The Walnut Tree

The Walnut Tree

In that coastal south Indian village our snacks and nuts were modest. In the evenings during idle leisure hours (we) children had access to only coconut, peanuts, puffed rice, or peas. That was before the prepackaged Haldiram, Ammas, or Lays chips showed up in the Indian markets. Some times even peanuts were a luxury! On occasion mother would give us a piece of jaggery, raisins, or popped rice. Or, even a ripe banana from our own kitchen garden. Come to think of it, our banana garden was just adjacent to the kitchen window. The large leaves would provide a cool shade to shield us from the sharp afternoon sun rays. I think the Mahatma (Mohandas Gandhi) used to favor peanuts as a snack. In small doses peanuts do no harm but when combined with a small piece of jaggery it works wonders – there would be no adverse side effects. Also it boosts the energy levels for children and adults alike. Little pieces of jaggery will quickly elevate the blood sugar and this is very useful for diabetic patients in small amounts. On long walks, trekking, or athletic sport events peanut brittle is a good source of nutrition.

I did not come to know about walnuts for most of my school and college days. But in Delhi I came to appreciate arts and humanities, a subject far removed from my specialization. Though we were mostly confined to technology and applied sciences, in the hostel we got good exposure to neighboring humanities friends. Also the JNU campus was right next door.  In those days our humanities department students started a poetry periodical (Avant-garde). Through my (poetry) submissions I got acquainted with a Kashmiri graduate student in the English Department. Once he brought a 30 lbs. sack of walnuts from his hilly garden estate. Thus sitting in his room I enjoyed freshly cracked walnuts while discussing poetry, aesthetics, and literature – across a red glowing electric heater.

But you wouldn’t know a tree like almond or walnut without touching it in the outdoors nature. In an earlier post I narrated my boyhood experiences with primitive gardening and the joy of growing an almond tree from seed. 

I get to see the nutritional benefits of walnuts first hand by observing the physically active playful squirrels in our garden and the adjoining backyard woods.  According to traditional sources (ex: Materia Medica) the nuts generate heat in the body. Walnut removes excess water from the body. It gives energy and strengthens heart and stomach. The nuts also promote male virility. Some other beneficial effects are: memory improvement, longevity, and physical vigor for the elderly. The nuts when taken with raisins (dried grapes) impart energy to the body. The antidotes for its adverse side effects are sour pomegranate, lime juice, and salt.

Here in the northeast USA we see these (wild) walnut trees majestically growing in the forests, wild areas, roadside, and even in backyards. The foliage turns bright yellow (bronze) in the autumn but the walnuts still hold on to the twigs and branches. Then our tailed rodentia (bushy tailed squirrels) get into briskly action and shake things down from above. We notice plenty of half eaten, discarded, and some barely bitten walnuts with the green outer covering on the floor during the windy fall season. The little children-like squirrels will do every trick to hide the nuts in our flowerpots, garden, overhead gutters, and in the bushes. Later in the spring and summer they wearily hunt down for every nut. Some times they succeed and some times they fail. But in the process they help the walnut trees sprout and spread all around. Walking near these thirty feet tall trees is soothing to the mind; the rustle of the overhead leaves coupled with the squirrels’ nut munching is an activity I cannot miss on my long walks in the woods. 

I forgot to mention the medicinal uses of walnuts for healthy teeth. Ayurvedic tooth powders (ex: Vajradanti) contain walnuts in their formulae. Walnut leaves and tender twigs are useful for brushing. They help in keeping dental cavities in check and the gums in healthy tight condition. Copyright 2023 by the author   

 

Toe Pain

Toe Pain

There is one tough toe problem that bothers adults. And this one needs urgent intervention and tender care.

Symptoms

“The subject wakes up at 1:00 a.m. with excruciating pain in the big toe, with no apparent cause or injury. Upon close examination under bright illumination, a slight swelling is found around the joint between big toe and foot (metatarsal-phalangeal joint), very tender to touch. The pain is often unbearable and the usual technique of hot/cold compress is of little use. At times even walking becomes extremely painful.”

