Black walnut: benefits and harms

At this point in time, there are a huge number of varieties of nuts. One of the most unusual and rare is American black, which received this name because of the shade of the roots. The fruits have medicinal properties. Before you start eating, it is recommended to first study the beneficial properties of black walnut and contraindications in order to avoid possible harm to the body.

Description of black walnut

The appearance and taste of the fruit are similar to walnuts. A distinctive feature is the fact that the level of concentration of active substances in the American nut is much higher, as a result of which it is so useful.

If we consider the external features of the tree, then it is worth noting the following characteristics:

• the plant can reach a height of up to 50 m;
• the shade of the trunk is rich brown, with pronounced deep furrows on the bark;
• the trunk is quite strong and powerful, has an attractive appearance, as a result of which American walnut is used in the manufacture of furniture;
• the crown of the tree is spreading, powerful. A characteristic feature is the slope of the branches;
• the root system is quite powerful, goes deep into the ground. A distinctive feature is the rich black color of the roots.

The leaf plates are arranged alternately and grow up to 25 cm. On each plate there are several oval-shaped leaves, up to 10 cm long, with a serrated border around the edges, reaching 3 cm. As a rule, the buds begin to bloom at the end of April.

Flowering occurs after the tree reaches the age of 7-10 years. The flowers are staminate, the appearance resembles catkins up to 15 cm long, the pistillate flowers are collected in inflorescences of 5 pcs. Ripe fruits have a diameter of 3-5 cm, in shape they can be round, ovoid. The shell is very strong, covered with small furrows. For clarity, you can see a photo of a black walnut.

Where does black walnut grow in Our Country?

The plant in appearance resembles an ordinary walnut tree. It grows in North America, as a result of which this variety is called American. As a rule, trees are found in broad-leaved forests, the growing area is quite large.

To date, this species is common in European countries. In Our Country, trees of this species are practically unknown to the local population, they are not found in nature as often as in the USA.

If necessary, black American walnut can be seen in botanical gardens or in the southern regions, where plants are planted for production purposes, for further sale. Mature trees can be seen in Sochi, with regular fruiting every year.

Chemical composition

Fruits are distinguished by both useful properties and high nutritional value. That is why this product is not recommended for people suffering from excess weight, as well as during weight loss. For every 0,1 kg of product, there are about 618 kcal. For clarity, you can consider the percentage of the components included in the composition:

• proteins – 15%;
• fats – 83%;
• carbohydrates – 2%.

Before you start using the product, you should take into account its useful properties and components that make up the composition. This is due to the fact that due to the individual characteristics of the body, some components will not be absorbed, and besides this, they can cause significant harm to health.

The structure includes:

• flavonoids;
• sugar;
• tannins;
• enzymes;
• carotene;
• tannin;
• acids;
• phytoncides;
• essential oil;
• glycoside;
• vitamins;
• organic iodine;
• magnesium;
• silicon;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• manganese;
• potassium.

It is important to consider that the concentration of all available useful components is at a high level.

Medicinal properties of black walnut

To date, the fruits have found active use in traditional medicine due to their beneficial properties. Efficiency has been proven after a number of tests. Medicines made on its basis are used to treat systemic, chronic, and oncological diseases.

American walnut includes a large number of useful and medicinal properties. For example, these:

• improves microflora – thanks to its beneficial properties, the product is able to resist bacteria in the intestines;
• thanks to antibacterial properties allows to destroy microbes;
• significantly slows down the aging process of the skin, helps cell regeneration;
• increases the immune system, increases the body’s resistance to diseases;
• has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect, as a result of which swelling subsides rather quickly;
• also has a slight analgesic effect;
• since ancient times, black walnut has been used to combat viral diseases (for example, herpes);
• allows you to get rid of fungal diseases;
• according to research, American walnut can be used in the fight against cancerous tumors. In addition, the product is used for preventive purposes;
• helps cleanse the body of toxins;
• especially effectively manifests itself in the fight against worms, helps to remove them from the intestines as quickly as possible;
• if necessary, black walnut is able to relieve nausea, prevents the gag reflex;
• often used for wounds – this product is able to stop bleeding, forming a film on the surface of the body that acts as a barrier that prevents infections from penetrating;
• helps to overcome insomnia, has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves stress;
• thanks to its beneficial properties and vitamins, black walnut improves the general condition.

That is why the American walnut is so often used in traditional medicine, which is facilitated by the beneficial and healing properties of the product.

How to take black walnut

If we consider the beneficial properties and use of black walnut, it can be noted that not only kernels, but also leaves, peel, and oil are used to fight against diseases. This product is used both in folk and traditional medicine. Preparations can have a variety of forms of release and dosage.

The most popular today are:

• black walnut extract, which is based on the peel (taken in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract);
• tablets, capsules – made from natural leaves and additional components (help with colds);
• butter – obtained from the nuclei (used for skin diseases);
• ointment – help with skin diseases;
• syrup – obtained in the process of boiling the feedstock with the addition of sugar;
• balsams – prepared on the basis of black walnut and alcohol;
• candles – found active application in gynecology;
• broths – prepared from leaves, fruits and peel.

Application of black walnut leaves

Both kernels and leaves of black walnut have beneficial properties, as a result of which they can also be used for medicinal purposes. To prepare a decoction based on walnut leaves, you will need:

1. Take 2 tsp. crushed American walnut leaves (about 5 g).
2. Pour in 400 ml of water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Leave for 1 hour (until the water turns dark brown).
5. Strain the decoction.

Such a decoction can be used to rinse the mouth if there are some diseases and infections. If necessary, you can use a decoction for compresses, which are great for diathesis. In addition, the resulting product prevents hair loss, eliminates excess fat.

