Walnut

Alternative names : Juglans regia, Arbre au Sommeil, English Walnut, Noyer Royal, He tao

Known since prehistorical times, Walnut is subject to many superstitions, myths and legends. Possibly native to Persia, the “king of trees” was cultivated extensively in Southeastern Europe and Asia minor from older times. Popular wisdom protects this vigorous and precious tree, therefore cutting a Walnut is considered bad luck. One superstition says that you must avoid sleeping under its dense shade, otherwise you will get sick. Also, if you are looking for a quick remedy for rheumatism or tooth pain, you should carry a nut in your pocket.

Walnut has many curative powers and was often used in traditional medicine for various ailments.Walnut fruits (nuts) are one of the healthiest foods known to man, replacing successfully meat in a diet (better than soy) , due to its high protein and fatty acids content. The vitamin E content of nuts regulates hormonal activity (especially thyroid), improves fertility and protects the skin, while Cu and Zn found in nuts helps treat vascular disease, immunity deficiencies and growth disorders. Recent studies show that daily consumption of nuts decreases the risk of coronary disease, prevents strokes and lowers cholesterol. In diabetic conditions, nuts have a notable hypoglycemic action. The green hull of the nut is used to treat gastritis, diabetes and anemia and purifies the blood. The juice obtained from the green hull of the nut treats warts if applied 3 times a day for a period of 2-3 weeks and gargles with maceration extract from the same green hulls are a cure for tonsillitis and mouth and throat inflammations.

Nut hulls are also used in sunless tanning products and  hair dye ( a handful of green hulls boiled for 5 minutes in a cup of water is a natural hair dye, good also for men’s gray beard).

Walnut flowers are also valuable, the infusion being used in scalp complaints and damaged hair.

The infusion obtained from Walnut leaves is mainly used in diarrhea, diabetes and bleedings. Externally, the leaves can treat excessive sweating of hands and feet, acne, infectious eczema and leucorrhoea .