Pomegranate
Punica granatum
The pomegranate is reputedly the 'forbidden fruit' eaten by Eve
in the Garden of Eden, and the fruits were said to be represented
on the pilars of King Solomon's temple. The medicinal qualities
of the pomegranate were known in the first century and the root
bark was recommendedfor expelling tapeworms, for which it is
an effective but nauseating remedy.
In traditional Indian medicine, the bitter rind is used to treat
dysentery. Its powerful astringent properties are also helpful
for diarrhoea. The leaves have antibacterial properties and
were once applied to sores. In culinary terms, it's most widely
used in Middle Eastern cookery.
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