The walnut tree, a powerful astringent known since ancient times

The walnut tree (royal juglans) has healing properties which were already well known in Persia and ancient Greece. Native to Central Asia and the Middle Eastthe walnut tree was introduced by the Greeks and Romans to the Mediterranean basin: Juglans It means «nut of the gods.»

It was said that walnuts, combined with rue, neutralized the effect of poisons deadly and if eaten in abundance, facilitated the expulsion of intestinal worms. And there were also widespread beliefs, such as the one that stated that under the dense shadow of this tree it was dangerous to fall asleep.

Healing uses of walnut

For medicinal purposes The leaves and the outer layer of the fruit or pericarp are harvested, in addition to the seeds or nuts.

• The walnut leaves They contain ellagic and gallic acids, naphthoquinones such as juglone and plumbagin, flavonoids such as juglanin and quercetin, essential oil and tannins. Are astringent, antidiarrheal and hemostatic; they are also anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
• He pericarp It also contains organic acids and hydrojuglone.
• The walnuts They provide unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), vitamins A, B and E and mineral salts.

Medicinal properties of walnut

• Walnut infusions are a good remedy to stop seasonal and reactive diarrhea.
• In external use, to heal mouth sores, swollen gums and relieve irritation in the eyes and eyelids.
• and have been indicated for treat urinary infectionsreduce frequent urination and for the dissolution of kidney stones.
• Walnut oilfor its part, is used to treat skin woundseczema, dermatitis and itching.
• In internal use, this oil eliminates intestinal parasites and relieves premenstrual pain.

Walnut herbal tea against diarrhea

​An excellent formula to combat diarrhea caused by poisoning and nausea It is the one that combines walnut leaves withagrimony, salicaria and conduragoin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Mix two level tablespoons of the mixture with half a liter of water and boil the mixture for 2 minutes, strain it and let it rest for another 10. A cup of this infusion is taken every three hours, or when colic occurs.

Precautions and contraindications of walnut

It is important to warn of the need to avoid formulations with walnut internally. in case of gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcersince the tannin content can irritate the mucous membranes.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”