Black Walnut - Useful Properties And Uses

2023 Author: Riley Dean | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 09:15

Black walnut is an American tree that is not widely used in Russia. Its fruits and leaves are distinguished by a high content of polyphenols, juglons and other active substances that have antiparasitic, antioxidant, antiseptic and other therapeutic effects. Despite the distance of its natural range, this tree can be grown in Russia, especially in the southern regions. Most likely, many have not even heard of such a plant, but black walnut, which is widely used in folk medicine, has many useful properties. Even the ancient Indians called the black nut "the elixir of life", as with its help they cured diseases that were considered fatal in those days.

The content of the article:

1 History of the Black Walnut
2 Appearance of black walnut
3 How black walnut differs from walnut
4 Chemical composition of black walnut
5 Black walnut: composition
6 Useful properties of black walnut
7 To whom is black walnut contraindicated?
8 Black Walnut Treatment
9 Black walnut oil

The history of the black walnut

The natural range of this representative of the genus Walnut extends across the vastness of Canada and the United States. The first delivery of the fruit to Europe dates back to 1629. In this part of the world, the plant immediately took root well and gained popularity. The tree grows well in deciduous forests, and its population tends to take up a lot of space. In modern Russia, this plant is found in the wild in the southernmost regions of the country: Stavropol and Kuban. In the same place, black walnut bears fruit well. Found in many botanical gardens.

Among the North American Indians, it was believed that black walnut was the elixir of life. It was based on the experience of using fruits for medicinal and prophylactic purposes.

There is no official data on the extent to which countries produce black walnut fruits. The Agricultural and Food Organization of the United Nations does not keep such statistics, because this product does not belong to food. On the Internet resources where the walnut is sold, most often American-made goods are found. It is logical to consider the USA, which is the natural habitat of black walnut, as monopolists in this activity. The collection is carried out by local residents who donate the harvest of the wild tree to procurement centers.

Black walnut appearance

The black walnut tree generally looks the same as other walnut trees, however there are some peculiarities in appearance that are unique to this tree:

tree trunks are chocolate brown, up to 50 meters high;
wood is strong, but easy to process, making it a valuable material for the manufacture of various wooden items. It is decorated with a beautiful and pleasant texture, due to which it is widely used in the manufacture of furniture and in interior decoration;
the crown is vaulted, very wide, lowered downward. Its diameter is equal to the height of the tree, and it can germinate even more;
roots are black, covered with deep cracks. They grow very deeply. Root system type: core.

The leaves of the tree are odd-pinnate, alternately arranged. In length they reach up to 25-30 centimeters, more often consist of 11-23 pieces of light green leaves. Leaves are oval, slightly oblong with finely toothed margins. In length they reach 6-10 centimeters, in width no more than three. The venation is pinnate. Blossom in April and May.

The black walnut tree is a monoecious plant. Stamen flowers are collected in earrings, the length of which ranges from 5-15 centimeters, and pistillate flowers have 3-5 flowers per cluster. Trees bloom, starting from 7-10 years of age, in April and May.

The fruits of the black walnut are round, ovate and obovate, pointed at the apex. It is 3-5 centimeters in diameter. Ripen in a peel 5-10 millimeters thick. Inside the peel is a very strong four-nested shell.

Inside the shell are edible kernels. They have a specific smell. Resistant to oxidation from a special composition. Black walnut belongs to the genus Walnut, of the Walnut family, to the order of the Acidaceous, to the class of Dicotyledons, to the department of Flowering and to the kingdom of plants. In addition to it, this genus includes such types of nuts as walnuts; California nut; small-fruited nut; neotropical nut; ailantholus nut; Manchurian walnut; butternut.

How black walnut differs from walnut

These tree species belong to the same family, therefore they are close relatives. There are common features in the structure of trunks, crowns, leaves and fruits. Nuts are very similar in appearance. In both cases, leaves, pericarpels and unripe fruits are used in medicine.

