What are walnut leaves used for?

Walnut has been common in gastronomy since ancient times – it is a flavorful ingredient in cakes, desserts, salads, and meals. The use of this drupe is not limited to gastronomy; it is also widely used in herbal medicine.

Thus, it is not only the mature walnut fruit that is healthy, but also the shell, the fruit, and the leaves. It is therefore not surprising that tea made from walnut leaves (Juglandis folium) has been consumed since before the birth of Christ. The leaves are best when harvested in June and July before the walnuts ripen.

There can be some confusing information regarding walnut leaves, as fresh walnut leaves are primarily suitable for stomach problems, stomach pains, and cleansing the body of intestinal parasites, due to their higher composition of substances with antimicrobial properties.

What are the benefits of walnut leaves?

Dried leaves also have antimicrobial properties, but a higher composition of tannins than fresh leaves, and are therefore more used for their tissue-shrinking effect, for example in cases of diarrhea and excessive sweating. Dried leaves are also suitable, for example, in baths, for inflammatory skin changes, acne, eczema, and fungal infections.

The European Medicine Agency writes the following about Walnut leaves:

“The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of its long-standing use, walnut leaf can be used for the relief of minor inflammatory conditions of the skin and to reduce excessive sweating of the hands and feet. The HMPC conclusions on the use of walnut leaf medicines for minor inflammatory skin conditions and excessive sweating are based on their 'traditional use'. This means that, although there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is plausible and there is evidence that they have been used safely in this way for at least 30 years (including at least 15 years within the EU).

The HMPC also noted studies in laboratory tests, which showed that walnut leaf has antimicrobial effects.”

Source:
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/juglandis-folium

What are the active substances in Walnut leaves?

Dried walnut leaves contain up to 10% tannins and are excellent in the fight against diarrhea. Tannins have an astringent effect throughout the digestive tract, thereby preventing fluid leakage and protecting us from dehydration.

Note that the tea is bitter! In addition, the tannins give a feeling of tightness and dryness in the mouth precisely because of their astringent effect. The astringent effect is good for excessive sweating, as it constricts the pores. For severe sweating, however, you should increase the amount of tea to two to three cups per occasion.

Walnut leaves also contain a small percentage of vitamin C (up to 1%), but this is lost at 60 degrees Celsius. Therefore, a small supplement with a few drops of lemon is good. Vitamin C will reduce the disturbing effect that tannins have on iron absorption.

If you have a skin rash, fill the bathtub with very hot water and pour plenty of walnut leaves into the bathwater, then lie in the bath for about half an hour.

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