heart problems and high cholesterol as it helps keep the arteries unclogged due to its antioxidant property. Taking Pomegranate seeds or juice helps improve energy levels and increases sexual stamina in men. It might also be beneficial in managing arthritis as it possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Pomegranate seed or flower extract might be useful in managing dental problems due to its antibacterial property. Moreover, applying a paste of Pomegranate seed powder and water to the skin helps prevent sunburn.
A good home remedy involves applying a paste of Pomegranate leaves and coconut oil or water on the forehead and massaging for a few minutes to get relief from the headache.
Sometimes drinking chilled Pomegranate juice might cause a runny nose.

Punica granatum, Kulekhara, Dadima, Dadama, Anar, Dalimba, Matalam, Dadimba, Madalai, Madalam, Danimma, Rumman, Dadimacchada, Lohitapuspa, Dantabija, Dalim, Dalimgach, Dadam phala, Dalimbe haonu, Madulam Pazham, Dadimbakaya.

 

How does Pomegranate or Punica granatum help in Ayurvedic Healing?

Pomegranate helps in the below conditions -

 

1. Diabetes

Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Pomegranate helps remove Ama and controls aggravated Vata due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar levels.

 

2. Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries)

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque accumulates inside the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. According to Ayurveda, this accumulation is an Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) disorder that affects the circulation of blood. This is because Ama is sticky in nature. It clogs the arteries leading to the hardening of the arterial walls. Using Pomegranate juice or powder helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.

 

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea known as Atisar in Ayurveda, improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) is responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid into the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Intake of Pomegranate powder helps to control diarrhea because it has Kashaya (astringent) that retains fluid in the intestine and reduces the frequency of motion.

4. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual problem in males in which erection cannot be maintained or the erection is not firm enough for sexual intercourse. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Klaibya. Generally, vitiation of Vata dosha is responsible for Erectile dysfunction. Pomegranate helps manage erectile dysfunction and improve sexual performance. This is because of its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.

5. Fungal infections of the vagina

Pomegranate might help manage vaginal infections. This is due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as C. albicans and T. vaginalis that cause vaginal infections.

6. Obesity

An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and resulting in obesity. Pomegranate juice is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It balances Meda dhatu and thus reduces obesity.

7. Piles

Hemorrhoids are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in the rectum area which leads to hemorrhoids. Regular intake of Pomegranate is useful to manage hemorrhoids. This is because it helps promote Agni (digestive fire) which corrects constipation and reduces the inflammation in hemorrhoids.

8.  Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. This is due to a weak digestive fire. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Taking Pomegranate powder on a regular basis helps to control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and gives relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.