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Punica granatum/P. domestica (Punicaeae)
POMEGRANATE
The rind of the pomegranated
fruit, and the bark of its tree, are a prebiblical remedy. they are
prescribed by herbalists to treat intestinal worms and against amoebae. they
bark is used against tapeworm and as a vaginal douche.
A fruit mentioned frequently in the Bible and said to have originated in the Garden of Eden,
pomegranate was featured in the decoration of King Solomon's temple.
It is a common fruit in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where it is taken as an aperitif,
eaten as a dessert, or made into wine. Native to western Asia but naturalized throughout Asia,
the Americas and east Africa, it is a perennial tree with oval leaves and striking, red, waxy flowers in summer.
The fruit has a light-brown woody skin and contains crimson juice in individual sacs, each containing a large seed.
PARTS USED
Rind of fruit, bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Alkaloids, including pelletierine and isopelletierine; ellagitannins.
ACTIONS
Kills and helps expel worms; astringent.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to expel intestinal worms and to kill amoebae.
The bark is used against tapeworms and is also useful as a vaginal douche in leucorrhoea (excessive white vaginal discharge).
PREPARATIONS
Dried rind, tincture.
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