Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Native habitat: Caucasus region of western Asia and the Middle East, including percent day Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan.
Plant Type: Small tree or shrub
Growth Habit: Vase-shaped; standard varieties grow 6 to 20 feet; dwarf varieties 2 to 3 feet.
Growing Conditions: Does best in full sun; drought-tolerant once established; self-pollinating.
The pomegranate certainly has a long history of use. Originating in the Caucasus region, western Asia and Pakistan, the pomegranate was one of the first fruit tees spread by humans in pre-history. Ancient cultures brought it to the Mediterranean region and other warm, temperate areas. Iranian custom of giving pomegranates to young women as a wedding gift dates back to before Christ. The fruit is also known as the Garden of Eden’s “forbidden fruit,” but also the contraceptive of the ancient world. According to myth, the Greek goddess Persephone became bound to the underworld for one-third to one-half of each year, after she has taken a bite of a pomegranate. During this time(fall and winter), the earth was infertile. The length of the period of bareness was determined by the number of pomegranate kernels that Persephone ate.
Although controlled, clinical human studies still must be conducted, recent findings suggest potential against these disease:
• Breast Cancer: Pomegranate fruit extracts might suppress the growth of breast cancer cells. Fermented pomegranate juice and seed oil from the fruit seem to the be the most effective.
• Prostate Cancer: Pomegranate might slow progression of prostate cancer, possibly prolonging the survival and quality of life of prostate cancer patients. Polyphenols in pomegranate juice seem to inhibit the spread of prostate cancer cells.
• Oral and Colon Cancer: Pomegranate juice could inhibit the growth of human oral and colon cancer cells. Interestingly the effect of the juice itself is greater than the isolated polyphenol constituents, suggesting a synergy of the chemical components in the juice.
To prepare a pomegranate with a minimum of mess, cut off the top if the fruit into sections. Put the sections in a bowl of water and roll out the seeds with your fingers, discarding the rind and pith. Strain away the water. The seeds and aril (the juice sac that surrounds the seeds) can be eaten as is or added to your culinary creations. Fro juice, simply put the seeds in a blender and blend until liquefied. Pour through cheesecloth or a sleeve into a cup and enjoy. For use on the body, try this:
Sugar Pomegranate Body Scrub - For every two cups of pomegranate seeds or juice, add a tablespoon of sugar. For extra soothing power, add a tablespoon of rich honey which will give your skin a luxurious shine. Then add 2/3 cup ground nuts, 1/3 cup oatmeal, brown rice flour, whole wheat flour, enough water to make a paste. Scoop up the paste with your hands or a washcloth, and rub over your body.
Exfoliation - Wet your body before shower and take a little paste at a time on your palm. Apply these in a gentle circular motion to remove the dry skin and rinse off with water. Rinse thoroughly.
For ready-made pomegranate products check out Pomegranate Body.