Content
Walnut leaves have many medicinal properties, although people are more aware of the benefits of the fruit of this tree. In fact, in traditional medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used, sometimes combining them with each other in one tool. Of course, the concentration of trace elements and vitamins in the fruit of a walnut 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 walnut leaves look like
Walnut leaves are compound, pinnate, alternate. They have an elongated ovoid shape and are slightly serrated at the edges. The length of the leaf plate is on average 5-8 cm. Leaves bloom together with flowers. On the branches, they are located in groups of 6-9 pieces.
Why are walnut leaves useful?
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 the capillaries, and also normalizes the functioning of the kidneys and liver. In autumn and winter, when flu outbreaks are common everywhere, it is recommended to drink teas and infusions from walnut raw materials as a preventive measure.
- 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 walnut shells.
- 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 the vitamin in walnut leaf plates helps in the prevention of erectile dysfunction.
- Vitamin P - has a tonic effect on the nervous system, normalizes the liver.
- Vitamin A (or retinol) is known primarily for its antioxidant properties - it promotes the renewal of body cells, removes fine expression lines. Immunostimulating properties of carotene are also known. It also helps to improve vision and the rapid spread of calcium in the body, which leads to the 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 disorders. In addition, it has a firming effect, increasing the body's resistance to viruses.
- Juglone enzyme has an antitumor effect on the human body, due to which the leaves are used for the prevention of cancer. It also helps to normalize the gastrointestinal tract, improves the general condition of the skin and helps with thyroid dysfunction.
- Potassium - this trace element helps to normalize the heart.
- In addition, a high content of minerals is found in the leaf plates 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;
- pain reliever;
- anthelmintic;
- wound healing;
- strengthening;
- tonic;
- hemostatic;
- vasoconstrictor;
- diuretic;
- bactericidal;
- choleretic.
The use of walnut leaf in traditional medicine
The scope of medicinal products based on walnut raw materials is quite wide, which is due to the impressive list of its beneficial properties. In particular, walnut leaves are used for:
- diabetes mellitus;
- anemia;
- uterine bleeding in women;
- cystitis;
- depletion of the body after colds;
- weak immunity;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- skin diseases (furunculosis, lichen, psoriasis);
- pyelonephritis;
- breast cancer;
- disruption 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.
With type 2 diabetes, tea made from walnut leaves is useful, however, one-time or indiscriminate consumption from time to time will not have a significant effect on the body. In order to achieve visible results, you need 2-3 courses for 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 the procurement of raw materials
The full medicinal properties of walnut leaves are revealed only in conditions of proper storage. 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. In young leaves of a walnut, the highest content of useful microelements is observed.
- It is recommended to pluck only 4-5 outer leaves from the shoot.
- Before decomposing the raw materials for drying, it is necessary to break off the petioles from each leaf plate.
- The collected material is spread in the sun in a thin layer, periodically turning the leaves.
It is recommended to store dried leaves in a cloth bag. They also retain their healing properties well in glass containers.
In a dry room with 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. On the basis of a walnut leaf, infusions, decoctions, ointments, tinctures on vodka and alcohol, teas and juices are made, which can be ingested and used externally.
Tincture of walnut leaves on vodka
A tincture of tree leaves 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.
They drink such a walnut tincture in a course of 2 weeks. Recommended dosage: 4 times a day, 6-8 drops diluted in water.
The scope of application of the walnut leaf tincture includes, first of all, the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and the relief of stomach pain.
Walnut leaf infusion
An infusion of walnut leaves has a lot of useful properties, which can be prepared according to the following recipe:
- ½ tspdry 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. Enough 1 large leaf per 100 g of water. Before pouring boiling water over the raw material, it is recommended to grind it.
Walnut leaf decoction
There are many recipes for decoctions using different parts of a walnut, including leaf plates. The scheme for the preparation of different decoctions as a whole is not much different, however, the ingredients, depending on the 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 insisted 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.
The broth is drunk 3 times a day before meals for 30 g.
With inflammation of the mouth and throat, a decoction with a higher concentration of raw materials is used:
- 2 tbsp. l. dried leaves are poured with 1 tbsp. water and put on fire.
- When the water boils, the broth is removed and insisted for an hour.
- Then the liquid is filtered through cheesecloth.
This broth is also suitable for the treatment of worms. In addition, it can be used externally for acne and furunculosis.
Green leaf juice
Fresh raw materials of walnuts are used for the preparation of juices. They moisten bandages and tampons in the treatment of skin diseases (lichen, furunculosis, eczema, psoriasis).
The cooking algorithm is as follows:
- Raw materials are inspected for yellowish or damaged leaf plates.
- The collected material is thoroughly washed.
- Then the green mass is crumpled manually or with the help of improvised means in a container until the juice appears.
The resulting liquid must be thickly smeared with the diseased area of the skin. In addition, you can dip a gauze bandage in the juice and apply it to an abscess or ulcer. Acne and boils are usually treated with pinpoint treatments.
Ointment
An ointment made from dried and crushed leaves of a tree is used primarily for the treatment of 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 preparation for the ointment is heated in a water bath for an hour.
- The resulting infusion must be filtered 2-3 times through a layer of gauze. Then it is returned to the water bath for another 20-30 minutes.
- After that, the infusion is diluted with 30 g of wax and mixed properly.
This ointment has proven itself in the healing of burns and festering wounds, as well as in the treatment of skin cancer.
Precautions
The benefits of walnut leaves are undeniable, however, when using medicines based on them, one should observe the measure - the abuse of decoctions and infusions, which include parts of this plant, not only reduces their medicinal qualities to zero, but can also turn into harm.
This happens for the following reasons:
- a high concentration of certain substances causes a contraction of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to spasms;
- walnut is an allergen and causes an allergic reaction in people with intolerance to products based on this plant;
- a large amount of alkaloids in many parts of the plant is harmful to the human body;
- in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema, too frequent application of dressings soaked in decoction to the skin causes an exacerbation of these diseases;
- exceeding the daily intake of substances contained in the leaves leads to problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications to treatment with walnut leaves
Medicines, which include 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 the walnut;
- increased blood clotting.
This only applies to products for oral administration. 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. The 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:
