In this article, we explore the beneficial properties of pomegranate peels, the process of harvesting them, and recipes using pomegranate peel for health and beauty.
Pomegranate is one of the oldest medicinal plants. It positively affects blood composition, strengthens bone tissue, and helps with burns and stomach pains. The benefits of pomegranate were confirmed back in the era of Hippocrates, and the peel contains more beneficial substances than the seeds. The skin is used to treat both chronic and acute diseases. In this article, we will explore the beneficial properties of pomegranate peels, the process of harvesting them, and recipes using pomegranate peel for health and beauty.
Health Benefits and Advantages of Pomegranate Peels
The peel of the pomegranate contains about 50% of biologically active substances by the total weight of the fruit. Among them, organic acids, trace elements, and vitamins C, B, E, and PP can be highlighted, and in terms of antioxidant content, the peel exceeds the pulp of the pomegranate by two times.
Dry peels are used to prepare medicinal powders, tinctures, inhalations, and decoctions. The astringent properties of the peel make it an effective remedy for poisoning.
Benefits of Pomegranate Peels:
- normalization of heart activity;
- strengthening of blood vessel walls;
- breakdown of cholesterol plaques;
- removal of toxins from the body;
- normalization of gastrointestinal function;
- strengthening of the immune system;
- antibacterial action.
A decoction from the peels helps with diarrhea, eliminates worms, and removes harmful substances while preserving intestinal microflora. The wound-healing properties of the peels contribute to the accelerated regeneration of the skin and healing of wounds from burns or inflammatory processes. They also effectively combat acne, strengthen the nervous system, treat sore throats, and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity.
Based on the antioxidant-rich peel, decoctions are prepared to strengthen hair, moisturizing creams for facial skin care, and detox drinks for weight loss and body cleansing.
Contraindications for Using Pomegranate Peel
Despite its rich vitamin composition, pomegranate peel has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to use the peel in fresh or dried form in the presence of:
- allergic reactions;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- frequent constipation;
- hepatitis;
- hemorrhoids.
Important! When taking medicinal products from pomegranate peels, the consumption of alcohol and antihistamines is strictly prohibited. Pomegranate peel contains alkaloids, so non-compliance with dosage can lead to poisoning.
How to Properly Dry Pomegranate Peels
For drying peels and their subsequent use for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to choose ripe fruits with a dense dark red skin. It is best to dry the peel in the fall when the fruits contain the maximum amount of beneficial substances. In fresh form, the peel contains about 80% water. Keep in mind that from 5 kg of fresh peels, approximately 1 kg of dry raw material will be obtained. To preserve the maximum amount of beneficial substances in the peel, follow these simple recommendations:
1. Rinse the fruits under running water, dry them, cut them into pieces, and remove the peel.
2. Remove the remnants of pomegranate juice and carefully peel off the inner yellow layer. Use only the upper red peel.
3. Cut the peel into thin strips and spread them on a baking sheet in one layer.
4. Dry the peel in the oven for 15 to 20 hours at a temperature of 40-60 °C.
Pomegranate peel can be dried in the oven, a fruit dryer, in the sun covered with gauze, or at room temperature. If you decide to dry the raw material indoors, cut the peels thinly, place them in a well-ventilated area, and dry for 7-10 days. To check the readiness of the peels, simply bend them. Well-dried peels will break. They can be ground in a coffee grinder or blender for use in powder form.
Using Pomegranate Peels in Fresh Form
As a medicinal remedy, not only dried but also fresh pomegranate peels can be used. Tea brewed from fresh peel helps to get rid of chronic cough. For its preparation, fresh peels, cleaned of the white inner layer, are used.
* To improve the taste of the drink, you can add lemon, honey, mint, lemon balm, or other herbs that will soften the astringency of the medicinal tea.
