This is not exactly news - it was published more than a year ago - but I am sure many haven't heard about it.
Modern science has had to retract-  yet again! - one of its old premises: that only animals (including humans) produce the female sex hormone, progesterone.


Then, in 2009, a researcher Guido Pauli, conclusively identified progesterone in the leaves of the common walnut tree (Juglans regia) and in the Adonis plant (Adonis aleppica), a member of the buttercup family.
You can read the original paper here, and a Science Daily article here.


What has that got to do with self-made beauty, you ask?
Plenty.
As you well know, sex hormones determine the appearance of our secondary sexual signs (breasts, for example). They also play a vital role in the appearance and condition of the skin, hair and other body parts, not to mention our state of mind. And, as we all know, the levels of hormones decrease with age and change the dynamics of their interplay.


It is NOT wise to play Mother Nature and tinker around her lab, especially not when hormones are concerned.
But I am sure biochemists are hastily concocting "bio-identical" progesterone from walnut leaves as we speak. 
I am also sure there are many DIY "chemists" trying to do the same.


I am all for natural remedies - they really do work, fantastically in some cases - but in this case I would advise you to WAIT. Do not try to "extract" progesterone from walnut leaves or buttercups for the time being. Walnut leaves are full of juglone, which is a time-honoured natural dye (you may be wearing it on your hair right now). It is also a potent herbicide. And while you're not a herb, accidental ingestion of juglone is not likely to improve your looks or your health.


Instead, have a walnut or two. Every day. They'll help your skin and your hair (and your nails, and many other, less conspicuous parts) stay and look healthy, and make your brain act healthy.
The walnut, all of its parts, does have great curative powers for a number of complaints. You can read about it here.


And they were the food of the gods, in those good old days of the Golden Age.