Persian Walnut (Juglans regia)

Persian Walnut (Juglans regia) is a member of the Rhamnaceae family, native to Central Asia, Southwest Asia, and Middle East. Traditionally, its seeds, fruits, and bark have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Persian Walnut (Juglans regia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Persian Walnut (Juglans regia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Persian Walnut
Scientific Name	Juglans regia
Plant Family	Rhamnaceae
Genus	Juglans
Species	regia
Native Range	Central Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East
Plant Parts Used	Seeds, Fruits, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Juglans regia
Common Name: Persian Walnut
Synonyms / Alternative Names: English Walnut, Black Walnut, Persian Walnut
Plant Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Juglans

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial, woody.
Height: It reaches a height of 10 to 20 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with doubly serrate margins, upper surface dull green, lower surface pale green, and prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are spike-like clusters with yellow-green flowers, actinomorphic, having 4 sepals and 4 petals, each with a distinct midvein and a truncate apex.
Stems: Woody, erect, simple branching, glabrous surface, with persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Culinary Use

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a cooling tonic, for foundational support.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a mild bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a gentle carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.