The black walnut, or American walnut, is a hardwood tree that grows predominately in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. The nut shells, inner bark, leaves and the fruit of this tree show up in various herbal remedies. The black walnut also has many nonmedicinal uses.
History
Ancient Greeks and Romans called black walnut fruit the "imperial nut" and used the hull for intestinal ailments. The black walnut has been part of Russian folk medicine since the 17th century. People of the Middle Ages used walnuts to ward off witchcraft and epileptic fits. American Indians used the inner bark to make a laxative tea, and they chewed the bark for toothaches.
Nut Overview
The nut or fruit of the black walnut tree appears in baked goods, frozen foods and candies. On the tree, the nut is contained in a thick, hard black shell. Black walnuts contain 15 to 20 g of protein per 100 g, and trace minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium and manganese. They contain approximately 700 calories per 100 g, and their fat content is around 60 percent. The walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids along with antioxidants.
Herbal Uses
A study published in the December 2003 issue of "Chemical Research in Toxicology" reports some promise of black walnut for use as a cytotoxic, or anti-cancer agent. According to Virginia Tech, doctors in Cuba use this herb to treat various skin diseases of children, such as ringworm. Skin cream companies use the leaf extract in their products. Only use herbal remedies under medical supervision.
Other Uses
Jet-engine and ship cleaners use ground black walnut shell for air-blasting, descaling and polishing, due to its elasticity and resilience. The oil drilling industry utilizes the shell for making seals for oil wells. Paint manufacturers put the shells into paint to create a plaster effect, while explosive companies incorporate black walnut shell into dynamite as a filler. Cabinet and furniture makers hand-make products from the rich and beautiful wood of the tree.
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