The disease, known as gout has been around for hundreds of years. It affects mostly men and predominantly it is prevalent in cold climates. Though often associated with alcohol and rich (animal) protein food, anyone can get it - due to the evil coincidence of many factors. Some association is found between the use of diuretics and gout. Its sister (affliction) is kidney stones.

Key factors

Extreme cold climate, low levels of fluid intake (water), and high levels of uric acid are the main contributing factors. Human body needs uric acid, so at normal levels it poses no problem. Often, a vicious confluence of all these factors leads to an acute attack. So, if possible avoid extreme cold. Try to take one extra glass of water before going to bed (or spread around the day). Take vitamin supplements daily – particularly vitamin C. Cut down a little on protein rich foods during winter times or at least during the acute phase. High doses of fructose and fasting are also contributing factors.

Cure and Management

Vitamin C helps in eliminating excess uric acid from the system. A dose of 500 mg per day is enough to yield promising results. Rose hips contain high levels of vitamin C; perhaps, this is one of the most inexpensive sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Towards the end of summer season, I have often seen bunches of rose hips hanging idly on the thorny bushes. The Indian gooseberry (fresh fruit) also seems to be a rich source of vitamin C. Grandmothers used to say that gooseberry pickle has many medicinal properties (for warding off ulcers in the mouth, etc.). Ascorbic acid is rather a delicate vitamin, can easily be destroyed in cooking. Cranberry juice (and cranberry pickle) is another source of vitamin C.

Fructose, particularly in large quantities, seems to aggravate the ailment. So, it is better to avoid very sweet (over ripened) bananas or other sugary fruits. Also, honey (invert sugar) too should be avoided during the acute stage. Moderation is the key word. Once the disease is well under control, occasional indulgences in a small piece of ripe banana or chocolate cookie will do no harm. High fructose corn syrup – is the real culprit here. So, read carefully ingredients of cookies and other confectionary items. Always look for juices without high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

The traditional Indian Ayurveda practitioners are fully well versed in the treatment of joint pains and inflammation. The patient should strictly follow their advice about dietary restrictions. Of the vegetarian protein sources, it is advisable to avoid (or at least limit) the use of peanuts and black gram (urad dal), especially during winter months.

So, what to do during a sudden attack? A good doctor will be able to diagnose properly and prescribe modern medicines. For a full recovery and proper management, the patient has to make a few lifestyle changes. Not, very difficult, if one is a little bit flexible. Through the pain, the body is sending subtle signals. Get rid of sedentary habits, get up and take long walks, bike riding, shoveling snow, or yoga – whichever suits you.

Yoga

Sarvanga-asana, Vira-asana, and Paschimothana-asana will yield good results for this ailment. Also, Surya-namaskarams will help in reducing the severity. Swami Vishnu Devananda, in one of the pages gave excellent suggestion for all foot problems: Gently try to walk on toes and heels, do it slowly alternatively. You can practice this on hardwood floor, carpet, or on soft grass (if need be, with insulating woolen socks). Till you get proper balance, use a stick, wall, or fence for support. It promotes good blood circulation in the feet, preserves and strengthens good arches, and gives a gentle massage to the sole.

Once the acute pain has vanished, you can give gentle massage (with warm sesame seed oil, olive oil, ghee, Iodex, or Narayana Tailam) around the big toe. Regular exercise and daily massage should make the injured toe normal. During the acute phase, you cannot do any massage. But you can dip the painful toe in a bucket with cold water, then switch to a bucket with warm water. Then back to cold water. Or, you can give similar treatment while taking a shower bath.

Pain has a salutary effect on the human body. It makes the mind concentrate and slip into meditation. The great Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal would go into hours of meditation during high temperature fever bouts. He would just describe it thus: It is like sitting in the midst of five fire places and doing meditation (or penance). Why not? Pain, any ailment for that matter, teaches us the fragility of human body. It imparts us much needed humility – after all even with loads of money, at times, you cannot buy immediate cure. Simply not possible. In a tera Hertz cell phone obsessed, instant gratifying world – only pain can teach some valuable lessons of life. Karma has to be depleted slowly through episodes of pain.