Chemical composition of black walnut

Black walnut has a very complex (and therefore unique and useful) composition. Nutritional value: proteins - 24%; fats - 59%; carbohydrates - 3%; starch - 0.2%; ash substances 2.5%; dietary fiber - 6.8%; saturated fatty acids - 3.37%; mono- and disaccharides - 1.1%; calorie content - 618 kcal per 100 g.

The content of vitamins and minerals (per 100 g): beta-carotene 0.024 mg; calcium 61 mg; Iron 3.12 mg; vitamin A 2 μg; magnesium 201 mg; zinc 3.37 mg; thiamine (B1) 0.057 mg; sodium 2 mg; copper 1360 mcg; riboflavin (B2) 0.13 mg; potassium 523 mg; manganese 3.896 mg; pantothenic acid (B5) 1.66 mg; phosphorus 513 mg; selenium 17 μg; pyridoxine (B6) 0.583 mg; folic acid (B9) 31 μg; ascorbic acid (C) 1.7 mg; alpha-tocopherol (E) 1.8 mg; phylloquinone 2.7 μg; vitamin PP 0, 47 mg;

choline 32.1 mg.

Substances that make up the fruit of black walnut:

juglon. Natural preservative and antibiotic with antimycotic, antiparasitic and mild laxative effects. Juglone is not toxic, but it has a powerful inhibitory effect on tumors, due to which it is used as an additional tool in the treatment of oncology;
tannins. Due to the astringent effect, they accelerate the recovery and healing of tissues, mucous membranes. Create a disinfectant film on the skin.
bioflavonoids. They make the walls of blood vessels stronger, help stabilize the level of fats and cholesterol, blood pressure;
anthocyanides are distinguished by a powerful antioxidant effect and detoxification of the body;
organic acids. They have a wide spectrum of action, covering all internal organ systems;
alpha linoleic acid. Supplements the anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, healing and prophylactic effects of other substances.

Black walnut: composition

Many scientists have come to the conclusion that in terms of the complexity and integrity of the healing effect on the body, this nut has no analogue in nature. The composition amazes and impresses with its components, which positively affect the state of human health. This unique plant contains a huge range of nutrients.

Also in the composition of the nut there are substances such as:

flavonoids;
alkaloids yugladine;
polyphenolic substance;
tannin;
carotene;
phytocide and glycoside;
organic iodine;
vitamins (C, B1, B6, P, E, B, PP, provitamin A and vitamin F);
trace elements (magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, cobalt, selenium, manganese, silicon);
essential oils;
oleic acid, as well as palmentic, linoleic, lauric, myristic, arachidic and stearic;
quinone;
enzymes and sugar;
tanning and many other substances.

The peel of an unripe nut contains 50 times more vitamin C than one of the leaders in the content of this vitamin - orange. Not only fruits are useful in consumption, but also the green mass of the plant, which contains calcium phosphate, cellulose, vegetable oil, arabic gum, magnesium stearate and zein.

According to many scientists, in terms of the integrity and complexity of the therapeutic effect, black walnut has no analogues in nature. Unlike its closest relatives, it contains much more useful substances and therefore has a very versatile effect on the body.

They have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce irritation and promote faster healing of damage. That is why preparations made on the basis of black walnut are often used to treat external tumors, all kinds of rashes, fungal infections, herpes and lichens.

However, the most valuable substance in this plant is juglone. It is this element that gives the nut an iodine smell. It has antifungal, antibacterial and antihelminthic properties. It is the juglone that gives the black walnut the ability to rid the liver, intestines, blood and the entire body from various parasites. In addition, this substance is an excellent natural preservative and antibiotic, it helps to stop the development of harmful bacteria and has an antitumor effect, but at the same time, unlike chemical preparations, it is not toxic.

For medical purposes, black walnut began to be used for a very long time. The Indians revered this plant and considered it the elixir of life. With its help, they got rid of many diseases and used it even for snake bites.

Today, black walnut treatments are carried out all over the world. Funds based on it help with cancer and some systemic diseases. Scientifically proven efficacy of black walnut in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease, ovarian cysts, prostatitis, adenoma, fibroma and fibroids. In official medicine, metabolism stimulating, immunomodulating, tonic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this plant are widely used.

