What is walnut?
Walnut(Juglans regia) is a majestic tree native toCentral Asia and Europe, prized for its fruit (walnuts), precious wood and medicinal leaves. Known since ancient times for its therapeutic benefits, it is used in phytotherapy, food and cosmetics for its antioxidant, digestive and circulatory properties.
Its leaves, bark and fruit contain compounds beneficial to cardiovascular health, digestion and skin balance. Walnut is a symbol of wisdom and longevity, and its nuts are considered a superfood rich in essential nutrients.
What are the benefits of walnut?
The walnut is a tree with multiple health and well-being virtues:
- Promotes cardiovascular health → The omega-3s and polyphenols in walnuts help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and protect the heart.
- Improves digestion → Walnut leaves have astringent and antiparasitic properties, ideal for regulating transit and soothing digestive disorders.
- Purifying and detoxifying action → It supports the liver and kidneys, promoting theelimination of toxins.
- Regulates blood sugar → Helps stabilize blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetics.
- Supports blood circulation → Thanks to its tannins and flavonoids, it improves venous circulation and reduces the sensation of heavy legs.
- Strengthens cognitive functions → Walnuts are rich in B vitamins, phosphorus and magnesium, promoting memory and concentration.
- Prevents skin aging → Walnuts' antioxidants and fatty acids protect cells from oxidative stress and maintainskin elasticity.
How to use walnut?
Walnut is used in various forms to take advantage of its benefits:
Walnuts (kernels from the walnut fruit)
- Eat raw or roasted for a natural source of energy.
- Incorporated into salads, mueslis, desserts and savoury dishes for their sweet, crunchy flavour.
- In walnut oil, ideal for seasoning dishes and benefiting from a good supply of omega-3s.
Walnut leaf infusion
- Used for its digestive and depurative effects, particularly in cases of intestinal disorders or bloating.
- Recommended to regulate blood sugar levels and help manage diabetes.
For foot baths or compresses
- A decoction of walnut leaves relieves skin problems (eczema, acne, mycosis) and stimulates blood circulation.
- In foot baths, they reduce excessive perspiration and fungal infections.
Walnut bud extract (gemmotherapy)
- Rebalances intestinal flora and promotes a healthy digestive system.
- Helps drain the body and purify the liver.
Is walnut beneficial for skin and hair?
Yes, walnut is a valuable ingredient in natural cosmetics:
- Purifying and healing → Fightsacne, eczema and oily skin.
- Astringent effect → Tightens pores and regulates excess sebum.
- Natural hair color → Walnut leaves are used to darken brown hair and give it a natural, shiny hue.
- Slows skin aging → Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals and maintain its elasticity.
Walnut leaf extract can be found in natural toners, soaps and shampoos.
Is walnut effective for digestion and the liver?
Yes, walnut leaves and buds are particularly recommended for ..:
- Regulate intestinal transit in cases of mild diarrhea or difficult digestion.
- Detoxify the liver and stimulate liver function.
- Fight intestinal infections and parasites.
It is often used as an herbal tea or liquid extract to support digestive well-being.
What's the difference between walnut and hazelnut?
- Walnut(Juglans regia) → Its fruit, the walnut, is rich in omega-3 and polyphenols, and its leaves have depurative and digestive properties.
- Hazelnut(Corylus avellana) → Produces hazelnuts, rich in vitamin E and lipids, and its wood is used in lithotherapy for its balancing properties.
Both are beneficial to health, but possess distinct virtues.
Where can I buy quality walnut products?
Walnut can be found in various forms in :
- Organic stores and herbalists → Dried leaves, bud extracts and mother tinctures.
- Pharmacies and food supplement stores → Concentrated oils and extracts.
- Local markets and artisan producers → Fresh walnuts and cold-pressed walnut oil.
Choose organic and sustainably grown products for optimum quality.
Does walnut have any contraindications?
Although it is natural and beneficial, certain precautions should be taken:
- Walnuts can cause allergies → Avoid ifallergic to nuts.
- Walnut leaves are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to their active compounds.
- In excess, walnut leaf infusion can irritate the stomach → consume in moderation.
Is walnut used in perfumery and body care?
Yes! Its woody, earthy scent is used in :
- Spicy, masculine fragrances, for a sophisticated, elegant touch.
- Natural soaps and creams, for their purifying and toning effects.
- Botanical colorants, to naturally darken brown hair.
Walnut is a tree with incomparable benefits, used in food, phytotherapy and cosmetics. Its fruits, leaves and buds provide numerous benefits for cardiovascular health, digestion, skin and general well-being. Its richness in nutrients and antioxidants makes it a natural ally for a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle.
