Ananas (Pineapple) Remedies: Irregular Periods, Pin Worms, Cough

By Dr M S Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu) PhD.

Introduction

Ananas (Pineapple) is said to be discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe.
Botanical name of pine apple is Ananas comosus.
Pineapple belongs to Bromiliaceae family. Even though fruits are well known usable parts, leaves are also used for medicinal purpose. 

Bromelin is the important chemical constituent of Ananas. In addition it possesses multiple health contributing constituents like multiple minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium,  beta carotene,  thiamine, ascorbic acid etc.

Studies have shown that regular consumption of ripened pineapple (without sugar) decrease the risk of obesity, circulatory problems and heart diseases.

Even though people believe that it is hot in nature, texts mention that it is cold in potency and balances Vata and Pitta Dosha. But excess intake provokes Ruksha (dryness) quality and hence it will cause the tissue damage ;hence based upon the action, it is claimed as Pittavardhaka . Unripe Ananas is Vata-Pitta vardhaka in action.

The fruits are appreciated as good appetizers and mild laxatives. As the unripened fruits are uterine stimulants and emmenogogues, its use during pregnancy is restricted.
Read related: Pineapple Benefits, Research, Remedies Side Effects 

Home remedies

Some important and simple home remedies of pine apple are as follows-

Lichen planus

1. Pine apple leaf decoction to wash the lesions of lichen planus:
Leaves are taken and decoction is made. This is used to wash the wounds and chronic skin lesions. It pacifies itching and burning.
General method of decoction preparation is –
1 tablespoon (10 grams) of coarse powder of the herb is added with 2 cups of water. Boiled in open air till the total content is reduced to 1 cup. This is filtered and used.

Expectorant

2. Leaf juice mixed with pepper powder and honey as expectorant:
5-10 ml of leaf juice is mixed with 1 gram of pepper powder and a teaspoon of honey. This is given to lick. This acts as a good expectorant and relieves cough and sore throat.

Jaundice

3. Fruit juice in jaundice:
100-200 ml of fruit juice is given to drink in cases of obstructive jaundice. It is a good appetizer and liver stimulant.

Irregular menstruation

4. Leaf juice with Achorus calamus(Vacha) in irregular menstrual cycles:
Soligas, tribal people of Tumkur of Karnataka sate, administer powder of Vacha (Achorus calamus) along with leaf juice of pine apple. They claim that it corrects the menstrual irregularities.

Pin worms

5. Leaf juice with mustard powder for pin worms:
One pinch of mustard powder is administered along with 5-10 ml of leaf juice of pine Apple in aces of pinworms of the children. It has instant benefits to pacify the itching of the anus caused due to pin worms.

An edible fruit is a good resource of energy and essential nutrients. But also it contributes good health benefits in diseased condition also. Proper adjuvant and vehicle will modify the action of the drug. It is evident in pineapple.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD