Pomegranate: Ruby red and bursting with energy

«One on the outside, a thousand and one on the inside – what is this?» – the answer to this old Turkish riddle is, quite simply, the red fruit of the pomegranate tree. The multitude of seeds contained within the outer skin of the pomegranate epitomise the principle of birth – new life bursting forth after a long wait. Eating pomegranate has therefore long been associated with a sense of perpetual rebirth and eternal life.

Even back in the days of Ancient Greece, pomegranates were regarded as a symbol of vitality.The medical benefits of pomegranate have been scientifically proven in around 200 studies. These are largely based on results from laboratory tests and only fulfil the scientific requirements to a limited extent. Nevertheless, naturopaths recommend that older men and women take pomegranate in the form of juice, a mother tincture or seed oil to boost their energy and gain a new lease of life.

From a pharmacological point of view, the key element in a pomegranate is the polyphenols it contains. These protect the cell membranes – the casing around our cells – from aggressive influences and thus have an antioxidant effect. In fact, pomegranates are three to four times more effective as an antioxidant than green tea.

The fruit eases inflammation of the mucous membranes and inhibits the growth of microbes. Its seeds, juice and skin contain what are known as flavonoids – plant substances which work in a similar way to the female hormone oestrogen. The seeds are also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C and valuable fatty acids, so they really are bursting with beneficial effects. Yet pomegranates have another talent hidden in the bark of their roots: this bark contains a low concentration of alkaloids and was therefore used as a worming treatment in the Middle Ages. Now it is only commercially available in combination with a Tibetan remedy.

Scientific studies claim that pomegranate also prevents arterial calcification (arteriosclerosis). It keeps the blood vessels clear of deposits and thus improves blood circulation. On top of this, it can also be used to control the hormone balance in women and prostate growth. Preparations containing pomegranate work at different rates. Anyone wishing to benefit from the fruit's long-lasting effects is advised to take it as part of a treatment regime.

Nowadays, pomegranate is often consumed in the form of a high-quality elixir or juice. Compared to costly elixirs, pomegranate in its mother tincture form is considered less strong. Vaginal administration in the form of a pessary helps to balance out moisture levels in that particular area, while pomegranate taken as a spagyric remedy provides general relief during the transition to old age.