Pomegranate Peel: A Natural Remedy for Various Ailments

Pomegranate Peel Decoction Has Numerous Benefits, Including Infection Treatment, Hair Loss Prevention, Bone Strengthening, Heart Disease Prevention, and Digestive Support

Don’t Discard Pomegranate Peel

Pomegranate peel, derived from the processing of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), has traditionally been considered agricultural waste. However, recent studies have revealed its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects. Pomegranate peel is a rich reservoir of antioxidants, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins, which contribute to its remarkable bioactivity. Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, wound healing, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel owing to the presence of phytochemicals, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin.

Key Benefits of Pomegranate Peel

A decoction of pomegranate peel offers numerous health benefits, including hair loss prevention, bone strengthening, heart disease prevention, and digestive support. Additionally, pomegranate juice strengthens hair follicles, helping to prevent hair loss.

1. Infection Treatment

One of the most significant benefits of pomegranate peel is its antibacterial properties. Due to its unique polyphenols, pomegranate peel can be highly effective in eliminating bacterial infections, particularly those related to oral health, such as gum and dental infections. Pomegranate peel’s effects on dental infections make it a top remedy for infection control. Additionally, a study revealed that individuals using mouthwash containing dried pomegranate peel extract experienced a considerable reduction in dental plaque formation.

2. Oral and Dental Health Treatment

An effective way to use pomegranate peel for oral health is to create a mouthrinse. Mix some dried pomegranate peel powder in a glass of lukewarm water, and gargle the solution twice daily, in the morning and evening. Gargling with pomegranate peel solution can quickly help eliminate common oral issues, such as bad breath. Additionally, this method is effective for reducing dental and oral infections.

For further benefits against dental infections, a highly recommended method is to massage the gums and tooth roots with pomegranate peel. Fresh pomegranate peel can be used for this purpose, or alternatively, dried pomegranate peel or its powder can be applied to massage the gums.

- Massaging Your Gum with Pomegranate Peel Powder

Massaging the gums with pomegranate peel powder helps relieve swelling, reduces gum inflammation, strengthens gum resistance, and prevents bleeding. It also helps protect against gum diseases. Overall, pomegranate peel is beneficial for treating dental and gum infections, with pomegranate peel powder being the preferred choice for gum massage.

Swishing the decoction of pomegranate peel in your mouth is beneficial for strengthening gums.

Therapeutic Effects of Pomegranate Peel Decoction Mouthwash:

• Promotes healing of mouth and tongue sores.
• Strengthens loose teeth and reinforces gums.
• Treats spontaneous gum bleeding during brushing.
• Highly effective for stopping bleeding after dental procedures.
• Treats various gum infections, including pyorrhea and gingivitis.
• Reduces bad breath caused by dental and gum issues.
• Provides symptomatic relief for oral ulcers.

3. Boosting Metabolism: A Benefit of Pomegranate Peel for Weight Loss

Pomegranate peel contains potent antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids that can enhance the body's metabolic activity. These compounds stimulate metabolic processes, accelerating the burning of fats and their conversion into energy. As a result, the body utilizes fats more efficiently and taps into fat reserves for energy production. Thus, pomegranate peel not only acts as a powerful fat burner but also plays a role in regulating the body's water balance.

4. Benefits of Pomegranate Peel for Uterine Health

One of the common issues many women experiences is excessive and abnormal discharge, which can sometimes indicate an underlying condition or infection. Given that one of the properties of pomegranate peel is its ability to combat infections, it can be quite beneficial in this context, potentially reducing the amount of discharge significantly. However, this does not mean that one should rely solely on this remedy in the presence of such issues. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any action.

5. Benefits of Pomegranate Peel for Facial Skin

According to numerous validated scientific sources, pomegranate peel contains high levels of antioxidants that can help lighten facial blemishes and even treat specific skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation.

In a study involving 30 participants suffering from this issue, it was found that those who used masks and serums containing pomegranate peel or pomegranate peel extract for one month experienced a significant reduction in pigmentation levels, without any notable side effects.

- Additional Benefits of Pomegranate Peel:

• Acne Treatment: Pomegranate peel can help reduce the severity of acne.
• Wrinkle Reduction: It aids in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Anti-Aging Properties: Pomegranate peel contributes to youthful-looking skin by combating signs of aging.
• UV Protection: It offers protective effects against harmful UV rays.
• Wound Healing: Pomegranate peel improves and accelerates the healing process of skin wounds.

6. Benefits of Pomegranate Peel for Preventing Hearing Loss

Oxidative stress is one of the most significant factors associated with age-related hearing loss. The antioxidants found in pomegranate peel may help reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, thereby preventing hearing loss in older age.

This benefit has been confirmed in studies conducted on mice; however, researchers have yet to reach definitive conclusions regarding its effects on humans, indicating a need for further studies in this area. Nonetheless, these potential benefits are promising and certainly not out of reach.

7. Benefits of Pomegranate Peel for Enhancing Brain Function

Oxidative stress is the primary factor leading to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress, and since pomegranate peel is one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants, it can be concluded that pomegranate peel may be effective in preventing Alzheimer's.

Numerous studies have been conducted on various animals supporting this conclusion. Additionally, in a study involving 36 healthy individuals, participants were given a plant-based compound containing pomegranate extract, resulting in observed improvements in cognitive brain function.

8. Fighting Cancer: Another Benefit of Pomegranate Peel

Pomegranate peel contains significant amounts of a specific polyphenol known as punicalagin, which has been evaluated in numerous studies as an anticancer agent.

One study examining the effects of pomegranate peel extract on cancer prevention revealed that this substance demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating prostate cancer, leading to the destruction of many cancer cells. Additionally, its efficacy in other cancers, such as oral, breast, and colon cancer, has resulted in slowing the formation and division of cancer cells, indicating a disruption in the progression of the disease.

9. Preventing Hair Loss and Dandruff

How to Use: Mix some pomegranate peel with hair oil and thoroughly massage it into the roots of your hair. After 2 hours or the next day, wash it out with a gentle shampoo, preferably an Herbal shampoo.

10. Home Remedy for Sore Throat with Pomegranate Peel

If you are suffering from a sore throat or tonsil pain, pomegranate peel can be used to alleviate the pain. There have been instances where pomegranate peel has been effective in treating throat pain caused by bacterial infections.

How to Use: Boil a handful of pomegranate peel in some water and strain it. After it cools, use it to gargle.

Pomegranate peel is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it very effective for strengthening the immune system. Drinking pomegranate peel tea can relieve cold symptoms such as cough and sore throat.

11. Pomegranate Peel Enhances Digestive Health

Pomegranate peel contains tannins, which help reduce intestinal inflammation and hemorrhoid swelling, tightening the intestinal walls and preventing bleeding during diarrhea while improving digestion.

How to Use: Soak half a cup of pomegranate peel powder in water for 30 minutes. Once softened, blend it with one teaspoon of cumin, three-quarters of a cup of buttermilk, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. For hemorrhoid relief, intestinal inflammation, and digestive issues, use this mixture three times a week.

You can also mix 4 grams of dried ground pomegranate peel with warm water and consume it. This will help eliminate stomach and intestinal worms.

- Anti-Diarrheal Effects of Pomegranate Peels

The findings showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the active fraction of pomegranate peels, of which punicalagin, corilagin, and ellagic acid were responsible for the antidiarrheal effect of aqueous extracts.

12. Pomegranate Peel Extract Is a Potential Alternative Therapeutic for Giardiasis

The development of novel drugs to control giardiasis is required because resistance to approved drugs is commonly reported. Study showed that pomegranate peel ethanolic extract has marked efficacy in the treatment of giardiasis in an experimental animal model. Findings indicate that pomegranate peel extract is effective in killing G. lamblia cysts in vitro and significantly reducing the number of cysts and trophozoites in feces and intestine, respectively. Moreover, data showed that there was marked reduction in levels of proinflammatory cytokines that is accompanied by recovery of the intestinal epithelium and decrease in lymphocyte infiltration into the intestinal tissue. The direct cytotoxic effect of pomegranate extract and the increase in NO production in pomegranate extract-treated animals could be potential mechanisms for the therapeutic effect seen in the study. Findings suggest that pomegranate is an effective therapeutic for giardiasis and should be considered in cases caused by G. lamblia-resistant strains

13. Lowering Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Strengthening Heart Health

Studies have demonstrated that pomegranate peel extract can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, in addition to improving the condition of patients with heart disease and diabetes.

Pomegranate peel tea, rich in flavonoids, phenols, and various antioxidants, reduces the risk of heart disease. It acts as a blood pressure regulator and reduces LDL cholesterol, providing vascular protective effects that help prevent heart-related issues. By inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reducing oxidative stress—an underlying factor in nearly all heart diseases and other health conditions—pomegranate peel can significantly enhance cardiovascular health.

How to Prepare Pomegranate Peel

You can purchase pomegranate peel powder from herbal shops or make it yourself. Follow these steps:

Peel the Fruit: Remove the skin from the pomegranate.

Dry the Peel: Place the peel in a sunny spot near a window for 2 to 3 days until completely dried.

Grind the Peel: Put the dried peels in a blender and grind until they become a fine powder.

Store the Powder: Place the powder in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature.

This powder can be used as a face mask or even as herbal tea. If you have any specific health conditions and plan to use this substance, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor first.

How to Make Pomegranate Peel Tea

Add the Peel: Place some pomegranate peel powder or fresh pomegranate peel into a cup of boiling water.

Steep: Allow the mixture to steep for a few minutes.

Strain: Once steeped, strain the tea to remove the peel.

Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice and honey to taste.

This will enhance the flavor, turning it into a delicious beverage perfect for autumn and winter evenings while also providing the numerous benefits of pomegranate peel tea.

Notes on Pomegranate Peel Consumption

✓For Those with a Cold Temperament: Limit the intake of pomegranate peel or consume it with honey.

✓For Constipation: It is advisable to take pomegranate peel with olive oil.

✓Caution: Avoid using castor oil with pomegranate peel to prevent potential toxic reactions from this combination.

Research on Pomegranate Peel

Despite the limitations remain, PPEs demonstrate some potentially beneficial effects by improving specific disease biomarkers. As a valuable by-product, pomegranate peel contains bioactive substances, especially phenolic compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which can exhibit superior biological activity. PPE showed potential antioxidant activity by reducing the levels of oxidative biomarkers such as TBARS, Ox-LDL, and lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers. Punicalagin and ellagic acid in pomegranate peel have chemo preventive effects against prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, partly associated with the ellagic-acid derived metabolite urolithin. In addition, bioactive substances in pomegranate peels play key roles in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, improvement of cardiovascular diseases, anti-infection and healing, playing a modulating and interventional role. 

External Sources

• Antidiarrheal effect of bioactivity-guided fractions and bioactive components of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels
• Pomegranate Peel as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Mini Review on Their Physiological Functions
• Pomegranate Peel Extract Is a Potential Alternative Therapeutic for Giardiasis

Have you tried any of these pomegranate peel remedies? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!