Is Walnut Warm-natured or Cool-natured

Walnuts are warm-natured foods, with the effects of warming and nourishing the lungs and kidneys, as well as moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. They are suitable for people with deficient and cold constitutions to consume in moderation.
The warm-natured characteristic of walnuts stems from their rich content of oils and proteins, which can promote blood circulation and generate heat. According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), walnuts enter the kidney, lung, and large intestine meridians, and have an auxiliary regulating effect on soreness and weakness of the waist and knees caused by kidney-yang deficiency, as well as prolonged cough due to lung deficiency. Modern nutritional analysis shows that the unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E contained in walnuts help improve peripheral circulation, which is consistent with the traditionally recognized warming and tonic effect.
Although walnuts are generally warm-natured, excessive consumption may cause symptoms similar to "internal heat" (a concept in TCM, referring to a state of imbalance in the body manifested by various discomfort) such as dry mouth and tongue. For people with yin-deficiency and fire-excess constitutions, discomforts like swollen and painful gums and constipation may occur. The tannins contained in the walnut skin have a certain astringent property, forming a subtle balance with the warm nature of the walnut kernel.
It is recommended to consume no more than 30 grams of walnuts per day, which is equivalent to 4-5 shelled walnuts. Pairing them with yin-nourishing ingredients such as white fungus and lily bulbs can neutralize their warm nature. For people with a hot and dry constitution, choosing low-temperature roasted walnuts can reduce the sense of dryness and heat. When storing walnuts, they should be sealed to prevent moisture and avoid oil oxidation.