Walnut leaves, chopped, organic - 100g

Juglans regia L., leaves cut, from certified organic cultivation

Indication

for high blood sugar levels, excessive milk production, jaundice, diabetes mellitus, blood purifier, externally: for skin inflammations with purulent excretions, psoriasis

Application

Pour boiling water (at least 80°C) over 1 - 2 teaspoons of leaves, leave to infuse for 10 minutes and strain.

Medicinal herb description

History:

When you think of walnuts, you probably immediately think of the delicious nuts. However, walnut leaves are also used in naturopathy for their health-promoting effects.

Walnut leaves were already being used in the Middle Ages to treat parasite and worm infestations. Today, they are mainly used to treat skin conditions such as acne, sunburn and minor wounds. Walnut leaves also help with excessive sweating of the hands and feet.

How do walnut leaves work?

The reason for the positive properties are the ingredients, such as essential oils, flavonoids and tannins, which are found in the leaves. They have an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. Astringent means that the proteins in our body are changed by the walnut leaves, which can promote wound healing, for example.

A 2007 study analysed the chemical composition and effect of walnut leaves and came to the following conclusions:

- The leaves have a strong antioxidant effect, partly because of the flavonoids they contain. They support the body in cell renewal and combat free radicals and oxidative stress.

- The researchers were also able to prove the antibacterial effect of the leaves. This could be particularly beneficial in the treatment of bacterial diseases of the digestive and respiratory tract.

How walnut leaves can be used as a remedy

Depending on the application, you can use walnut leaves externally, for example in the form of bath additives or as compresses. Walnut leaves can also be used internally in the form of a walnut leaf tea. For a cup (about 250 millilitres) of walnut leaf tea, you need one to two teaspoons of dried walnut leaves. Pour boiling water over them and leave the tea to infuse for about ten minutes. Then strain.

Incidentally, the slightly tart flavour of walnut leaves harmonises perfectly with other herbs, so you can also mix walnut leaves with lavender, lemongrass, apple or lemon verbena, for example.