We all know about the positive effects of walnut fruit on our health, but less is said about how to use its leaves.
The walnut tree was originally native to the Balkans and Asia, but is now found in many parts of the world. Here, in the Carpathian Basin, two species have become particularly widespread: the common walnut, which produces edible nuts, and the black walnut, which originated in North America. It is a deciduous tree, with unparalleled compound leaves.
Medicinal properties of the leaves
The characteristic constituents of the diaphragm leaf are tannins, phenolic acids and juglone derivatives. Interestingly, it is the juglone derivatives that are responsible for the death of the undergrowth under the walnut trees if the fallen leaves are not collected. These substances have a toxic effect on herbaceous plants.
The other characteristic component, the tanning substances in the leaves, is a popular ingredient in folk medicine. The tanning agents not only have anti-pathogenic and anti-worm effects, but also act as local anti-inflammatory agents, which is why walnut leaf tea is used in the treatment of intestinal worms, skin inflammations and mouth inflammations and infections.
It is also recommended for scrubs and baths
Walnut leaf tea is not only effective internally, it can also be used as a poultice for skin and mucous membrane infections and skin inflammations, and is recommended as a bath mainly to relieve inflammatory diseases.
Against diabetes with walnut leaf?
In Iran, walnut leaf is one of the traditional antidiabetic remedies, and it has been used in folk medicine in Iran for its antidiabetic properties. And although a number of in vitro experiments have shown that walnut leaf extract can indeed have a blood sugar-lowering effect, these results do not yet prove that it can be used safely in the long term.
