Walnut, 12 Best Medicinal Properties

Walnut is an incredibly versatile nut and powerful natural remedy, with a rich and buttery taste that is often enjoyed as a snack or used in cooking. But there is much more to walnuts than just their taste. Most often it is notated as Nutritional Powerhouse.

They are also loaded with health benefits and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Herbalism. In this article, we will describe walnuts’ efficacy and the best twelve medicinal properties they offer.

Introduction

Walnuts are the nutrient-dense nut that provides a range of health benefits. They are a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

They are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals.

Botanical name (Juglans regia), Arabic (جوز Joz), Bangla (আখরোট Aakhrot), Hindi (आखरोट Aakhrot), Malay (Walnut), Urdu(اخروٹ Aakhrot)

Native area:

Balkans Eastward, Himalaya, and Southwest China currently leading growers are China, Iran, Turkey, USA, Mexico, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Chile, Romania, Italy, and India

Taste:  Fruit is fairly mild nutty sweet

Temperament Group (Potency):  Fruit Warm 2°, Dry 3°

Parts used: Fruit, Bark

Plant

Walnut is a deciduous and monoecious tree, growing 25-35 m in height with a trunk of up to 2 m in diameter having leaves 25-40 cm long, imparipinnate, alternately arranged, and pinnate.

It has a lifespan of up to 250 years and is widely cultivated in the world mainly for its edible fruit which is a drupe consisting of a rough and wrinkled hard shell with light brown to white flesh inside and measures about 5 cm. The flowers are yellowish to green and are available from May to June.

Types of Walnuts

Several types are available, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some of the most common are as:

English Walnuts

They are the most common type of walnut that is found in grocery stores. This variety has a thin, easy-to-crack shell and a mild, buttery taste. They are often used in baking, cooking, and as a snack.

Black Walnuts

They have a thicker shell and a stronger, more earthy flavor than English walnuts. They are often used in baked goods and as a topping for ice cream.

White Walnuts

They are also known as butternuts, have a creamy, buttery flavor and are often used in baking and cooking.

Heartnuts

Heartnuts have a unique heart-shaped shell and a rich, buttery flavor. They are often used as a snack or in baking.

Butternuts

Butternuts are similar in appearance to English walnuts but have a sweeter, more mild taste. They are often used in baking and cooking.

Usages of Walnut

Fresh and dried raw fruit, Widely used in Sweets, Deserts, chocolates, cookies and cakes, soups, dishes, cereals, and baked goodies.

Walnut oil is another incredible product that has both dietary and topical usage. Bark and leaves are topically used in some folk medicine.

Fresh and dried bark has renowned importance in cleaning teeth and gum protection.

Efficacy

Walnuts are packed with essential nutrients and possess a wide range of health benefits.

Several studies are evident that they possess properties such as Demulcent, Anti-oxidant, Diuretic, Immunity booster, Nutritive, immunity booster, Aphrodisiac, Stimulant, Resolvent, and Stomachic.

Nutritional composition

One serving of 100 g of crushed walnut consists of 4.5 g of water and provides 650 kcal energy, other note able compounds are as:

Amino acids		Protein	15.14 g	Vitamins
Glutamic acid	2800 mg	Minerals		Choline	39 mg
Arginine	2265 mg	Potassium, K	438 mg	Tocopherol, gamma	21 mg
Leucine	1163 mg	Phosphorus, P	344.25 mg	Tocopherol, delta	1.87 mg
Serine	929 mg	Magnesium, Mg	157 mg	Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	1500 µg
Glycine	811 mg	Calcium, Ca	97.75 mg	Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1118 µg
Valine	748 mg	Manganese, Mn	3.394 mg	Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	697 µg
Phenylalanine	707 mg	Zinc, Zn	3.07 mg	Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	566 µg
Proline	702 mg	Iron, Fe	2.9 mg	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	533 µg
Alanine	691 mg	Sodium, Na	1.7 mg	Betaine	340 µg
Threonine	592 mg	Copper, Cu	1.58 mg	Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	339 µg
Isoleucine	521 mg	Selenium, Se	4.84 µg	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	149 µg
Lysine	421 mg	Carbohydrates		Vitamin B9 (Folate)	97 µg
Tyrosine	403 mg	Total dietary Fiber	6.63 g	Vitamin A	23 IU
Histidine	388 mg	Total Sugars	2.59 g	Fat
Methionine	234 mg	Sucrose	2.41 g	Saturated	3.5 g
Cystine	206 mg	Fructose	0.093 g	Monounsaturated	15.4 g
Aspartic acid	181 mg	Glucose (dextrose)	0.076	omega‑3	2.7 g
Tryptophan	169 mg	Starch	0.06	omega‑6	33.8 g

Health benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are versatile and powerful natural remedies, with a variety of health benefits. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.

