Juglans regia, or better known as walnut or Hu Tao, is native to Qiang Hu, northwest of ancient China. That is the reason why it is named "Hu" in mandarin, which actually is a general term for northwest China’s ancient minorities, especially Qiang and Hun ethnic minorities. It was introduced into Central Plains by envoy Zhang Qian when he was set a diplomatic mission to Xiyu (the west of ancient China). Walnut is a lot of people’s favorite snack and often used as stuffing in moon cake and glue pudding. Walnut is also considered a tonic that nourishes kidney, warms lung, and lubricates the intestines. More than that, besides of its large edible nut, this plant is widely cultivated for the juglans regia wood, a type of durable and hard timber that is frequently used for making furniture.

Juglans regia benefits
This plant, in particular juglans regia nuts, has high medicinal value and thus offers many health benefits. No wonder "Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic" (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) listed it as the top grade tonic of prolonging life, slimming body, and tonifying qi. Else, generations of physicians viewed it as one of top herbs that could cure a variety of diseases. Among the medical books, "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Ben Cao Gang Mu) said it could tonify Qi and nourish blood; Yu Yao Yuan Fang (Prescription from Emperor Medical Institute) commented it could replenish the blood and complement marrow; Kai Bao Ben Cao (Materia Medica In Kai-Bao Reign) claimed it could makes a man healthy, moisturize skin, and darken hair. Now juglans regia extract, shell powder, extract, oil, tincture, etc. are widely used in homeopathy remedy. Of course, modern medicine has different view and here is the pharmacology about walnut.

Proven walnut herbal remedies
Chinese Pharmacopoeia says that walnut is sweet in flavor and warm in properties and it enters three meridians of kidney, lung, and large intestine. Basic functions include nourishing the kidney, warming the lung, and moistening intestines. Chief Juglans regia uses and indications are limp lower back and knees, ED (erectile dysfunction), Nocturnal Emission, deficiency-cold type dyspnea and cough, and Constipation. Recommended dosage is from 6 to 9 grams in decoction, powder, or pills.

1. Qing E Wan. From Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Prescriptions from the Taiping Benevolent Pharmaceutical Bureau), this formula is mainly used for soreness of lower back due to kidney deficiency, dizziness, Tinnitus, and urine endless. Other main herbal ingredients are Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit), Garlic, and so on.

2. Hu Tao Tang. From Yu Yuan Yao Fang (Prescriptions from Royal Drug Museum), it is normally formulated for waist and knee pain caused by kidney deficiency and powerless feet. Other key herbs are Eucommia Bark, Psoralea Fruit, Bei Xie (Dioscorea Root), and more.

3. Ren Shen Hu Tao Tang. From Ji sheng fang (Formulas to Aid the Living), this recipe combines Hu Tao Ren together with Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) to treat dyspnea of deficiency type due to lung and kidney deficiency and deficiency of kidney qi failing to control respiring qi.

4. Hu Tao Wan. From San Yin Fang (Three Causes Formulas), it is basically used for consumptive thirst or diabetes, dry mouth and lips, emission, and so on. Other herbs are Fu Ling (Poria), Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root), Fresh Ginger, and Ge Fen (mactra clam shell powder).