Black walnut beneficial properties and contraindications, application

What is black walnut and what does it look like?

The composition of the plant’s fruit allows it to be used as an ingredient for medicinal potions:

• Ascorbic acid, the amount of which in black walnut significantly exceeds the content in rose hips, sorrel, and citrus fruits;
• Vegetable fats;
• Bioflavonoids;
• Micro and macroelements: silicon, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, cobalt, selenium, manganese;
• B vitamins;
• Tannins
• Organic acids
• Essential oils

The chemical composition determines the properties of drugs:

1. Bactericidal
2. Antiparasitic
3. Fungicidal
4. Antiprotozoal
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Immuno-strengthening
7. Anti-allergenic
8. Hypotensive
9. Antitumor
10. Antioxidant
11. Antidiabetic

See also on the blog: The benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds: folk recipes

Biologically active additives are used to treat:

• Acute respiratory diseases, colds, flu, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma;
• Tuberculosis;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and their prevention;
• Allergic reactions;
• Diseases of the genitourinary area;
• Skin lesions, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, herpes infections;
• Parasitic infestations;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Purulent wounds;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Acute and chronic diarrhea;
• Candidiasis

In addition, dietary supplements have found application for comprehensive cleansing of the body.

Chemical composition and benefits

The use of black walnut in folk medicine is based on the biologically active elements included in its composition:

• polyphenols;
• alkaloids;
• phytoncides;
• enzymes;
• hormones;
• glycosides and others.

They contain a high content of vitamins, macro and microelements, contain dietary fiber, acids, mono and disaccharides, starchy and ash compounds. The kernels are 60% fat, so they are a high-calorie food product.

It has been scientifically established that black walnut contains 18 amino acids that have great benefits for human health.

The substance juglone is isolated from black walnut. We can say that this is a strong antibiotic of natural origin.

It is used for:

• strengthening the immune system;
• accelerating tissue regeneration;
• eliminating infections;
• suppression of inflammatory processes and oxidative reactions in the body.

The plant has antioxidant, bactericidal, laxative, multi-healing, tonic, hemostatic effects on the body. It is used to normalize hormonal levels, improve intestinal microflora, stop bleeding, improve scarring of internal and external injuries, and reduce pain.

Black Walnut Tincture

The tincture is used in the treatment of endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction), nervous disorders, cleansing the body of parasites, healing wounds and restoring the chemical composition of the blood, and malignant neoplasms.

Indicated for women suffering from inflammatory diseases of the genital area, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, heavy and painful menstrual bleeding.

Black walnut tincture will strengthen the immune system, help defeat colds, tuberculosis, asthma, and improve intestinal motility.

The tincture has antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties, has an antispasmodic, vasodilating, tonic effect. Lowers blood pressure, has anti-inflammatory and astringent effects.

How to take black walnut capsules

The capsules are easy to take, allow you to strictly follow the dosage, and are indispensable when traveling.

The drug has immunomodulatory, bactericidal, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory effects.

The drug is taken for two weeks, in a single course, 1-2 capsules with meals. In combination with proper nutrition and moderate physical activity, dietary supplements have a noticeable effect on the body.

Chemical properties

In a study, the Russian Pharmaceutical Academy found that black walnut leaves, fruits and shells have no analogues in terms of their therapeutic effect on the body. Includes:

• Juglone is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic. This is a non-toxic substance that has anti-cancer properties, which makes it possible to take drugs based on it in combination with chemotherapy. It is juglone that gives the nuts a slight iodine smell.
• Bioflavonoids normalize blood pressure, improve blood clotting, and strengthen blood vessels.
• Anthocyanides are powerful natural antioxidants that remove harmful toxins from the body.
• Linolenic, oleic, palmitic, myristic, stearic acid.
• Tannin that heals damaged mucous membranes and skin. It forms a protective film, preventing infection of open wounds.
• Calcium, potassium, cobalt, selenium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, manganese, iron.
• Phytoncides and glycosides.
• Essential oils.
• Quinone, enzymes, natural sugar.
• Vitamins B, C, P, E, A, F.

The peel of unripe fruits contains cellulose, vegetable oil, zein, magnesium stearate, gum. 100 g of black walnut contains 618 kcal.

Black Walnut Oil

The fruits of this plant serve as a source of healing oil. It is used not only in alternative medicine, but also in cosmetology, as well as in the preparation of culinary dishes.

In addition to the diseases already mentioned, black walnut oil is used to lubricate rashes with stomatitis, treat gums from periodontitis and periodontal disease, and use for hot inhalations.

See also on the blog: Using tea tree oil at home

Skin lesions, eczema, pimples, acne, purulent wounds, lichen, psoriasis are treated by rubbing the oil into the skin.

What is it and where does it grow?

Black walnuts, as well as American nuts, are the fruits of trees that reach 45 meters in height and grow in North America. Distribution area:

• Southern and Western United States of America;
• South of the Russian Federation: Sochi, Stavropol, Krasnodar.

Black walnut description:

• height up to 45 meters;
• trunk diameter - from 1500 to 1800 centimeters;
• bark color – dark brown;
• the length of each leaf is from forty to fifty centimeters;
• each sheet consists of oblong-shaped components, the number of which ranges from 15 to 23 pieces;
• the leaves have teeth along the edges;
• the color of each leaf on the outside is light green;
• flowers are divided into male/female, the shape of the flowers is earrings/tassels, respectively;
• the average size of each fruit is not less than three and not more than five centimeters;
• the kernels are covered with a thick layer of peel;
• the peel structure is rough;
• the kernels are small in size;
• As ripening occurs, the pericarp turns black;
• nut shape – spherical/obovate;
• nut color – dark brown/black;
• the fruits have jagged-wavy ribs - 2 pieces each;
• There are longitudinal grooves between the nuclei.

The small size of the kernels, which are difficult to remove from under the thick layer of peel, explains the rare use of the crop. Thanks to cultivation, there are now varieties with larger kernels and a smaller outer layer.

In Russia, a tree with dark chocolate bark, almost black roots and fruits similar in shape to walnuts can be found in Kuban and the Stavropol Territory. North America is considered the homeland of this plant, where since ancient times it was used by local Indian tribes in the treatment of almost all diseases. Sailors from Europe drew attention to this unique elixir of life. They also brought the first hazel seedlings to Europe.

Black walnut got its name for the rich dark color of the roots, as well as the peel of ripe fruits. Unlike its relative, the walnut, trees of this variety can reach the height of a 16-story building.

Did you know? In nature there are representatives of black walnut whose trunk diameter exceeds 2 meters.

How to make tincture at home

To prepare black walnut tincture, it is recommended to use fruits collected in the 2nd half of August. At this time, the content of useful substances in them is maximum.

The highest concentration of valuable elements can be obtained from an extract prepared using kerosene or alcohol.

How to prepare a remedy yourself? Preparing tinctures at home is a simple process.

Clean young nuts must be placed in a glass container, compacted tightly, and filled with a 50% alcohol solution to the very top. This is important to preserve the beneficial properties of the product and its color. Close the container with a lid.

The resulting composition is infused for half a month in a dry, dark room.

The finished tincture is poured into small glass containers for further storage. In case of loss of the characteristic green color, it is recommended to add vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Storage is carried out in a cool, dark place. When preparing the product strictly according to the recipe, the shelf life of the finished product is up to 5 years.

Description and origin

The culture's homeland is North America, which is why it is often called the American walnut.
It came to Russia only in the 18th century and grows successfully in the Stavropol and Krasnodar regions. The plant can grow in Canada and other countries, but only under certain conditions. Black walnut is similar in appearance to walnut, but has a higher content of nutrients. It is for this reason that it is more useful and as it matures, the value of such a product increases.

The plant's trunk appears chocolate brown and grows up to 30 meters. The black walnut tree is a monoecious crop whose staminate flowers are collected in small catkins. It blooms in spring, starting from 7-10 years.

The bark of the plant looks strong, but is quite easy to process. The bark is a valuable material and is used to make various household items. Furniture is made from the bark and used for interior decoration.

The fruits of the plant look like round, egg-shaped nuts that are pointed at the top. They grow and ripen in a 5-10 mm thick peel, inside of which there is a fairly strong shell. It contains edible kernels that emit a specific smell.

Features and regimens for taking the tincture

The product is used twice or thrice a day half an hour before meals according to the following scheme:

• Day 1 – the drug is used in the form of a solution (5 drops of tincture per 100 ml of water).
• Day 2 – 10 k. per 100 ml of water or herbal decoction.
• 3rd day and further - the dosage is gradually increased, adding 5 k per day at a time. The maximum allowable amount of product per dose is 30 k. per 200 ml of water.

Instead of water, you can use rosehip decoction or onion peels. The duration of the treatment course is from six months to a year (after each month you need to take a week break).

Small children are given a 10% solution of tincture (1 volume of product for 1 year of life). This solution is also used in the case of helminthiasis in domestic animals.

Use for parasites

In the presence of fungal, viral diseases, various helminthiases, the tincture is consumed in the morning and evening:

• 1st day – ¼ tsp. per 200 ml of decoction or water.
• Day 2 – 0.5 tsp. drug.
• 3rd day and subsequent days - add ¼ tsp daily, the maximum allowable dosage per dose is 2 tsp.

For a person weighing 70 kg or more, the permitted single dose is 2.5 tsp; for a person weighing more than 90 kg, 3 tsp is allowed.

The duration of the treatment course is from six months to a year. Every 3 weeks of taking the drug alternate with weekly breaks.

