GALEN ON THE MIXTURES AND POWERS OF SIMPLE MEDICINES

...boiled with honey, we use it as a medicine for the mouth original: "στοματικῷ" (stomatikō); a remedy specifically for oral ailments like sores or inflammation.. We also apply it to all other conditions for which the previously mentioned juices are considered suitable. [186] Furthermore, the edible part of the nut itself is oily and composed of fine particles original: "λεπτομερὲς" (leptomeres); substances that can penetrate deep into body tissues.. For this reason, the juice is easily extracted. The longer the nut is stored, the more oily it becomes. It is even possible to press oil from an aged walnut. At that stage, it also becomes quite effective at dispersing humors original: "διαφορητικὸν" (diaphorētikon); a property that allows a substance to help the body evaporate or sweat out harmful waste.. Because of this, some people use it to heal gangrene, carbuncles original: "ἄνθρακας" (anthrakas); refers to severe, charcoal-like skin boils., and abscesses in the corner of the eye original: "αἰγίλωπας" (aegilopas); an ulcer or fistula at the inner canthus of the eye, often named because it was thought to resemble a goat's eye.. Some also use it for wounds involving the nerves.

However, when the walnut is fresh, it also possesses a certain astringent quality. While it is still immature and not yet dry, it is full of undigested moisture, just like all other fruits that are green. Yet, when its shell has dried and is then burned, it becomes a medicine that is drying and made of fine parts, but it does not cause irritation original: "ἄδηκτον" (adēkton); literally "without a bite," meaning it does not sting or corrode the flesh..

There is also another kind of smaller nut, which is called the Pontic nut original: "Ποντικὰ" (Pontika); these are what we now call hazelnuts or filberts.. It contains more of a cold and earthy substance. Consequently, the plant itself, the fruit, and the husk all taste more harsh to the palate. Regarding the other...