Before proceeding to treatment using these folk remedies, it must be borne in mind that despite all the useful properties, the resulting product may have a number of contraindications.

For example, such decoctions are not recommended for people who have an acute stage of gastritis, with cirrhosis of the liver, during pregnancy, during lactation.

It is important to observe the allowable dosages and ensure that they are not exceeded during the treatment process, otherwise significant harm can be done to health. As such effects, it is worth noting dizziness, nausea, constipation, stomach cramps.

Application of black walnut oil

American walnut oil, if necessary, can be purchased at a pharmacy. As you know, oil is obtained from nut kernels, which later has the same useful properties as the original product. The oil can be used to achieve the following effects:

• as preventive measures to prevent colds;
• to restore the immune system after an illness or with a weakened body;
• oil obtained from American walnut kernels is excellent in cases where there is a malfunction of the thyroid gland;
• due to the beneficial properties and rich composition, it allows you to fill the body with the necessary vitamins, helps with beriberi;
• often used in the presence of inflammatory processes of the genital organs in women;
• provides significant assistance with problems with the kidneys and bladder;
• actively used for hemorrhoids;
• if you rub problem areas 2-3 times throughout the day with black walnut oil, you can get rid of lichen, abscesses, boils and other skin diseases;
• as a prophylaxis, it can be used to rinse the mouth;
• during colds, walnut oil is used to prepare steam inhalations.

The treatment period using black walnut oil should not exceed 31 days. Adults are recommended to use 0,5 tsp, children (from 3 years old) – ¼ tsp. It is recommended to take oil 1 hour before meals.

Application of peel

Many people know that the peel of an American walnut has all the beneficial properties that the fruits themselves have, as a result of which, not the kernels or the whole fruit, but only the peel can be used to prepare decoctions.

The peel of the fruit can also be boiled, poured with vodka and insisted for several weeks, boiled in honey. To prepare a decoction, you need:

1. Take 1 liter of water.
2. Peel from 10 nuts.
3. Boil.
4. Allow to cool.

Use 1 tbsp. l. everyday.

Fruit application

Due to the benefits of black walnut, it is used in folk medicine. Often, unripe fruits are taken to prepare medicinal decoctions. Cooking algorithm:

1. The unripe fruits of the American walnut are washed under running water.
2. Place in a clean glass container to the very top. If the fruits are too large, then they can be split into several parts, while the green part must also be used to prepare medicinal decoctions.
3. A container with fruits is poured with 50% alcohol so that there is no free space left.

The container with the drug should be stored with a tightly closed lid, while the sun’s rays should not fall on the future drug. If you follow these recommendations, then the product may be stored for a long time. In order to undergo a course of treatment of 20 days, 250 ml is enough.

Use in cooking

Black nuts can be eaten raw, and the kernels can also be used as an additive to desserts. Often, chopped walnut kernels are added to vegetable salads and pastries. Some housewives make jam using syrup and black walnut kernels for this purpose.

The step-by-step cooking algorithm is as follows:

1. Take 20 unripe American nuts.
2. Remove the skin from them.
3. The fruits are soaked for 31 days. It is important to consider that the water needs to be changed every day.
4. After 1 month, each black walnut is pierced.
5. They take 1 kg of slaked lime, fill it with nuts, fill it with cold clean water and leave it in this form for 48 hours.
6. After 2 days have passed, the nuts are pulled out, washed thoroughly under running water. Fold in a container and fill to the brim with clean cold water for another 4 days.
7. It is important to consider that water is replaced at least 3 times during the day.
8. When the nuts are ready, you can fill them with hot water by adding 2 tbsp. l. alum. After that, the fruits languish for 40 minutes.
9. After 40 minutes, the water is changed and continue to cook for another 15 minutes.
10. Then the black nuts are poured into a colander and the syrup is prepared.
11. For syrup, 4 kg of granulated sugar is required, a small amount of water is added to it and brought to a boil.
12. American nuts are poured into the resulting syrup and continue to cook until they turn black.

If necessary, you can add cinnamon or cloves to the finished jam. Pour into sterilized jars.

Contraindications to black walnut

In addition to useful properties, the American black walnut has a number of contraindications that should be taken into account first of all before starting to introduce this product into the diet. If you approach this case irresponsibly and do not pay due attention, then there is a possibility that significant harm will be done to the body.

Among the contraindications, it is worth noting the following:

• the allowable daily dosage of consumption of American nuts is a small handful of kernels, otherwise inflammation of the tonsils and vasospasm cannot be avoided;
• black walnut is an allergenic product, as a result of which its kernels should be eaten with the utmost care;
• it is not allowed to eat spoiled kernels, as there is a chance of getting food poisoning;
• the mold located on the nut can provoke the appearance of malignant cancer cells;
• if the product is subjected to a heat treatment process, then many useful properties will be lost, while strongly overexposed fruits can cause significant harm to health, especially the liver;
• Not recommended for people who are on a dietary diet.

In addition, this product should not be consumed by people with the following diseases:

• intolerance to certain substances by the body;
• with peptic ulcer;
• if there is cirrhosis of the liver;
• with gastritis;
• during gestation;
• during the lactation period.

It is important to bear in mind that if American nuts are not eaten correctly, their properties will negatively affect the body, as a result of which it is worth adhering to all recommendations and correctly introducing a new product into the diet.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties of black walnut and contraindications should be considered before you start eating this product. Due to the large number of useful and medicinal properties, the kernels have found application in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, in addition, they are used in cooking and cosmetic purposes. In the process of eating kernels, one important rule should be followed – everything should be in moderation.