Facts About Walnut Tree, Leaves and Fruits

Black walnut is highly prized for its wood, which is used to manufacture furniture, wood paneling and veneer and gunstocks.

While the fruit of the tree provides food for people and wildlife, the outer hulls have been used for centuries to make tinctures and infusions to address tinea infections of the skin (i.e., ringworm) and for use as an internal vermifuge.

The active compound in black walnut is juglone (5-hydroxy-alphanapthaquinone), which occurs in all parts of the tree. Crushed shells on the ground or contamination in bedding material can produce allergic reactions in horses. Black walnut hulls are also toxic to fish. In fact, Native Americans would toss the hulls into a body of water to stun the fish, making them easy to catch.

Black walnut hulls are also used in several industries. During World War I, they were used like sand blast to clean airplane pistons. The hulls are still used today as a filler in dynamite, as a non-slip agent in tires, and as an additive in products used to clean jet engines. The crushed shells are also found in paint strippers and in certain insecticides.

Background: A most versatile tree providing for various herbal uses.

Various plant parts will leave a stain on fabric and porous materials. The husk has been used as a dye for centuries.

 Black walnut produces the famous walnut wood of commerce, as well as the familiar edible nuts. Is also used in oil products and flavoring.

Safety: Proceed with caution with any oral intake of black walnut tree bark as it has a measured toxicity.

Health Benefits of Walnuts Fruits

Walnuts are one of the RICHEST dietary sources of antioxidants including melatonin (this helps with your chronological system - your body clock.

They are PACKED with healthy essential fats (high in Omega-3s), vitamins (B6 which helps with the nervous system; E, folic acid among others), trace minerals, protein and fiber, which can be considered as a super food.

Because being so rich in antioxidants and healthy fats have numerous Health benefits:

1  HEART healthy: Help in reducing risk of heart disease; Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol; improves blood vessel function
2. Cancer prevention: can reduce cancer risk due to the high amount of antioxidants (polyphenols). Some studies have linked the regular consumption of nuts to a lower risk of colon and prostate cancer
3. BRAIN health: Can help with depression, better brain function and possibly slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease .

Walnuts are the perfect healthy and  satisfying snack for your body. Just a HANDFUL of walnuts a day for FULL health benefits (unless you’re allergic to nuts).

You can eat them alone, toss them on your salads, oatmeal, smoothies, and baking.

The powdered hulls of black walnuts, which have a high tannin content, are made into tinctures and topical preparations. Because the hulls are also high in iodine, the powdered form is used as a supplement in regions where sea vegetables are in short supply.

Black walnut leaf also yields its antifungal and antibacterial properties to water, so it can be prepared as tea as well as used to make topical skin washes and compresses.