Black Walnut Hull Benefits

Growing to 100 feet in height, the black walnut tree boasts wide spreading branches that hang heavy with nuts, encased in green hulls in early fall. If left to mature, the hulls will turn black, split and fall from the tree. Herbalists use both the green and black hulls in herbal remedies, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. While preparations made from black walnut hulls may be beneficial in some cases, side effects include diarrhea and, in rare cases, liver or kidney damage, reports Gale. Use black walnut preparations under a doctor’s supervision.

Traditional Benefits

Native to the eastern regions of the U.S., black walnut, or Juglans nigra, was popular for its fine-grained lumber and nuts used in baking. Traditional black walnut hull remedies include washes and poultices for treating warts, dermatitis, psoriasis and fungal skin infections, according to the website, Drugs.com. Extract, prepared from the mature hull, provided a dye for clothing and hair.

Internal Treatment

Black walnut hull extracts or decoctions may be beneficial in destroying intestinal parasites and worms, according to the Gale Encyclopedia. Extracts and tinctures are available in health food stores. Prepare a decoction by boiling a handful of hulls in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, before cooling and straining. Use as directed by your physician.
Additional potential benefits include the treatment of gout, rheumatism and respiratory disorders. Studies confirming the internal benefits of black walnut hull preparations are lacking, however.
Avoid using black walnut hulls in any form if you are allergic to nuts or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not give black walnut hull preparations to children.

Topical Treatments

Salves, skin washes, ointments and poultices, prepared from black walnut hulls, may be beneficial in the treatment of ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot. Syphilis sores and eye irritations may respond to the topical application of black walnut hull preparations. No clinical trials exist to support these benefits, however.