Identity:
The walnut tree is a large, branched tree. Although once known mainly as a wild species, it is now cultivated commercially.
It grows in the temperate regions of the Himalayas, at elevations between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. The tree is also found in many parts of Tibet and is widely cultivated in the hilly regions of Kashmir and Sikkim.
One notable characteristic of the walnut tree is that its leaves do not lose color before shedding—they remain green from start to finish.
The leaves resemble bay leaves. They grow in opposite pairs along the leaf stalk, measuring six to twelve inches in length. Each leaf stalk bears seven to eight pairs of opposite leaflets, with the terminal leaflet being the largest.
The bark is gray and fairly rough, while the young branches are covered with fine hairs.
The tree flowers in April and May. The flowers are green. The fruits ripen in October and November and measure about one to one-and-a-half inches in length. They resemble a wooden pod, and inside lies the kernel, which is the edible portion. Oil is also extracted from the fruit.
Uses:
The bark, fruit, kernel, and oil of the walnut tree are used medicinally. Walnuts act as tonics, strengthen the body, and help eliminate intestinal worms.
A decoction of the leaves helps treat skin diseases, infected wounds, and syphilitic conditions.
The bark decoction is beneficial for skin disorders and worm infestations.
The kernel and the juice of raw seeds alleviate heart ailments, abdominal pain, issues caused by disturbances of wind and bile, and blood impurities.
The seed kernel is strengthening, warming, and used to treat sexual weakness.
For reduced semen strength or sensory debility, boil one walnut leaf and two walnut kernels in four cups of water until it reduces to one cup, then strain it. Mixing this with half a cup of milk and two teaspoons of sugar and consuming it for several days helps restore physical vitality.
Unani physicians often use walnut kernels as a supplement to ghee and milk.
