There is a legend attached to walnuts, which involves the gods believed to walk the earth at some point in time. It is said that they lived on walnuts, eventually earning the name as “Jupiter’s nut.” In Europe, the tree has been a staple since the ancient days of Rome, where the nuts provided essential fatty oils to those who feasted upon the nuts. When it comes to North America, in the east , the white walnut (also known as the butternut) became a helpful laxative.
The character of the walnut is best described as warm, bitter, astringent, and drying. The fresh rind provides cooling effects. Besides essential fatty oils, the walnut possesses other helpful components, such as tannins and quinones. When preparing herbal remedies, it is the leaves, nut, nut casings, and inner back that are used. Both fresh and dried parts of the walnut are acceptable depending on the approach.
Walnut Leaves
In Europe, the leaves of the walnut are considered a popular home remedy that treats eczema and blepharitis (which causes an inflamed eyelid) in children. Recent studies have revealed that the antifungal properties of the nut may help one suffering a bout with intestinal worms. The leaves may prepare an effective tonic. Harvesting of the leaves may take place throughout the growing season.
The leaves of the walnut create infusions, washes, and eyewashes. An infusion of walnut leaves treats skin concerns and eye inflammations, but also serves as encouragement for a poor appetite. A walnut wash is good for wounds, scrapes, and eczema. To treat pink eye, a well-strained infusion of walnut or 5 drops of tincture in a water eyebath will do the trick.
Nut and Outer Nut Rind
As you take a look at the outer casing of the walnut, you will notice a fleshy green outer appearance, which is actually filled with minerals and healthy fruit acids. Traditional infusions using the outer parts of the walnut created a treatment known to darken the hair. As for the nuts, they are used to lower cholesterol and can lessen the chances of developing heart disease. Harvesting of the nuts should take place during the later summer.
The outer nut rind is used for making infusions and hair rinses. The infusion is known to treat reoccurring diarrhea and makes a good tonic of anemia. Patients losing their hair may create an infusion of walnut to use as a hair rinse. The oils of the nut are known as an effective dietary supplement for menstrual issues and eczema that produces dry flaking. Two teaspoons of unrefined walnut oil taken daily is suggested.
Inner Bark
The inner bark of the walnut is also called quills. When it comes to keeping safe while pregnant, it is known as one of the few laxatives that possess a healthy kick of potency. During the early summer, the inner bark should be harvested. When making natural treatments using the bark, it needs to become dry.
The inner bark generates decoctions and tinctures. A walnut decoction is used to treat constipation, slow digestion, as well as stimulates the liver. It is also used to treat skin disorders. As for the tincture, taking 5 milliliters on a daily basis also treats the liver, constipation, and a sluggish digestive system.