Fresh peel can also be used to prepare tea for worms. Pour 50 g of cleaned peel with 500 ml of boiled cold water and infuse for at least 6 hours. Then boil the infusion, strain through a sieve, and pour into a glass jar with a lid. The infusion should be taken in 2-3 sips 1 hour before meals.
Beauty Recipes Based on Pomegranate Peels
Cosmetologists have long appreciated the benefits of pomegranate peels. Cosmetic products based on them effectively combat skin imperfections, reduce pigmentation spots, tighten contours, and smooth out fine wrinkles. Let’s consider a few simple recipes:
1. Roast the prepared peels in a dry skillet, cool, and grind in a blender. Dilute the resulting mass with rose water or lemon juice to a powdery consistency. Apply the mixture to inflamed areas of the skin, let it dry, and then rinse with warm water.
2. Grind 2 tbsp of dried peels into powder, add 1 tbsp of brown sugar, 1 tbsp of honey, and a few drops of essential oil. Apply the resulting scrub to the face with massaging movements. This scrub cleanses and tones the skin well. After the procedure, use a toner and moisturizing cream.
3. Mix 1 tsp of peels with several tablespoons of milk heated to 40 °C. The consistency should resemble thick cream. Apply the mask to the face for 15 minutes. Using the mask twice a week makes the skin soft and moisturized, and small defects in the form of rashes disappear.
4. Add some powder from the peels to hair oil, mix well, and rub into the roots of the hair, massaging the scalp. Leave the mask on for 60-90 minutes, then rinse using a mild shampoo.
Health Recipes Based on Pomegranate Peels
* Prepared pomegranate peels can be conveniently stored in powdered form in paper bags or glass jars. Based on it, you can prepare a delicious and healthy seasoning by mixing pomegranate powder with salt or spicy herbs. This seasoning can enrich sauces, soups, main dishes, marinades, fruit drinks, and baked goods.
Let’s consider recipes with pomegranate peels for strengthening health.
Pomegranate Peel Tea
The simplest drink using pomegranate peels is medicinal tea. It can be prepared using either fresh or dried peel. When adding mint and other herbs, the drink becomes aromatic with a pronounced astringent taste.
For its preparation, take:
1 tbsp of pomegranate peel powder;
1 tsp of dried mint;
zest of an orange;
1 tsp of ginger;
1 tsp of honey.
Preparation: Pour 2 cups of water into a pot. Add pomegranate powder, zest, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add ginger, mint, and strain. Add honey to the cup with medicinal tea.
Decoction for Normalizing Gastrointestinal Function
This decoction helps well with gastrointestinal disorders. Mix 500 ml of water and 1 tbsp of dried peels. Boil the decoction over low heat for 10 minutes. Then pour the drink into a thermos and let it steep for several hours. The medicinal decoction should be taken 3 times a day 30-60 minutes before meals, 50-100 ml each.
Tincture for Oral Cavity Treatment
The antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of pomegranate peel make it an effective remedy for treating diseases of the nasopharynx and gums. To prepare the tincture, pour 4 tbsp of dried peels with a liter of boiling water. Bring to a boil and simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain the tincture and let it steep in a thermos for about an hour. Use the tincture for rinsing gums or the nasopharynx 4-5 times a day.
Compresses for Burns
To prepare a compress, mix 1 part pomegranate juice with 3 parts boiled water. Soak the damaged area of skin with this mixture and sprinkle with a small amount of powder from the peels, then apply a bandage and secure the compress. When the bandage starts to dry, moisten it again with pomegranate infusion.
Treating with pomegranate peels is not limited to tinctures and drinks. Inhalations can also be prepared based on them to cleanse the upper respiratory tract. Pomegranate peels help well with gastritis, intestinal dysbiosis, and in the treatment of gastric ulcers, providing anti-inflammatory effects.
By following precautions and adhering to the specified dosages in recipes, pomegranate peels can help alleviate conditions in cases of poisoning, strengthen immunity, and improve overall well-being.
Source: 1001sovet
