Uses for Black Walnut Seeds
The Black Walnut tree is also known as Juglans Nigra. It is found mostly in the Eastern part of the United States. The hard wood of the tree is a popular medium for furniture. The leaves, bark and nuts have many different uses in home remedies. The Black Walnut discourages certain other plants to grow around it by giving off a chemical that discourages growth in the competition.
Facts
The Black Walnut is a seed that can be divided into three usable parts: the outer rind, which is a hard circular shell; the meat or the actual nut that is found inside the rind or shell; and the oil of the walnut that is removed from the nut by smashing or squeezing it. Each part of the Black Walnut seed can be used for herbal remedies or alternative medicines.
The Rind
The outer rind of the walnut is called the epicarp. The epicarp will appear at first as bright green in color. As it matures and becomes ready to harvest, it will change color to a rich brown. The epicarp can be cooked into a tonic which is useful for treating diarrhea and anemia. The epicarp can also be formulated into a hair loss tonic
The Seed
Inside the walnut fruit is the meat known as the seed. The proper name for the meat of the walnut is the endocarp. The endocarp is cream colored and slightly sweet to the taste. The seed meat of the walnut is the perfect dessert or snack. You can eat them plain or toast them slightly for a deeper taste.
Seed Oil
The walnut seed is heavy with oil. Once the nut is removed from the shell it can be squeezed or smashed to release the oil inside. The oil has many purposes. It has been used as a base for paint by artists. The oil can also be used for scalp conditions. It has even been used as a fuel to light small lamps. You can also cook with walnut oil. The oil can be useful for treating skin conditions like eczema. Women who experience menstrual problems can take doses of the oil for some relief.
Nutrients
Walnut seeds contain some great nutrients. Eating the seeds or using the hulls ground in a tonic are both beneficial ways to get these nutrients in your system. The walnut contains iodine and potassium. You'll also find it's full of natural magnesium, sulfur and silica. Store extra seeds in an air-tight container. Freezing nuts can deplete some of the oils.
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