Its native place is probably Persia. Other varieties of Walnut, the Black
Walnut, the various kinds of Hickory, etc., are mostly natives of North
America.
Description of Walnut essential
oil:
The tree grows to a height of 40 or 60 feet, with a large spreading top,
and thick, massive stem. One accurately measured by Professor du Breuil, in
Normandy, was upwards of 23 feet in circumference; and in some parts of
France there are Walnut trees 300 years old, with stems of much greater
thickness. Walnut oil has great emollient qualities and is a good choice to
include when mixing a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.
Appearance : Liquid
Aroma : Slightly nutty
Color : Brown
Chemical constituents:: Walnut essential oil has various
chemical compounds that include Eicosenoic, Arachidic, Alpha Linolenic,
Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Palmitoleic, Palmitic.
Extraction: It is extracted by the cold expression of the
kernel.
Aromatherapy uses:
It is a bitter astringent herb that soothes irritated tissue and has
laxative and expectorant properties. Walnut oil is a pleasant nutty smelling
oil and contains small amounts of GLA. It can be used in a base/carrier oil
blend. The Commission E has approved the use of walnut leaves for mild,
superficial inflammations of the skin and excessive perspiration of the
hands and feet.
Pharmaceutical uses::
In folk medicine the leaves are used for respiratory problems, such as
chronic cough and asthma, constipation and urinary stones; while the rind of
the fruit is used to treat diarrhea and anemia. In Chinese medicine it is
used for lumbar pain, weak knees, frequent urination, wheezing and
constipation. Externally it is used for a selection of skin complaints,
which include herpes and eczema, acne, inflammation, sunburn, itchy scalp,
perspiration, as well as eye inflammations and hair loss. It is also often
used to treat itching scalp, peeling, dandruff, sunburn and superficial
burns.
Flavorings
Walnut oil is light-colored and delicate in flavor and scent, with a slight
nutty quality. Although it is used for pan frying but is not used regularly
as heating can remove some of the oil's flavor and produce a slight
bitterness. It is used primarily as an ingredient in cold dishes such as
salad dressings.
Industrial uses:
The most common modern application of walnut oil is by painters where its
hard-wearing properties and luminous colours make it desirable for both
interior and exterior use. Its slow-drying properties have recently been
used paint on glass animations. Its quickness of drying and lack of yellow
tint make it a good oil paint thinner and brush cleaner. walnut oil is
favoured by wood workers as a finish fimplements that will come in contact
with food, such as cutting boards and wooden bowls.
