Juglans nigra (Juglandaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Juglandaceae
Common Names: Black Walnut, Eastern Black Walnut
Parts Used: Hulls, Bark, Leaves, Nuts

Description

Juglans nigra, commonly known as Black Walnut, is a large deciduous tree native to North America, valued for its medicinal, culinary, and timber uses. The hulls, leaves, and bark contain juglone, tannins, and flavonoids, which give it antifungal, antiparasitic, astringent, and detoxifying properties. Traditionally, black walnut has been used for digestive health, parasite elimination, skin infections, and blood purification.

---

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in Indigenous North American medicine as a vermifuge (parasite eliminator) and antifungal.
• Employed in European and American folk medicine for skin diseases, digestive issues, and blood purification.
• Traditionally applied as a poultice for fungal infections, eczema, and wounds.
• Used as a natural dye and insect repellent due to its high juglone content.

---

Constituents

• Juglone (Antifungal, antimicrobial, potential cytotoxic effects)
• Tannins (Astringent, wound-healing)
• Flavonoids (Anti-inflammatory, circulatory support)
• Essential Oils
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (From the nut)

---

Actions

• Antifungal
• Antiparasitic
• Astringent
• Lymphatic tonic
• Digestive stimulant
• Anti-inflammatory

---

Medicinal Uses

1. Parasite & Intestinal Worm Elimination
   • Traditionally used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.
   • Often combined with clove and wormwood in parasite cleanses.
2. Antifungal & Skin Health Support
   • Effective against ringworm, athlete’s foot, candida, and eczema.
   • Used as a wash or poultice for skin infections and ulcers.
3. Digestive & Liver Support
   • Acts as a bitter tonic, aiding in digestion and bile flow.
   • Helps relieve constipation and sluggish digestion.
4. Lymphatic & Blood Purifying Properties
   • Traditionally taken for chronic skin conditions, swollen lymph nodes, and detoxification.
   • Used in herbal blood-cleansing formulas.
5. Oral Health & Gum Infections
   • Used as a gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum infections.

---

Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Warning: The fresh green hulls stain skin and clothing. Handle with care.

Infusion (Tea from Leaves – Mild Detox & Astringent):

• 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of hot water.
• Steep for 10-15 minutes, drink up to twice daily.

Tincture (Hulls – Parasite Cleanse & Skin Support):

• 2-4 ml taken once or twice daily (short-term use only).

Poultice (For Skin Infections & Wounds):

• Crushed fresh or dried hulls applied directly to fungal infections and skin conditions.

Gargle (For Oral Health & Gum Infections):

• Strong tea made from leaves or hulls, used as a mouth rinse.

---

Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid use due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
• Liver Sensitivity: High doses may stress the liver—use moderately.
• Long-Term Use: Not recommended for extended use, especially in high doses.
• Nut Allergies: May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to tree nuts.

---

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Western Herbalism: Drying and cooling; supports detoxification, parasite elimination, and digestive health.
Indigenous North American Medicine: Used for intestinal cleansing, skin diseases, and wound healing.
European Folk Medicine: Applied as a blood purifier and antifungal remedy.

---

Combinations

• For Parasite Cleansing: Combine with wormwood and clove.
• For Skin & Fungal Infections: Use with tea tree oil and calendula.
• For Digestive & Liver Health: Blend with dandelion root and burdock.
• For Oral Health & Gum Infections: Pair with myrrh and sage.

---

Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting:
  • Green hulls are collected in late summer or autumn, before turning black.
  • Leaves are harvested in spring and early summer.
• Drying:
  • Air dry hulls and leaves in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
• Storage:
  • Keep in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

---

Modern Research

• Studies confirm black walnut’s antifungal and antiparasitic properties, supporting its traditional use for intestinal cleansing and skin infections.
• Research suggests juglone exhibits antimicrobial and potential anticancer effects.
• Clinical trials indicate that black walnut extracts may support oral health and inflammation reduction.

---

Conclusion

Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) is a potent antifungal, antiparasitic, and detoxifying herb traditionally used for digestive health, skin conditions, and immune support. While it is effective in clearing parasites and fungal infections, it should be used in moderation due to its strong astringent and juglone content.

🌿 A powerful herbal remedy for cleansing and resilience!