Botanical Overview
Punica granatum (family Lythraceae) is commonly known as Pomegranate. The part used in herbal medicine here is the flower (flos), prized in various traditional systems. The flowers are recognized for their vibrant color and are utilized for their medicinal properties mainly in Mediterranean, Western Asia, and South Asian regions.
Energetics
The flowers possess a cooling temperature with drying moisture. They taste primarily bitter, astringent, and acidic. The energetics reflect tonifying qualities especially impacting the blood system.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Hemostatic
Indications
Western
- Diarrhea
- Internal bleeding
- Inflammation
- Skin ulcers
Syndromes
- Hemorrhagic conditions
- Inflammatory disorders
- Digestive weakness
TCM
- Rectal bleeding
- Dysentery
- Heat toxicity
Syndromes
- Blood heat
- Heat in the blood
- Damp-heat dysentery
Ayurveda
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Gynecological bleeding
Syndromes
- Rakta dusti (blood vitiation)
- Pitta disorders
- Vata disorders
Unani
- Diarrhea
- Internal hemorrhage
Syndromes
- Blood heat
- Humoral imbalance with bleeding
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include ellagic acid, punicalagins, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins which contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and astringent properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of flowers 1-3 g 2-3 times daily
- Powdered flower 1-2 g 1-3 times daily
- External application as poultice or wash for ulcers and bleeding
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used as directed. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Avoid if allergic to pomegranate or related plants. No significant drug interactions documented.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers identified for Punica granatum flowers.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine – Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate)
- European Medicines Agency – HMPC Monograph: Punica granatum L., flos (Pomegranate flower)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica – Punica granatum Flower
- Indian Medicinal Plants – Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia