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Walnut leaves have many medicinal properties, although people are more familiar with the benefits of the fruits of this tree. In fact, in folk medicine almost all parts of the plant are used, sometimes combining them in one remedy. Of course, the concentration of microelements and vitamins in walnut fruits is higher than in the roots or bark, however, its leaves are highly valued not only for their vitamin composition, but also for their ability to purify the air and disinfect water.
What do walnut leaves look like?
Walnut leaves are compound, imparipinnate, alternate. They have an elongated egg shape and slightly jagged edges. The length of the leaf plate is on average 5-8 cm. The leaves bloom along with the flowers. On the branches they are located in groups of 6-9 pieces.
What are the benefits of walnut leaves?
The healing properties of walnut leaves are due to its rich vitamin composition:
- Vitamin C – its concentration in walnut leaves is not inferior to that in black currants. It increases the body's resistance to viral infections, strengthens capillaries, and also normalizes the functioning of the kidneys and liver. In autumn and winter, when outbreaks of influenza are observed everywhere, it is recommended to drink teas and infusions made from walnut raw materials as preventative measures.
- Vitamin B1 nourishes the nervous system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and normalizes metabolic processes in the body. It also improves the functioning of the digestive system, tones muscles and improves appetite. In addition to the leaves, vitamin B1 is found in large quantities in the walnut shell.
- Vitamin B8 minimizes the risk of blood clots in blood vessels, stabilizes blood pressure and improves metabolism. The benefit for men is that the high concentration of vitamin in walnut leaves helps in the prevention of erectile dysfunction.
- Vitamin P – has a tonic effect on the nervous system, normalizes liver function.
- Vitamin A (or retinol) is known primarily for its antioxidant properties - it promotes the renewal of body cells and removes fine expression wrinkles. The immunostimulating properties of carotene are no less known. It also helps improve vision and speed up the distribution of calcium in the body, which leads to strengthening of tooth enamel.
- Tannins - they are responsible for the astringent property of walnut leaves.
- Phytoncides have an antibacterial effect on the human body.
- Vitamin E used in medicine for hormonal imbalance.In addition, it has a strengthening effect, increasing the body's resistance to viruses.
- Enzyme juglone has an antitumor effect on the human body, due to which the leaves are used for the prevention of cancer. It also helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract, improves the overall condition of the skin and helps with thyroid dysfunction.
- Potassium – this microelement helps normalize heart function.
- In addition, a high content of minerals was found in the leaf blades of this plant: zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and iodine.
The rich chemical composition of walnut leaves determines a number of the following healing properties of the plant:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antifungal;
- astringent;
- painkiller;
- anthelmintic;
- wound healing;
- strengthening;
- tonic;
- hemostatic;
- vasoconstrictor;
- diuretic;
- bactericidal;
- choleretic.
Use of walnut leaf in folk medicine
The scope of use of medicines based on walnut raw materials is quite wide, due to the impressive list of its beneficial properties. In particular, walnut leaves are used for:
- diabetes mellitus;
- anemia;
- uterine bleeding in women;
- cystitis;
- exhaustion of the body after colds;
- weak immunity;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- skin diseases (furunculosis, lichen, psoriasis);
- pyelonephritis;
- breast cancer;
- dysfunction of the liver and bladder;
- joint pain;
- worms;
- tuberculosis;
- inflammatory processes in the 3rd ear;
- periodontal disease;
- atherosclerosis;
- eczema;
- asthenia;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
For type 2 diabetes, tea made from walnut leaves is useful, however, one-time or indiscriminate use from time to time will not have a significant effect on the body. In order to achieve visible results, you need 2-3 courses of 7 days. After each course, it is recommended to maintain an interval of 3-4 days. Optimal dosage: 3-4 times a day, one cup.
Rules for procurement of raw materials
The full medicinal properties of walnut leaves are revealed only under proper storage conditions. It is equally important to follow the rules for collecting raw materials:
- The material is harvested in late May - early June, when the leaves are still small. The highest content of beneficial microelements is observed in young walnut leaves.
- It is recommended to pluck only 4-5 outer leaves from the shoot.
- Before laying the raw material out to dry, it is necessary to tear off the petioles from each leaf blade.
- The collected material is laid out in the sun in a thin layer, periodically turning the leaves over.
It is recommended to store dried leaves in a fabric bag. They also retain their healing properties well in glass containers.
In a dry room at room temperature, the collected raw materials can be stored for 2 years.
Uses of walnut leaves
Dried or fresh walnut leaves are widely used in folk medicine and pharmacology.Based on the walnut leaf, infusions, decoctions, ointments, vodka and alcohol tinctures, teas and juices are made, which can be consumed internally and used externally.