For helminthiasis in children, the medicine is taken according to the calculation: 1 dose per 1 year of life. The drug is diluted with water (half a glass) and taken twice a day for 1 week, after a week's break the use should be continued.

During treatment, you should monitor your well-being. If necessary, the dose is reduced (1 tsp twice a day); it is not recommended to completely stop taking it. Simultaneous treatment of all family members is required to prevent secondary invasion.

The tincture can be used as a preventive measure : mix black walnut (2 tsp), wormwood powder (1 tsp, for children use citvar wormwood) and cloves (1 tsp, grind before use), adding honey or jam. The dosage is also increased gradually. The duration of treatment is 2 months.

Treatment of tumors

In the presence of tumors, an increased dose of the drug is recommended:

• 1st day – ½ tsp.
• Day 2 – 1 tsp.
• 3rd day – 2 tsp. and further, increasing daily by 1 tsp. By the 8th day the dose will be 8 tsp. per dose (16 tsp per day).

They drink in small sips. It is allowed to distribute the full daily dose for use in 3 to 6 times.

Thyroid treatment

For thyroid diseases:

• Day 1 – twice a day, 5 parts per ½ glass of water.
• 2nd day - 10 kopecks per dose, etc. Maximum dose - 30 kopecks at a time. Drink in small sips.

The course lasts up to a year, with a one-week break every 3 weeks.

Method of collecting, processing and storing nuts

Fruit picking usually begins in the fall, and this can be done either manually or using special machines. Very ripe nuts fall to the ground on their own, so you can simply collect them with your hands while wearing gloves.

After collecting ripe nuts, they begin to process them and this is usually carried out using technology. When handling with your hands, it is recommended to wear gloves, since the juice of the black walnut fruit leaves stains on the skin that are quite difficult to remove.

The skin of green nuts changes its color to yellowish-green. You can remove the peel and remove the fruit using a regular knife. In addition, you can first crush the fruit and then remove the skin with your hands.

Special attention should be paid to the selection and storage of black walnuts, because kernels contaminated with bacteria from the environment can cause serious food poisoning, while not fresh ones due to mold fungi and aflatoxins can be fatal. The presence of moisture on the surface, signs of spoilage, or mold may indicate mycotoxins, so before purchasing you should check compliance with the following criteria:

• the shell is brown, hard to the touch, intact;
• the surface is uniform, without dark fragments;
• no moisture, unpleasant, rancid odor;
• there are no traces of rot and mold;
• a sound is heard when shaking.

Lack of sound when shaking, too dark shade of the shell indicates spoilage of the product. If you can’t buy nuts in shells, you should buy shelled ones in the following packages:

• homogeneous;
• without darkening and moisture;
• no traces of mold;
• not too dark;
• no rancid odor.

It is advisable to choose kernels that have not been peeled from the outer shell: this eliminates the risk of infection by mold fungi and extends the shelf life. A raw product bought in bulk may be contaminated with bacteria, so to eliminate the possibility of food poisoning, it is better to fry nuts in a frying pan or dry them in the oven.

Storage in inappropriate conditions or for too long a time leads to the destruction of substances that have a positive effect on the body and the synthesis as a result of destruction of substances hazardous to health.

You can store black nuts, unshelled from the outer shell, in a cool, ventilated place, protected from direct light, in an airtight container (jar, container) or non-woven fiber bags for no more than 6 months. It is better to place nuts in the freezer in specialized bags or containers; in the refrigerator they can be stored in a closed jar. Expiration dates:

• unpeeled: dry place – up to 6 months, refrigerator – 3 months, freezer – 6-12 months;
• peeled: refrigerator – 1-2 months; freezer – 3-6 months.

Before use, nuts must be checked for suitability for consumption, because shelf life is determined by the temperature of the place; if we are talking about those purchased in packaging, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be taken into account.

Are there any side effects?

In some cases, side effects appear when taking black walnut tincture:

1. Firstly, large doses of the drug can cause strange, unpleasant sensations in the stomach. They are sometimes accompanied by dizziness and frequent vasospasm. There is no need to worry about this. Patient reviews recommend simply reducing the dosage. And only then gradually increase to the recommended amount. To do this, you need to add a few drops of the drug daily.
2. Secondly, if you take a healing tincture intensively, there is a possibility that the beneficial microflora will be suppressed. You can avoid such a problem as dysbiosis. To do this, breaks must be taken during the course of treatment. And during this medicinal rest, it is recommended to more often take special foods containing bifidobacteria, B vitamins and beneficial microelements.
3. Finally, an alcohol preparation made from black walnut can provoke the death of a huge number of microorganisms and parasites. As a result, intoxication of the body is possible, as well as constipation. To avoid this, it is advisable to also use melon oil (for example, pumpkin). This will ease the work of the liver, stomach and kidneys.