Black walnut extract is used to cleanse the blood from the decay products of parasites and tumors, as well as toxins. It is more effective than many other means to cleanse the body of toxins and helps prevent premature aging.

Got black walnut used in folk medicine. With its help, pulmonary tuberculosis, boils, carbuncles, diathesis, purulent wounds, chronic eczema, venereal diseases, diabetes mellitus and some gynecological diseases are treated. Black Walnut Treatment Black walnut leaves are used as a uterine and antihypertensive agent.

The juice of its pericarp is used to heal wounds and stop bleeding. Water-alcoholic infusion of walnut is prescribed for multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems, pain in muscles, bones and joints, migraines and arthritis. It significantly increases immunity and copes well with fungal diseases. This infusion can be purchased at many pharmacies, in addition, it can be made independently from the fruit of black walnut.

Useful properties of black walnut

In terms of its useful properties, black walnut is in many ways superior to its counterparts. The body has the following effect:

antibacterial. It is achieved due to its rich composition, for example, tannins help get rid of harmful bacteria in the intestines, while not disturbing the microflora. Ellagic acid protects against intestinal microbes. Large amounts of iodine have antimicrobial effects;
anti-inflammatory. With the help of tannin, juglone, quercetin and a group vitamin, an anti-inflammatory effect is achieved. When they affect the body, swelling and hyperemia go away, pain subsides;
antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from actively affecting the body, which slows down the aging process. The immune system becomes stronger, inflammation is not terrible;
antiviral. The composition of the plant easily copes with such a difficult disease as herpes;
antineoplastic.

Black walnut helps to actively fight cancer, prevents cancer cells from dividing, which leads to their gradual disappearance. Does not allow the formation of new capillaries that feed on the tumor;
antifungal. This action is possessed by the juglon in the composition;
anti-toxic. The nut contains certain components that are able to cleanse the circulatory system, destroy parasites and remove them from the body;
antiemetic. Some components can improve the functioning of the esophagus, due to this, nausea passes, there is no vomiting;
antihelminthic. For a long time, black walnut has been used to remove worms and other parasites from the body;

pain reliever. The plant contains a large amount of vitamin E, flavnoids, tannins and essential oils. They not only relieve pain well, but also have an antispasmodic effect;
astringent. When tannin gets on the mucous membrane, or on the skin, the proteins become denser and a film forms that tightens the skin. This prevents infection from entering the wound. Small vessels and capillaries are narrowed, which is why bleeding stops;
sedative. A fairly large number of sedative components are inherent in black walnut, which have a calming effect on the nervous system;
immunostimulating. Minerals, vitamins and nutritional components help to increase and strengthen the immune system. Very often black walnuts are used for vitamin deficiency.

Black walnut is used in folk healing. Repeated clinical trials have been carried out with its use, which have proven the effectiveness of treatment.

Walnut is used not only at home, it is also included in the composition of various drugs for oncology.

The plant is actively fighting the following problems: skin diseases and venereology; diseases of the thyroid gland; stomatitis and periodontal disease, gingivitis; hemorrhoids; oncology; migraine; tuberculosis; bowel disease; diabetes; fungal infections; joint diseases; lymphadenitis; diseases of the mammary glands; multiple sclerosis; liver disease; colds, flu; pinworms and worms.

To whom is black walnut contraindicated?

Regardless of the fact that black walnut has a huge number of useful properties, there are a number of contraindications to its use. Rules to follow:

eating black walnut has a certain dosage. You cannot eat more than a handful of peeled kernels per day. Otherwise, the inflammatory process of the tonsils and vasospasm in the brain may begin;
black (American) walnut is a fairly strong allergen, so they are careful about eating;
It is strictly forbidden to eat a substandard or spoiled product. Fraught with serious poisoning;
mold is often formed on nuts, it is she who can provoke cancer;
during heat treatment, some useful components lose their strength. In some cases, it can have a detrimental effect on the liver.
for people who adhere to a diet, black walnut is contraindicated;
the use of this product is contraindicated in the following cases: allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product; peptic ulcer of the intestine and stomach, gastritis; cirrhosis of the liver; thrombophlebitis; pregnancy and lactation period.

