Walnut Paste

Source: 500 Ancient Imperial Ladies’ Herbal Beauty Recipes Author: Zeng Xianbin | Yu Shengqing

[Formula] 3 fresh walnuts

[Usage] Grind the above herbs with their skins into a fine powder. Add an appropriate amount of breast milk and place in a silver vessel. Simmer over gentle to moderate heat to form a paste, stirring with a bamboo spatula during the process. When using, wash the beard and hair, then apply the medicine with a writing brush onto the beard and hair.

[Efficacy] Darkens the hair and beard.

[Indications] Premature graying of beard and hair.

[Commentary] This formula uses walnuts to blacken the beard and hair. Compendium of Materia Medica states that the green husk of walnuts “dyes beards and fabrics black”; milk nourishes and beautifies the beard and hair. Therefore, it has been revered as a secret formula for dyeing and blackening hair in imperial courts throughout history.

Q1: How to make walnut paste with breast milk?

A1: To make walnut paste with breast milk, grind three fresh walnuts with their skins into a fine powder. Add an appropriate amount of breast milk and place the mixture in a silver vessel. Simmer over gentle to moderate heat while stirring with a bamboo spatula until it forms a paste. This paste is traditionally used for darkening hair and beard.

Q2: What is the walnut paste recipe using fresh walnuts?

A2: The walnut paste recipe using fresh walnuts requires grinding three fresh walnuts with their skins into a fine powder. Then, mix in an appropriate amount of breast milk and heat the blend in a silver vessel over gentle to moderate heat, stirring continuously with a bamboo spatula until a thick paste forms. This recipe is applied externally to treat premature graying of beard and hair.

Q3: Why is breast milk used in walnut paste for hair?

A3: Breast milk is used in walnut paste for hair because it acts as a natural liquid base that helps bind the ground walnut powder into a smooth paste. In traditional applications, breast milk is believed to contain nourishing properties that may enhance the hair-darkening effects of the walnuts when applied to the beard and hair.

Q4: Is walnut paste with breast milk safe for babies?

A4: No, walnut paste with breast milk is not safe for babies. This formulation is intended solely for external application on the beard and hair to address premature graying, not for ingestion or use on infants. The breast milk serves as a carrier in the recipe, and any use on babies should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Q5: Can walnut paste darken hair naturally?

A5: Yes, walnut paste can darken hair naturally. According to the traditional formula, the paste made from fresh walnuts and breast milk is applied topically to prematurely gray beard and hair. The natural pigments in walnuts, combined with regular application, help restore darker color over time.

6 thoughts on “Walnut Paste”

  1. Interesting recipe! I wonder if the breast milk is a modern substitute for something else, or if it’s really necessary for the consistency. Has anyone tried making this with a plant-based milk alternative?

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  2. Interesting recipe! I’ve never thought of using breast milk in a walnut paste. Does the silver vessel really make a difference, or is that just traditional lore? Would love to try this with almond milk as a substitute.

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  3. وصفة مثيرة للاهتمام! هل تُستخدم لتقوية الشعر أم للصحة العامة؟ سأجربها قريباً، لكن هل يمكن استبدال حليب الثدي بحليب اللوز؟ شكراً للمشاركة!

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  4. Interesting recipe! I’ve used walnut paste in traditional remedies before, but never with breast milk and a silver vessel. Love the old-school methods. Does anyone know if the skin-on walnut powder is important for the medicinal effect?

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  5. Interesting recipe! I love how traditional methods use natural ingredients and careful techniques like simmering in a silver vessel. Have you tried making this at home? I’d be curious how the bamboo spatula affects the texture compared to metal.

    Reply

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