Walnut: majestic tree with countless properties

Juglans regia L., Juglandaceae family, is a majestic tree standing tall at 10-25 meters. Originally from the East, it is cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.

A monoecious plant, with unisexual flowers on the same individual, it has deciduous, compound, and alternate leaves. Flowers develop before the leaves, in April-May: males in long pendulous catkins, females grouped in 2 or 3 at the top of branches.

The fruit is a drupe, wrapped in the pericarp, an outer fleshy covering (husk), initially green, then turning black, enclosing the dry and woody fruit containing the seed, called the kernel.

The genus name derives from the Latin Jovis = Jupiter, and Glans = acorn, Jupiter’s acorn.

In ancient times, walnuts were considered divine food, a symbol of abundance and fertility.

The kernel’s resemblance to the human brain, based on the theory of signatures, led to the belief that it could cure mental ailments.

The leaves contain: traces of essential oil, naphthoquinones (juglone, α and β hydrojuglone, and lawsone), tannins (about 10%), minerals, vitamin C, and traces of carotenes.

Juglone is an unstable compound that polymerizes into dark derivatives. It exhibits allelopathic activity; likely the first described (Pliny the Elder), as well as antifungal, antiviral, and molluscicidal properties.

The smell of the drug is aromatic, the taste sour and astringent. The husk represents the major source of juglone (about 0.15%), along with tannins and vitamins A and B group; vitamin C is abundant in the unripe husk but decreases later.

The nutrient-rich kernel contains proteins, vitamins, and triglyceride oils (0.3%).

From the kernel, an oil of yellow-brown color is obtained by pressing. It tends to become rancid easily, limiting its practical use. Theoretically, it would be the ideal cosmetic oil, rich in essential unsaturated acids. Suitable for dry and damaged skin.

Used in cooking, it is sought after by chefs.

According to de Surel, walnut oil taken during the evening meal, in a dose of at least 60 grams in a potato salad, would be an effective vermifuge.

Walnut husk was anciently used for dyeing wool and fabrics as well as hair.

Today, the cosmetic industry uses walnut husk in the form of oily and glycolic extracts.

Walnut husk oil is used to protect and tan the skin and is part of the formulation of sun care products.

Although not inherently a selective filter, thanks to its naphthoquinone structure, juglone reacts with cutaneous keratin to produce a sclero-juglone complex. While it darkens the epidermis, it has a good screening action, promoting the production of melanin. This results in enhanced tanning as sclerojuglone and melanin overlap (Proserpio G. et al.).

From the unripe fruits macerated in alcohol collected on June 24, the night of St. John, better known as the “night of witches,” nocino is prepared, an excellent aromatic and digestive liqueur.

The gemmotherapy derivative (Glycerolic Macerate G.M. 1DH) has a particular tropism for the skin, mucous membranes, pancreas, intestine, and lymphatic glands.

For external use, the leaves are used not only for astringent properties but also for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and fungicidal properties, in excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis), and oral cavity inflammations.

Concentrated decoction for external use recommended by Jean Valnet:

“2 handfuls of leaves or husk per 2 liters of water; boil for 15 minutes.

Use: for vaginal irrigations (leucorrhea, ulcerations of the uterine cervix); for washes (diarrhea, dysentery); for gargles (sore throat); for baths (chilblains, redness of the hands); for washes and compresses in eczema, impetigo, leg ulcers; for foot baths: hyperhidrosis; for rinses, for hair maintenance, making it soft and slightly darkening.” (Jean Valnet)

Normative:

Walnut is included in annex 1 of plants allowed in the formulations of food supplements based on plant extracts with the following physiological indications:

Pericarp, Seed: Digestive function. Body detoxification functions. Regularity of intestinal transit. Functionality of the digestive system. Integrity and functionality of cell membranes. Regular functionality of the cardiovascular system.

Leaf: Astringent action.

Some scholars have also reported hypoglycemic properties, useful in the supportive treatment of diabetes.

Walnut does not show particular side effects at therapeutic doses unless there is proven hypersensitivity to one or more components of the drug. Tannins present in alnut drug can cause pharmaceutical interactions and gastric mucosa irritations.

In flower therapy, the walnut tree, in English, the walnut, holds a prominent place among Dr. Bach’s thirty-eight flower essences.

Walnut according to Bach: “For those who have well-defined ideals and ambitions in life and fulfill them but on rare occasions are tempted to deviate from their own ideas and goals, driven by enthusiasm, convictions, or strong opinions of others. The remedy ensures constancy and protection from external influences.”

Keyword: Protects from external influences and helps in times of great change.

For dark hair

Ingredients: 20 grams natural Henna powder, 30 grams powdered walnut husk, 50 grams Indigo powder. Mix the blend with hot water and apply it to hair for an hour for a light brown and leave it longer for a dark brown.

Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.

GIULIA CALDARELLI