Basically, a nut brings harm to a person in the event that the rules for its use are not followed.

Black walnut treatment

The medicinal uniqueness of black walnut has been known for a long time. The health-improving effect of taking fruits in different forms and types is associated with the natural mineral and vitamin composition. The product provides the main help due to ascorbic acid, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, bioflavonoids, etc.

It is believed that the plant itself was discovered by the North American peoples, so they were the first to experience the nut's healing effects on themselves. There is evidence that the fruits were used by them to get rid of influenza, diabetes, anemia, diseases of the throat and mouth, hepatitis, neuralgia, migraine, neurosis, tuberculosis, vitamin deficiency, sinusitis. In other words, the product has been considered a panacea for all diseases since ancient times.

The world-renowned anti-cancer effect of black walnut is provided by the high levels of juglone and polyphenolic compounds that accumulate in unripe fruits and foliage. The product fights tumors and does not form toxins, therefore it is approved for use during chemotherapy. By the way, it is thanks to juglone that these nuts smell like iodine and cleanse the internal organs and the circulatory system from various parasites. Due to the special composition, black fruits fight against fungi and bacteria, have a laxative effect and stabilize the intestinal activity.

The most common varieties of black walnut are:

Wanderslut;
Thomas;
Emma-K;
Bicentennial;
108-H.

Black walnut breeding aims to create two types of varieties: for pharmaceuticals and woodworking. In the first case, the goal is to obtain fruits with thin shells, which require less production costs to break. This requires the greatest possible concentration of active substances.

For varieties of black walnut, from which valuable wood is made for the production of furniture and decorative elements, the structure of the fruit does not matter. Here, breeders strive to obtain wood that will be the strongest and most durable, while retaining an attractive texture.

Black walnut oil

Black walnut oil is an oil-based tincture that can be used not only for medicinal purposes, but also as an excellent cosmetic for the skin and hair.

As a medicine, black walnut oil has a lesser healing effect than alcohol tincture. The oil is recommended for children and people for whom alcohol is contraindicated.

Extract from fruits in production volumes is obtained by extraction. In some cases, you can find the usual vegetable deodorized oil, which is diluted with nut tincture. The finished product is sold in different packages to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. The main area of application of this product is cosmetology. The tool effectively cares for the skin of the face and body, strengthens the hair.

The oil of this nut will be especially useful for girls with problematic or dehydrated skin, dry curls. Both homemade and professional squeeze masks allow you to soften strands and give the skin a velvety glow. Also, the tool effectively fights inflammation, so if you have acne or scalp irritation on your face, then the oil can be applied regularly. An additional pleasant bonus is the fortification of the skin and hair.

If you want to make a face mask with this oil at home, mix 10 ml of the liquid with cosmetic clay and drizzle with 3 drops of lemon ether. Keep the product on the skin for only 20 minutes. Also, for any skin type, a mixture of chamomile infusion, 10 ml of pomace and half a dessert spoon of colorless henna is suitable. Just leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

Inside, you can also use the remedy for a cold epidemic, at the time of remission of gastritis and ulcers. It is permissible to treat intestinal dysbiosis, diabetes, rickets, colitis, vitamin deficiency, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids with it. You should drink half a dessert spoon for a month. If you are treating a child, then convince him that he has already reached 3 years of age. Give him a quarter spoon half an hour before meals three times a day.

You can also just rinse your mouth with oil in case of abscesses and ulcers on the mucous membrane. Steam inhalation is recommended based on the remedy in case of influenza. For preventive purposes, the oil should be drunk to strengthen the immune system, maintain the thyroid gland, kidneys, and bladder.

For both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, it is best to get deodorized oil from a pharmacy. It is a little trickier to buy special nut cooking oil, but you can use a natural medicinal product by spooning it into food.