Commentary on collecting and special features of the walnut
The walnut (Juglans regia) is known not only for its versatile culinary uses, but also for its valuable medicinal properties. The best times for harvesting are during the flowering period from May to June and the fruit ripening period, which extends from September to October. The leaves should be collected in June when they are fresh and healthy. It is important to harvest the walnuts from pristine, natural habitats to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients. These remarkable trees grow up to 25 meters tall and also provide a shady habitat and food source for numerous animal species. The walnut is an excellent addition to a healthy diet and plays an important role in naturopathy, especially in the treatment of High- and gastrointestinal complaints.
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) – medicinal plant with diverse effects
Botanical characteristics
Family: Walnut family (Juglandaceae)
Height: Up to 25m
Trunk: Barky, cracked trunk
Leaves: Imparipinnate, leaflets oblong-ovate, entire, olive green
Blossoms: Male flowers are hanging green catkins; female flowers consist of 1-5 petals
Fruit: Stone fruits with green-fleshed skins that fall apart when ripe
Heyday
The flowering period ranges from May to June , the fruit ripens from September to October .
Plant parts used
- Leaves: Folium Juglans
- Outer shell and Nut crosses
Ingredients
- Tannins
- bitters
- Volatile oil
- flavonoids
- High content of vitamin C (in the nut)
- Juglone (effective against fungal infections)
Healing effects and indications
- Contractive (astringent)
- anti-inflammatory
- blood cleansing
- Tissue compacting
- Anti-itch
indications
- Inflammation of the skin (neurodermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, acne)
- Foot sweat and inflammation of the mucous membranes (gums, oral mucosa)
- Gastrointestinal complaints and hemorrhoids
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Heart failure
- Nervous weakness, to support memory and promote sleep
Contraindications and side effects
Note: In cases of neurodermatitis, an initial worsening may occur!
Preparation methods and dosage forms
Internal applications
- Infusion: 2 cup 3-1 times daily
- Syrup for strengthening: 1 tablespoon 3-1 times daily
- Nuts to improve memory: Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5 and C
- tincture
External applications
- Partial or full baths
- compresses
- Washings: With decoction
Effect of walnut in TCM
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the walnut has the following properties:
- Drives away damp cold in the large intestine
- Raises the Qi and warms the spleen
- Tonifies in cases of spleen Qi deficiency
- Acts as a blood purifier , stops secretions and bleeding
Humoral quality
- Warm (2)
- Dry (2)
The walnut consolidates and expels cold, raw and contaminated phlegm.
