Botanical Overview
Ananas comosus (family Bromeliaceae), commonly called Pineapple, is a tropical plant native to South America, widely cultivated for its edible fruit, stem, and leaves used medicinally. The plant’s harvested parts – mainly fruit and stem – are utilized in traditional and modern herbalism.
Energetics
The plant has a cooling and moistening nature with sweet and sour tastes, exhibiting a descending directionality and a relaxing tonicity. It primarily influences body fluids.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive aid
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
- Fibrolytic
- Immune stimulant
- Wound healer
Indications
Western
- Edema
- Inflammation
- Bronchitis
- Digestive sluggishness
- Muscle pain
- Sinus congestion
- Cough
- Wound healing
Syndromes
- Chronic inflammation
- Respiratory congestion
- Digestive disorders
- Venous insufficiency
TCM
- Phlegm accumulation
- Lung heat
- Dyspepsia
Syndromes
- Phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs
- Spleen qi deficiency
Ayurveda
- Kapha imbalance
- Digestive disturbances
- Inflammation
- Respiratory issues
Syndromes
- Ama accumulation
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders
Unani
- Phlegmatic conditions
- Edema
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Balgham (phlegm) excess
- Fluid retention
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains proteolytic enzymes including bromelain, citinic acid, sugars, vitamins especially vitamin C, and minerals contributing to its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Fresh fruit eaten as food
- Juice 100-200 mL daily
- Bromelain extract 200-400 mg daily in divided doses
- Stem decoction used for edema and inflammation
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe at culinary and moderate medicinal doses. Allergy to pineapple or bromelain is possible. May interact with anticoagulant and antibiotic medications by increasing bleeding risk and altering absorption respectively. Use with caution in bleeding disorders. Pregnant women should avoid concentrated extracts due to limited safety data.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional sources identified for planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- The American Botanical Council Botanical Safety Handbook
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine by Bone & Mills
- Plants For A Future Database