Herb Profile: Black Walnut

 

Black Walnut, Juglans nigra 

While the leaves and fruit of this tree are used medicinally, it is the hull of the unripe fruit that is prized for its medicinal qualities. The green, unripe hull contains the constituent juglandin, considered to be anti fungal.
Black walnut is useful in treating skin diseases, particularly of a fungal nature, including eczema, psoriasis, herpes, and skin parasites. It is a very effective treatment for athlete’s foot. It is indicated, too, when there is a combination of skin and gastrointestinal issues as a result of an internal parasite or fungus, such as candida, pin worms, or tape worms.

 

Preparations

It can be used in a number of ways, and can be taken internally or used externally. If taken internally, herbalist Matthew Wood recommends low-dosing, taking 1-3 drops 1-3x/day, while an olive oil infusion of the crushed hulls can be used as the base for an anti-fungal salve. It can also be powdered and used in foot soaks, and as a wash for skin infections. As a tincture, black walnut can be applied topically to herpes and cold sores.

Cautions/Contraindications

Black walnut is not recommended for long-term use. Taken in large doses internally, black walnut is a sedative to the heart and circulatory system. Additionally, black walnut hulls will stain the skin if applied topically, though the stain only lasts for a few days. Not recommended for use if pregnant.
 

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