Walnut (Juglans regia): properties and contraindications of the walnut tree

The walnut tree, a powerful astringent known since ancient times

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

The walnuts, combined with rue, were said to neutralize the effect of poisons deadly and if eaten in abundance, they facilitated the expulsion of intestinal worms. And there were also widespread beliefs, such as the one that claimed that under the dense shade 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 antisepticHe pericarp it also contains organic acids and hydrojuglone. 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.

Walnut medicinal properties

Walnut infusions are a good remedy to tackle seasonal and reactive diarrhea.In external use, to cure mouth sores, inflamed gums and relieve irritation in the eyes and eyelids. and have been indicated for treat urinary tract infectionsreduce frequent urination and for the dissolution of kidney stones.walnut oilon the other hand, is used to treat skin woundseczema, dermatitis and pruritus.In internal use, this oil eliminates intestinal parasites and relieves premenstrual pain.

Walnut tea against diarrhea

​An excellent formula to combat diarrhea caused by poisoning and intoxication is the one that combines walnut leaves withAgrimony, loosestrife and condurangoin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Two level tablespoons of the mixture are mixed for half a liter of water and the mixture is boiled for 2 minutes, strained and left to rest for another 10. Take a cup of this infusion every three hours, or when colic coincides .

Walnut Precautions and Contraindications

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

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