Walnut Tincture Recipe

Walnut tincture is produced using green hulls from freshly fallen walnuts and combining the hulls with a liquid menstruum of alcohol and water. Using the correct ratio of menstruum to alcohol and water will produce a potent and effective tincture. Walnut tincture is purported to help regulate the bowels and support bowel health. Walnut tincture has also been used as an anti-parasitic and antiseptic agent.

Tincture Recipe and Method

• The walnut tincture recipe combines a ratio of 1:2 walnut hulls to a menstruum solution. For example, if you have one cup of walnut hulls then you should combine those hulls with two cups of menstruum. The menstruum should contain a ratio of 3:1 parts alcohol to water; for example, if you used two cups of menstruum the menstruum should be composed of one and a half cup of alcohol and a half cup of water.

  Grain alcohol is the preferred form of alcohol for tincture recipes due to its exceptionally high alcohol content. This type of alcohol is labeled as Everclear or Clear Spring, but it is not available for legal purchases in some states. If you cannot purchase grain alcohol in your state, use a quality clear vodka that is free of any flavorings.

  For an effective tincture, it is best to separate the walnut hulls from the inner nut. Crushing or rolling the hulls under your feet may help to separate the hulls; you may also try using a hammer or a nutcracker to break the hulls open. Blend the hulls in a food processor or crush them up between wax paper using a hammer. Then add the crushed hulls to the menstruum.

  Keep the menstruum and walnut hull mixture in a secure closed container in a cool dark place; do not expose the mixture to air. Shake the container thoroughly at least two times a day (preferably three times a day) for two weeks. After two weeks, strain out the tincture through a cheese cloth or tincture press and then place the tincture in a clean jar and leave it to settle overnight (do not shake the jar at this point in the tincture process). The next morning, decant the tincture from any solid components that have settled to the bottom of the jar. Store the finished tincture in a dark amber glass bottle with a secure lid.

Cautions

• Walnut hulls may irritate sensitive skin; it is best to wear gloves while you are handling walnut hulls if you have sensitive skin. If you have any type of underlying medical condition or if you are currently taking prescription medications, talk with your doctor first before you use walnut tincture. Do not use walnut hull tinctures if you are pregnant or nursing.