Walnut Tincture
Walnut tincture is revered for its use in both human and animal
medical care. A tincture is described as being between 40-60% of
alcohol that has been infused with either oils or hulls. With a
black walnut tincture, the black walnut is left in tact and then
soaked in alcohol. It is recommended that black walnuts be at least
50% green when selected for the infusion process. Sometimes, vitamin
c or other ingredients might be added to the tincture.
However, the basis of all tinctures is alcohol. When the walnuts
are soaking, it is recommended that they be covered entirely in
alcohol. They are usually left between three days and three weeks
to ensure that the walnut tincture is strong and potent. There are
several ways to create a tincture. Due to the type of alcohol that
is used in the preparation of tinctures, it may or may not be suitable
for internal use. Always read the manufacturer's label to determine
if the walnut tincture you are using is recommended for only external,
or both internal and external use.
The scientific name for black walnut is Juglans Nigra. It is also
referred to as the American Walnut. The black walnut tree grows
from the southern most parts of Canada to the most southern tips
of both Florida and Texas. It is native to the eastern parts of
North America, but has been introduced into European regions. It
is a hardy tree that grows to heights reaching between 100 and 130
feet.
Walnut tincture is an important aspect of herbal medicine, and
has been used for thousands of years. There are many conditions
that both the medical and alternative medical community treats on
a regular basis. The idea of alternative medicine or using non-traditional
methods to cure illness and disease is often a controversial topic.
For those who have found success with herbs and alternative medicine,
there is no doubt that the use of a walnut tincture is prevalent.
From the early Romans to the middle ages, walnut has played a vital
role in helping to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses.
There are two main ingredients in walnuts that are attributed with
the plants healing abilities. The first is juglone and the second
is tannins. Juglone is rich in all parts of the black walnut, from
the leaves and bark to the nut. This chemical is very strong and
is toxic to other plants. In fact when the black walnut tree grows
in the wild, it is often solitary or separate from many other species
as to the high toxicity level of the Juglone in the tree. However,
there are certain grasses that thrive by being in close proximity
to the walnut tree. Because Juglone has a high toxicity level, it
is also strong for the purpose of healing. Juglone is powerful for
treating parasites, intestinal worms, fungus, and is even being
used in a treatment for cancer. Thought the FDA doesn't regulate
the use of herbs or monitor their effectiveness, they are often
used with great success by alternative health practitioners.
The other chemical that makes black walnut a powerful herb in the
fight against sickness and disease is tannins. Tannins are used
by plants and trees to protect them from parasitic invasions and
bacteria. Tannins are readily abundant in a wide variety of fruits,
nuts, seeds, berries, and herbs. They hold great use for animal
and human health as they help the body build resistance to bacteria
and parasites. They are also found in tea and wine and have a direct
impact on why these drinks are known for their health giving properties.
Tannins are polyphenols, at one point; they were referred to as
Vitamin P. Polyphenols are antioxidants, and you can rest assured
that when you take a walnut tincture you are getting all of the
same benefits of an antioxidant.
In addition to Juglone and tannins, black walnut is also high in
chromium and iodine. Iodine is highly antiseptic and helps stimulate
the function of the thyroid. The affects of iodine on energy levels
have been proved and it can help increase mental awareness and lessen
the effects of fatigue and depression. Iodine will also attack harmful
bacteria and helps strengthen the immune system. It is the combination
of these chemicals that make a walnut tincture such a vital tool
in the fight against sickness.
If you are receiving medical treatment for a condition and are
considering using black walnut tincture you should discuss this
with your health care provider. Though walnut is a natural compound,
there can be reactions with other vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements,
or prescription medication. Always speak to your health care provider
and make certain that you let him or her know of any herbal remedies,
tinctures, or other preparations that you are taking.
Many people make the mistake of believing that just because something
is natural it isn't powerful or potentially harmful. It is because
herbal remedies are so powerful, that they can apply those properties
against bacteria, fungi, and germs. You must let your health care
provider know of everything that you take, including over the counter
remedies, herbal preparations and formulas, and vitamins and mineral
supplements.
Black walnut is known for its antiseptic, germicidal, and anti
parasitic properties. It also works for many digestive orders. It
can be applied topically, in the form of a walnut tincture or oil
and is used for treating skin conditions that are the result of
infection, fungus, or bacteria. It has been successful in treating
athlete's foot, yeast or candida, ringworm, and thrush. Other skin
conditions that have shown good response to black walnut tincture
include psoriasis and eczema.
Internally, black walnut is used for removing parasites from the
intestines and helps to regulate thyroid function. It removes worms
from both humans and pets and has been used for treating parasitic
conditions in dogs, cats, and horses. Additionally, many have found
that regular treatment with black walnut can also assist in weight
loss, as it is believed to balance glucose levels. Remember that
it is important to read the label on any walnut tincture you purchase
to ensure whether or not it can be taken internally.
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