Black Walnut Hull Information

Black walnut is also known as Juglans nigra and may also be referred to as butternut, oilnut or English walnut. Black walnut was used by the Greeks and Romans, who called it the imperial nut, for many different ailments and illnesses. According to Christopher Beecher, an associate professor at the University of Illinois, black walnut hulls--the inner bark of the nut--contains a chemical that can kill many different pathogens and parasites. This makes black walnut hulls a natural treatment for many different infections and illnesses, although there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

Properties

Black walnut hulls contain juglone, tannins and iodine. Juglone is a phytotoxic allelochemical that has strong antifungal properties. Tannins give plants a natural defense mechanism against pathogens and harsh environmental conditions. In humans, tannins can have antibacterial, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, antitumor and antiulcer properties. Iodine can act as an antiseptic--it attaches itself to foreign pathogens and kills them.

External Applications

Black walnut hull can be applied topically on your skin to treat a variety of skin conditions, especially fungal infections. Black walnut may treat ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, blisters, eczema and psoriasis. This herb may also help treat certain eye infections. Consult with your health care provider or a certified herbalist prior to using black walnut hull externally, and follow dosing instructions carefully.

Internal Use

Black walnut hull can be taken internally to treat a number of ailments. Black walnut may help treat gout, worms, parasites, rheumatism and glandular disorders. This herb may also stimulate the appetite, cleanse the blood, lower blood pressure and have laxative effects. As with external use, consult your health care provider or a certified herbalist prior to taking black walnut hull internally, and follow dosing guidelines carefully.

Preparations

Manufacturers produce black walnut hulls in liquid extract or capsules for internal use. You can also boil the hulls in water to make a tea. Some herbalists cook black walnut hulls down to make a tea and then blend it with lard to create a salve for topical use. Consult with a certified herbalist prior to choosing a specific preparation of black walnut hull for your particular condition.

Precautions and Side Effects

Juglone, one of the main components of black walnut, in high doses is a liver and kidney toxin. Furthermore, topical application of black walnut may stain your skin yellow, brown or black. Black walnut hull has little to no additional side effects when you take the appropriate dosage. Interactions with other medications or supplements are also unlikely, but not unavoidable.