Walnut

호두 (胡桃) · Juglans regia L.

Fruit-herb (kidney tonic) Warm Sweet Kidney, Lung, Large Intestine

NatureWarm

TasteSweet

MeridiansKidney, Lung, Large Intestine

Part usedKernel

FamilyJuglandaceae

CategoryFruit-herb (kidney tonic)

Find by concern: Weak lower back Cough Constipation

Overview

The walnut, its kernel folded like the brain it was fancifully linked to, is recorded in the Donguibogam as freeing the channels, moistening the blood, and blackening the hair. A warming kidney-and-lung tonic, it bridges the New Year’s table (as in the custom of cracking nuts) and the medicine chest.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平, 味甘, 無毒. 通經脉, 潤血脉, 黑鬢髮, 令人肥健.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It frees the channels, moistens the blood vessels, blackens the hair and temples, and makes a person robust.

This entry is a draft: the classical quotation is pending verification against the Korean Medicine Classics Database.

Traditional functions

Tonifies the kidney, strengthens the low back
Warms the lung, relieves cough and wheezing
Moistens the intestines
Blackens and nourishes the hair (traditional)

Traditional applications

Low-back and knee weakness from kidney deficiency
Chronic cough and wheezing from cold
Constipation from dryness
Premature graying (traditional use)

Traditional preparation

Eaten as a nut, or decocted 6–12g of kernel; the thin skin is sometimes kept for its astringent effect.

Cautions

Caution: Rich and warming; traditionally used cautiously with phlegm-heat cough, diarrhea, or yin-deficiency heat. High in oil, so eaten in moderation. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is the walnut-brain resemblance part of the tradition?

The visual likeness was often remarked upon, but the Donguibogam’s recorded uses are about the kidney, lung, and hair — tonifying, warming, and moistening — not the brain directly.

Why is walnut cracked at the Korean New Year?

The custom of "burnbaram" (cracking nuts like walnut and chestnut) at Jeongwol Daeboreum reflects walnut’s standing as a strengthening food-medicine, believed to ward off boils for the year.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.