The Benefits of Pomegranate Peel in Usada Rare: A Natural Solution for Treating Diarrhea in Children

Indonesia is rich in cultural heritage, including traditional medicine. In Bali, this traditional medicine is known as Lontar Usada, a manuscript that discusses traditional treatments based on herbal remedies. One type is Lontar Usada Rare, which focuses on treating children's diseases.

Nov 29, 2024 - 11:00
Oct 22, 2024 - 17:41
The Benefits of Pomegranate Peel in Usada Rare: A Natural Solution for Treating Diarrhea in Children
Pomegranate (Image Source: Author's Collection)

The Benefits of Pomegranate Peel in Usada Rare

In Lontar Usada Rare, pomegranate peel is used as a traditional remedy to treat diarrhea in children. The efficacy of pomegranate peel in treating diarrhea is supported by empirical trials passed down through generations. The peel contains compounds with astringent properties, meaning they can constrict the mucous membranes of the intestines, making it effective in treating diarrhea.

Modern research also shows that pomegranate peel has pharmacological effects in line with its traditional use in Usada Rare. Active compounds in the peel, such as tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin, have been proven to offer various health benefits, including strong antidiarrheal effects. Studies have shown that pomegranate peel extract can inhibit the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium, with effective doses to reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Pomegranate (Image Source: Author's Collection)

Pomegranate Peel’s Composition and Benefits

Pomegranate peel has traditionally been considered agricultural waste, but recent research shows that it is a rich source of bioactive compounds with numerous benefits. The peel contains antioxidants, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins that contribute to its bioactivity. Studies have found that pomegranate peel has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anticancer, and wound-healing properties.

The main components of pomegranate peel include:

  1. Tannins: Acts as an astringent, helping to constrict the mucous membranes of the intestines, making it effective in treating diarrhea.
  2. Polyphenols: These compounds have strong antioxidant properties that can combat free radicals in the body.
  3. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin: These three compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that support digestive health.
  4. Dietary fiber: Helps maintain digestive health and reduces the risk of constipation.

Traditional Preparation of Pomegranate Peel

Traditionally, pomegranate peel is boiled to make a medicinal concoction. This preparation process is simple and can easily be done at home. Here’s the traditional method for preparing pomegranate peel to treat diarrhea:

Ingredients:

  1. One pomegranate peel
  2. One lemon/orange peel (optional)
  3. One tablespoon of grated ginger
  4. 4-5 mint leaves (optional)
  5. Honey to taste

Steps:

  1. Thoroughly wash the pomegranate peel and other ingredients.
  2. Boil the pomegranate peel with the lemon/orange peel for 10–40 minutes.
  3. Once the mixture boils, add the grated ginger and mint leaves if desired.
  4. Strain the boiled water into a cup and discard the peels.
  5. Add honey to enhance the flavor.
  6. Serve the drink while hot.

This remedy, aside from being used to treat diarrhea, is also believed to help improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and provide a calming effect on the body.

Pomegranate Peel Decoction (Image Source: Author's Collection)

Pomegranate peel is one of the natural ingredients with numerous health benefits, especially in the treatment of diarrhea in children, as described in Usada Rare. The use of pomegranate peel in traditional Balinese medicine aligns with modern scientific findings that demonstrate the pharmacological potential of bioactive compounds in the peel. With simple preparation and easily accessible ingredients, pomegranate peel can serve as an effective natural remedy for maintaining digestive health and treating conditions like diarrhea