PUNICA GRANATUM. 
103 
nous ; coagulating into a fine red jelly on adding spirit of wine, and 
growing black and also glutinous with sulphate of iron. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The fruit of the pomegra- 
nate is not in general use in this country, although the powerfully 
astringent quahty of the rind might, we think, entitle it to be more 
generally employed. The juice and pulp may be taken ad libitum 
to quench thirst and abate febrile heat, and form an excellent sub- 
stitute where oranges are indicated. We are told by Dr. Ainslie,* 
" that the Hindoo doctors prescribe it, combined with saffron, when 
the body is preteruaturally heated." The bark of the fruit, as well 
as the flowers, are useful astringents. Dr. Cullen observes, that 
" the strong stiptic taste of the bark, and the black colour it strikes 
with green vitriol, shew sufficiently its astringent power. I have 
frequently found it particularly useful in gargles, in diarrhoea, and in 
external appHcations." The flowers are also gently astringent, and 
may be given as well as the rind, where astringent medicines are 
indicated. The bark of the root has of late years been successfully 
employed as a powerful vermifuge for destroying the tape-worm. 
Dr. Ainslie says, " The efficacy of the bark of the root of the pome- 
granate tree, as a remedy for the tape-worm, is now well established 
in India. It is given in decoction, prepared with two ounces of the 
fresh bark, boiled in a pint and a half of water till but three quarters 
of a pint remain ; of this, when cold, a wine-glassful may be drank 
every half hour till the whole is taken. This quantity occasionally 
sickens the stomach a little, but seldom fails to destroy the worm, 
which is soon after passed. "f It has also been successfully employed 
by several physicians on the Continent. Dr. A. Duncan says, " I also 
made some trials of it, on the supposition that it was the astringent 
principle which acted chemically upon the gelatinous body of the 
worm, and the result was promising; but the introduction of the oil 
of turpentine superseded the necessity of prosecuting the expe- 
riment." 
Off". The Bark of the Fruit, and the Flowers, called 
Balaustines. 
* Materia Indica, vol. i. p. 322. 
t Ibid, vol. ii. p. 175. 