They have also been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, improved brain function, aids in skin health, and better control of blood sugar levels. Here are some of the health benefits of using walnuts:

Nourishes Skin

Walnuts contain essential fatty acids that help to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Their regular consumption helps to keep your skin soft and supple.

Further anti-inflammatory properties of walnuts can help to reduce skin inflammation and redness.

This makes them beneficial for people with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Walnuts contain vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that can improve skin texture and prevent damage from harmful UV rays.

It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also reduces the chances of premature aging.

Walnut oil has been used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that can nourish and protect the skin.

The leaves are externally used as a cure for dandruff, sunburn, superficial burns, and scalp itching. The bark and leaves also help to treat skin disorders such as eczema, scrofulous diseases, and herpes.

Healthy Hair Growth

Walnuts are also rich in biotin, which is an essential nutrient for healthy hair growth. Eating walnuts regularly or using walnut oil on your hair can help to promote healthy and shiny hair.

Anti-Cancer

Walnuts are probiotics and help to maintain colon health and prevent colon tumors.

They have been found to have anticancer properties, particularly in reducing the risk of several types of cancers including breast and prostate cancers.

They contain compounds that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor growth.

The alpha-linolenic acid present in walnut acts as an antioxidant that eliminates free radicals.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Walnut improves cardiovascular health by preserving endothelial cell functions and lowers the chances of cardiovascular ailments by lowering bad cholesterol levels and helping to raise good cholesterol.

It’s leaves have also been used to promote cardiovascular health. They have been shown to improve blood vessel function, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Lowers Blood Pressure

The healthy fats and minerals found in walnuts help lower blood pressure, which is an important factor in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Further, a study shows that their essential oil also fruit as a whole helps to lower blood pressure during stress.

Super Brain Food

Walnuts are considered as the brain food which helps to enhance memory as well as cognitive functions and develops the sense of well-being and sooth.

Another function observed in studies is that walnut prevents the brain from Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological ailments and helps to block the stress signals caused due to oxidative stressors and releases stress.

Research has also shown that walnuts can improve cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline which lowers the chances of degenerative diseases.

This is due to their high content of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Helps Weight Management

Despite their high calorie and fat content, studies have shown that incorporating walnuts into a healthy diet can actually help with weight management.

This is likely due to their high fiber and protein content, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Relieves Pain

The leaves and bark of the walnut tree contain compounds that have been used to treat pain and inflammation. They have also been used topically to relieve pain from sore muscles and joints.

Aids in Respiratory Health

Walnut leaves have been used traditionally to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. They contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and improve lung function.

They are nutritious and rich in omega fatty acids which makes it a good tonic to maintain overall health. Several research studies suggest making them a regular part of our diets and choosing them over other nuts.

Help in Treating Diabetes

The presence of high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats makes them helpful in treating type 2 diabetes. They also lower body inflammation and help to enhance metabolism.

The rich availability of minerals in walnut assists in the generation of sperms, growth, development, nucleic acid synthesis, and digestion.

Acts as Aphrodisiac

They acts as a stimulant and improve both male and female sexual health. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat the prostate and as a tonic for the kidneys.

Enhance Metabolism

The intake of walnuts helps to enhance the body’s metabolism. It provides minerals such as copper, calcium, magnesium, selenium, manganese, potassium, iron, and zinc.

It assists in the generation of sperms, growth, development, nucleic acid synthesis, and digestion.

Teeth and Gum Protection

The dried as well as fresh bark is used to clean the teeth and observed well for bleeding gums and strengthening teeth.

Precautions in using Walnuts

Walnuts are high in calories, so it’s important not to eat too many. Overweight individuals should be cautious about consuming them due to their high-fat content, which can contribute to weight gain.

Although they have many health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to allergic reactions that vary in severity from person to person. It’s recommended to consume them in moderation to prevent allergic reactions, which can include anaphylactic shock, mouth and tongue itching, asthma, throat swelling, and hives.

They are great for the skin, as they reduce fine lines and wrinkles, moisturize, and prevent premature aging. However, excessive intake can cause skin rashes and swelling, particularly for those who are sensitive to cashews and almonds.

They are also high in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and relieves constipation and other digestive issues. But overconsumption can cause stomach problems and diarrhea, especially for those who are allergic to walnuts.

Due to the high likelihood of allergic reactions, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid walnuts in excessive amounts. Additionally, its daily application to the lips can cause lip cancer due to the presence of a chemical compound called juglone.

It can also trigger asthma attacks and severe allergic reactions that affect breathing, as well as swelling of the tongue and throat. The topical application of its leaves can lead to eczema, acne, skin infections, and ulcers.

Human studies and research continues to explore more unacquainted, rest the creator knows well about his creation

References:

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Juglans+regia

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=20772

“The Healing Power of Walnuts” by Nancy Ash, Ph.D.

“Walnuts and Their Health Benefits” by Dr. Vinood B. Patel