Pomegranate is grown since ancient times in the warm countries of West Asia,North Africa,and Southern Europe.In the USA three different varieties of pomegranate are cultivated.In India pomegranate is largely cultivated in June,and some other parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Pomegranate tree grows to a height of three to nine metres.The fruit is a berry,five to 12.5 cm diameter and its taste is sweetish sour.Its fruit rind (firm covering) seeds juice and roots have many medicinal values.Pomegranate is a food of great nutritive value.Every part of the tree,leaves,flowerz and roots have featured in medicine for thousands of years.In ancient times doctors considered it a tonic for the heart.
Pomegranate is rich in vitamins B and C with plenty of citric acid.Its fresh juice is an excellent cooling beverage that prevents heat stroke.It is effective in restoring energy and salts lost by the body from weakness due to continuous vomiting.
It can be taken as a juice with the addition of a little saffron.According to Ayurvedic medicine the power of the dry pomegranate rind,mixed with a little pepper and common salt,serves as a good dentrifrice- a substance for cleaning the teeth.Regular application of this concoctio n is believed to strengthen the gums and stop bleeding.The flower buds are useful in cases of chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.
Pomegranate is a fruit that keeps the stomach and others organs of digestion in good condition.It is freely used in household preparations in the form of chutney while making different spices and recipes.It adds extra taste to food articles.If one wishes to have his appetite improved,its juice should always be taken before lunch and dinner.
Add finely powdered and roasted jaggery to 20-25 millitres of fresh pomegranate juice,with a pinch of salt to get relief from indigestion,acidity and loose motions.Stomach ache can be relieved if pomegranate seeds are taken everyday,sprinkled by Black pepper and rock salt.In typhoid fever give diluted juice,prepared from ripe fruit.In high blood pressure take half a cup of fresh fruit juice twice a day.For people suffering from loss of memory,fresh fruit juice mixed with honey,is an excellent restorer of memory.
