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Walnuts are very healthy and their consumption has a beneficial effect on the human body. Few people, however, know that the leaves of walnut trees also have miraculous effects. They contain a whole range of vitamins, essential oils and other beneficial substances, whose use can positively influence our metabolism, strengthen the heart and blood vessels and reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, walnut leaves, like unripe green walnuts, have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. When applied to wounds and scratches they support healing and also reduce inflammation and skin mycoses.
The best time to harvest is the beginning of summer
Although walnut trees have leaves all year round, the best time to harvest them is late May and early June. At that time the leaves are young but already fully developed. When harvesting, carefully separate the leaves from the central stem and of course be careful to collect only those that are healthy and without obvious signs of discoloration or other damage. Harvesting can continue until July, when they still contain a sufficient amount of beneficial substances. The closer to autumn, the more the leaves dry out and the active substances gradually disappear.
Of course freshly harvested leaves do not have to be processed immediately. It is very advisable to dry them for storage so that we can use them if needed throughout the rest of the year. Drying is done by spreading them in a single layer in a dark and airy place. The better the air circulation, the faster they dry and the less likely they are to develop mold. After drying the leaves should not lose their green color. If any turn brown, they should be disposed of immediately. Put the dried green leaves into a jar or other well-sealable container.
Walnut leaf infusion against acne and inflammations
Put one tablespoon of dried or fresh crushed walnut leaves into a jar, pour 250 ml of boiling water over them and let steep for an hour. Then strain the infusion and store it in a sealable bottle in the refrigerator.
The infusion can be used internally and externally. Internally take one third of a cup three times a day before meals; it works against diarrhea, inflammations and bleeding in the digestive tract.
In the form of compresses it helps against acne, impetigo or inflammations.
Decoction of walnut leaves for inflammations, bad breath, mycoses and sweating
To prepare the decoction put a tablespoon of dried leaves into a saucepan and pour 0.5 liters of lukewarm water over them. Heat the water for 10 minutes without bringing it to a boil. Then remove from the heat, let stand for 5 minutes and then strain.
Use the decoction to rinse the mouth and gums against bad breath and inflammations. For the treatment of mycoses and excessive foot sweating use compresses or baths with the decoction.
This liquid also helps treat lymphadenitis, cystitis and mastitis. It is enough to drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Walnut cure for healthy skin
Use 80 g of crushed leaves and add orange or lemon peel. Pour 300 grams of any vegetable oil over them and let steep for 20 days in a dark place. Then strain and use to rub on the skin.
Walnut leaf tincture treats the prostate and strengthens the body
To make the tincture mix 1 tablespoon of walnut leaves with 200 g of at least 40% vodka and let stand for at least 2 weeks in a dark place. Shake the container every day so that all the important substances are released from the leaves as well as possible.
The finished tincture is taken twice a day 20 minutes before meals by dissolving 30 drops of tincture in one deciliter of water.
Tincture of young walnuts against diarrhea and stomach pain
A cleansing tincture that benefits digestion, the liver and the intestines is made by selecting 10 young green walnuts and pricking them with a fork. If this is not possible, they are already too ripe and should be replaced with others. Use gloves so that the juice, which would stain your skin brown, does not get on your hands.
Wash the walnuts and cut them finely. Put them into a jar and add 7 teaspoons of sugar together with 200 ml of 70% alcohol. Close the jar and let it stand for one month in a dark place. Shake the jar every day so that the substances are well released.
After a month strain the liquid through a sieve or gauze, pour it into dark glass bottles and store in a cool place. Take 40 drops dissolved in water 2 – 3x daily against diarrhea and stomach pain and also to support the body’s detoxification function.
