Juglans nigra, commonly known as black walnut, is a hardwood tree native to North America and parts of Europe. The edible fruit of the tree, also called black walnut, is a tasty source of protein, minerals and essential fatty acids. Although black walnut is safe for most people, according to Drugs.com, individuals with certain health conditions, including pregnant women and those allergic to nuts, should not use this herbal remedy. Although without side effects except for significant problems for pregnant women, no evidence supports the effectiveness of black walnut against parasites.
Uses
Commission E, the regulatory agency for herbs in Germany, has approved walnut leaves for topical treatment of excessive perspiration and skin inflammation, according to Drugs.com. Traditional herbal remedies use the black sticky part of the outermost hull for relieving symptoms of skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis, itching, warts and parasitic conditions. Some people also use black walnut hulls as an alternative therapy for eliminating internal parasites.
Theories/Speculation
Naturopath Hulda Clark, an author and alternative medicine therapist, claimed that all cancer is caused by a single type of parasite, and that parasites are involved in other serious diseases as well, including AIDS. Many people take black walnut for these reasons. Black walnut for eliminating parasites is typically taken as a black walnut hull tincture, often combined with wormwood and cloves in capsules of dried extracts. Because the active components are weak by the time they reach the lower colon, some herbalists recommend using a black walnut hull enema to eliminate any remaining parasites there.
Expert Insight
Research does not support the theory that black walnut hulls or other herbal remedies eliminate parasites from the digestive tract, according to the American Cancer Society. Additionally, research does not support the theory that parasites cause cancer, or that black walnut helps treat cancer or any other disease, according to the cancer organization. Black walnut does contain a chemical compound called juglone that might have potential for decreasing cancer risk, explains the ACS, but research with humans is lacking. Using black walnut to cure cancer in place of medical treatment is risky.
Negative Effects
Although no research supports the theory that black walnut eliminates parasites or cures cancer, Drugs.com notes that side effects associated with black walnut supplements are uncommon, and it is generally safe to use unless you are pregnant or allergic to nuts. Black walnut has mutagenic properties, meaning it can alter fetal DNA and cause mutations. This can manifest as birth defects or negative impact on the child's growth, or it could lead to miscarriage.
Considerations
Some parasitic infections are immediately dangerous, as noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. For instance, malaria kills about 1 million people each year. The food-borne illness toxoplasmosis can be very serious for pregnant women and for anyone with a compromised immune system. The CDC estimates that Giardia and Cryptosporidium cause more than 2 million infections in the United States annually, both of which can lead to severe diarrhea. Diseases such as malaria associated with high mortality rates and any parasitic infections with serious symptoms call for medical attention.
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