Tincture of walnut leaves with vodka
A tincture from the leaves of the tree is made according to the following scheme:
- The dried raw materials are poured with vodka in a ratio of 1:10.
- The resulting mixture is infused for 10-15 days.
- Then the tincture is filtered through a double layer of gauze, after which it is ready for use.
Drink this walnut tincture for 2 weeks. Recommended dosage: 4 times a day, 6-8 drops diluted in water.
The scope of application of tincture from walnut leaves includes, first of all, the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and the relief of stomach pain.
Infusion of walnut leaves
An infusion of walnut leaves has a lot of beneficial properties, which can be prepared according to the following recipe:
- ½ tsp. dry crushed raw materials are poured with 100 g of boiling water.
- The drink is infused for an hour.
- After the specified time, the infusion is filtered and poured into a glass container.
Dosage: 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
Dry raw materials can be replaced with fresh ones. 1 large leaf per 100 g of water is enough. Before pouring boiling water over the raw material, it is recommended to grind it.
Walnut leaf decoction
There are many recipes for decoctions using various parts of the walnut, including leaf plates. The preparation scheme for different decoctions is generally not much different, however, the ingredients, depending on the scope of application, can vary greatly.
To normalize the menstrual cycle in women, the following decoction is suitable:
- The dried leaves of the tree are ground in a coffee grinder or blender. You can also finely chop them by hand.
- 1.5 tbsp. l.raw materials are poured with 500 ml of boiling water and left for 2-3 hours.
- Then the broth is filtered and the green mass is squeezed out, after which the filtered product is ready for use.
Drink the decoction 3 times a day before meals, 30 g.
For inflammation of the mouth and throat, use a decoction with a higher concentration of raw materials:
- 2 tbsp. l. dried leaves pour 1 tbsp. water and put on fire.
- When the water boils, remove the broth and leave for an hour.
- Then the liquid is filtered through cheesecloth.
This decoction is also suitable for treating worms. In addition, it can be used externally for acne and furunculosis.
Green leaf juice
Fresh walnut raw materials are used to prepare juices. Bandages and tampons are moistened in them for the treatment of skin diseases (lichen, furunculosis, eczema, psoriasis).
The cooking algorithm is as follows:
- The raw materials are inspected for yellowish or damaged leaf blades.
- The selected material is thoroughly washed.
- Then the green mass is crushed manually or using improvised means in a container until juice appears.
The resulting liquid should be thickly smeared onto the affected area of the skin. In addition, you can dip a gauze bandage in the juice and apply it to the abscess or ulcer. Pimples and boils are usually treated spot-on.
Ointment
An ointment made from dried and crushed leaves of the tree is used primarily to treat felon and boils. You can prepare it according to the following scheme:
- 35 g of dry raw materials are ground in a blender or coffee grinder, after which 200 g of corn oil is poured into it.
- The thoroughly mixed mixture is kept for about a week in a dry room at room temperature.
- After the specified period, the ointment preparation is heated in a water bath for an hour.
- The resulting infusion must be strained 2-3 times through a layer of gauze. Then it is returned to the water bath for another 20-30 minutes.
- After this, the infusion is diluted with 30 g of wax and mixed thoroughly.
This ointment has proven itself in the healing of burns and festering wounds, as well as in the treatment of skin cancer.
Precautionary measures
The benefits of walnut leaves are undeniable, however, when using medicines based on them, moderation should be observed - abuse of decoctions and infusions that contain parts of this plant not only reduces their medicinal qualities to zero, but can also be harmful.
This happens for the following reasons:
- high concentrations of certain substances cause contraction of cerebral vessels, which leads to spasms;
- walnut is an allergen and causes an allergic reaction in persons intolerant to products based on this plant;
- a large number of alkaloids in many parts of the plant are harmful to the human body;
- in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema, too frequent application of bandages soaked in the broth to the skin causes an exacerbation of these diseases;
- Exceeding the daily norm of substances contained in the leaves leads to problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications to treatment with walnut leaves
Medicines containing any parts of the plant, including leaves, are contraindicated for use by persons with:
- chronic colitis;
- acute gastrointestinal diseases;
- thrombophlebitis;
- pancreatitis;
- neurodermatitis;
- individual intolerance to walnuts;
- increased blood clotting.
This applies only to products for oral use. Ointments and decoctions intended for external use have no contraindications, with the exception of an allergy to walnuts.
Conclusion
Walnut leaves are useful in the same way as its fruits and other parts of the plant: shell, roots, bark. They have a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which is why their effect on the body is so strong. A course of treatment with drugs based on walnut raw materials has a positive effect on almost all human organ systems.
You can learn more about the healing properties of the plant from the video below:
