Walnut - Useful Herb for Memory Improvement

Juglans regia Juglandaceae

Native to Anatolia, walnut trees are now found across Europe, the Middle East and in parts if India. They grow to 25m in height, with a massive trunk and widely speading boughs. In early spring, long catkins, or male flowers, hang from the previous year's branches, while the new branches sport small spikes of female flowers. The leaves, each made up of five to nine leaflets are first red, then gradually turn green. The fruit, a woody nut, has a smooth coating that changes from green to brown as it ripens.

Parts used

Constituents

Walnut leaves are rich in healing tannins. Napthaquinone, juglone, and the flavonoids, hyperoside and quercetin are also present, together with ascorbic acid and essential oil.

Medicinal uses

Because the plant's nut is similar in shape and appearance to a human brain, it was traditionally believed that eating it would help to improve concentration and memory.

However, the real medicinal value of walnut stems mainly from its leaves, with their astringent, healing tannins and antibacterial jug lone. Leaf preparations are used to treat diarrhoea and intestinal infections, and are reputed to boost immunity and improve the circulation.

Walnut leaf can also strengthen the protein, keratin, found in the surface of the skin. It is therefore an effective treatment for problems, such as acne, eczema and ulcers.

CAUTION

Although walnut has no known toxic side effects, it is not advisable to exceed the recommended dosage

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

TO TREAT diarrhoea, disorders involving the bacteria of the intestinal tract
INFUSION Put 10g of dried leaves into 1 litre of boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink 3-5 cups a day. For external use
TO TREAT acne, eczema, skin infections and ulcers
CREAMS, GELS, SOAPS (containing 1-3% tincture or liquid extract) Use one of these preparations regularly on affected areas.

Cultivation

Buy a ready-grown small tree or plant seeds under cover in rich, well-drained acidic soil. The trees thrive in full sunlight.