8 Surprising Ways to Use Pomegranate to Heal From Inside Out

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are one of my favorite fruits to grow; they thrive on neglect even in the toughest conditions – from extreme heat to freezing cold. Once established, they are heavy producers of fruit which can withstand hail storms thanks to their tough peel and they have good disease resistance which means no spraying and minimal care.

Pomegranates are usually harvested in late summer to autumn, depending on the region. You know they are ripe when you see obvious lines and cracks forming on the peel. I find the ripest fruits are the ones that have already cracked completely open like in the photo.

There are so many reasons to grow pomegranates and even more reasons to eat or use them for their health benefits!

7 Major Health Benefits of Pomegranate

Anti-fungal

Every part of the fruit can be used topically as an anti-fungal, especially against drug-resistant candida strains. In fact, many studies show pomegranate extracts to be far superior to many prescribed anti-fungal drugs. Squeeze out the juice and dry the seeds with their remaining pulp. Once thoroughly dry, grind them into a fine powder. This powder can be incorporated into a number of products to increase their anti-fungal powers.

Anti-bacterial

Pomegranate juice is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial which is one reason why it makes a good wound healer.

Anti-Ulcerative and Gut Flora- Restoring

Pomegranate peels are a strong anti-oxidant and anti-ulcerative thanks to their high level of phenolics. Best extracted into an alcoholic tincture.

Fresh pomegranate fruit is also incredibly high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-peroxidation compounds. They are also high in ellagic acid which reduces gastrointestinal inflammation due to changes in your gut flora.

Anti-Depressant and Anti-Anxiety

Although the research is limited, initial findings show that drinking pomegranate juice may be suitable for treating anxiety and depression, perhaps by changing the concentration of certain amino acids and serotonin in the brain.

Reducing The Risk of Heart Disease

The membrane (or mesocarp) surrounding each fruit is thought to have a cardioprotective effect. Pomegranate juice also decreases cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

Treating Diabetes and Obesity

Pomegranate products have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood glucose levels and modulate insulin production and secretion.

Pomegranate peel anthocyanins may be responsible for the anti-obesity claims. These compounds are water soluble so a strong cup of pomegranate peel tea every day can be a complimentary treatment for obesity.

Anti-cancer

A large variety of cancers are inhibited by pomegranate juice, pomegranate peel tincture or pomegranate seed oil. Interestingly, the efficacy of pomegranate products against cancer depends on which genotype you are.

8 Surprising Ways to Use Pomegranate

So, to sum up, there are at least 8 different ways to use pomegranate, each producing a number of benefits for your health, both inside and out.

Whole Fruit: Eating the whole fruit on a regular basis will encourage good gut flora and increase anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatories in your blood. Whole fruit may also provide a cardioprotective effect as well as help to treat diabetes and obesity. Eat 7 oz (200 g) per day for 3 months.

Pomegranate Juice: 750 ml/week is the recommended dose to reduce the risk of cancers, treat diabetes, decrease cholesterol, lower blood pressure, control depression or anxiety, reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and promote good gut flora. Topically applying the juice can disinfect bacterial and fungal wounds.

Pomegranate Peel Tincture: Soaking the peels in high proof alcohol for 1 – 2 weeks produces an oral treatment for stomach ulcers and various types of cancer. If you have 90% alcohol, then fresh peels can be used, but if you only have 40% alcohol, then it’s best to chop up and dry the peels before soaking them for 1 – 2 weeks. Take about 1 dropper (1.5 ml) per day.

Pomegranate Peel Tea: A strong cup of pomegranate peel tea everyday may assist with managing obesity and diabetes.

Powdered Pomegranate Fruit: The easiest way to store pomegranates over the long-term, simply strain out the juice then dry the seeds and pulp. Grind them into a fine powder using an electric grinder. This powder can be incorporated into oil, a salve, a tincture or soap to treat fungal and bacterial infections as well as general wounds.

Pomegranate Salve: Once you make some pomegranate powder, you can add this directly to any moisturizer you have at home, otherwise infuse the powder in warm oil for 2 – 3 hours, decant the mix and use the oil to make a salve by adding a small amount of beeswax to the oil over a double-boiler. Note: Last year, I tried washing and drying the whole seeds to infuse in oil, but the membrane on the seeds still retained enough moisture to contaminate my infused oil with water. A BIG no-no for oil-based products! Therefore, I recommend drying and grinding up the seeds to ensure they are completely moisture-free.

Pomegranate Soap: If you are using melt-&-pour soap, then add powdered pomegranate. If you are making hot/cold processed soap, then simply dry the seeds and add them as an exfoliator, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent.

Pomegranate Seed Oil: Not something for the average backyard producer, but it’s definitely possible to purchase pomegranate seed oil online. When ingested, the oil from the pomegranate seed can help to reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Sweet and succulent, hardy and healthy; Pomegranates provide a diverse variety of health benefits and these 8 different methods range from the convenience of drinking some pomegranate juice or peel tea, to creating a tincture or salve for use throughout the year.

You may also like:

20 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Your Beauty Products

The 10 Plants That Should Be In Your First Aid Kit (Video)

When and Why You Should Take Propolis

Mugwort Pillow for Insomnia and Anxiety