Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy

Walnut Oil - Juglans regia - 2

 Physical Properties

Folk-lore and traditional plant uses
The fleshy outer part of the fruit and also the leaves have been used for thousands of years to dye hair. Theophrastus (371-287 BC) and Pliny (AD 23-79) both described this application: a natural brown dye can also be extracted from the shells: the leaves of the walnut tree have astringent properties and have been used for both skin problems and digestive ailments.

A decoction of the leaves repels ants (Mabey 1988) and a homoeopathic skin remedy may be prepared from leaves. The leaves of the walnut tree are a well known household remedy for chronic eczema, scrofula and inflammation of the lids, and are suitable, combined with pansy, for children's skin complaints (Weiss 1988) Walnut oil has been used for treating kidney stones, and nursing mothers have taken it in order to increase lactattion, Antianaemic and tonic properties have also been mentioned.

• The drug may be an ingredient of medications based on plants, and may claim the following indications: traditionally used
  for the symptomatic treatment of mild diarrhoea
  Locally it can be used
  to treat scalp itching, peeling and dandruff
  as an adjunctive emollient and itch-relieving treatment in skin disorders
  to treat sunburn and superficial burns
  as an antalgic in diseases of the oral cavity, of the oropharynx, or both.
  Leaf extracts are used in cosmetology.' (Bruneton 1995}

Therapeutic Properties - External Use
said to be effective in treating eczema (Bartram 1996)

Cosmetic Use
Used in hair and skin preparations

Culinary use
Unrefined walnut oil is a high quality culinary oil with excellent flavour when used in salad dressings and on potatoes. In France its delicate flavour is utilized in cakes, bread and some bean dishes. The nuts can be picked and pickled before the shell has formed, with delicious results. The unripe fruits and leaves are also used to flavour wine or to make an aperitif.

The nuts can be a rather dirty brown colour naturally and organically grown nuts are washed in water. Large commercial producers often soak them in a bleach to make them more 'attractive' to the purchaser. This imparts a slightly bitter taste and unbleached nuts are best for the health. Organically produced walnuts are not beached and therefore make the best oil for use in both food and aromatherapy.

Cautionary Notes
Walnut oil has no known contraindications although the wood has been reported as an irritant (Schleicher 1974).

Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy & Massage: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price