Native to North America, the black walnut tree, or Juglans nigra, produces a wide canopy of leaves in the summer under which hard-shelled nuts develop. Surrounding the shells are thick protective husks. A tincture made from the husks may be beneficial in treating worms, but the FDA does not regulate production of this herbal remedy, so there is no guarantee of quality, purity or safety. See your doctor before using black walnut tincture to treat intestinal worms.
Black Walnut Tincture
An herbal tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the herb. A mixture of alcohol and water extracts the vital constituents from the herb. To make a black walnut tincture, the grower harvests the encased nuts when the thick green husks that surround the nuts begin to crack. The husks, or hulls, are removed, then soaked in the alcohol/water solution to draw out the vital properties. The herbalist then strains the mixture and bottles the concentrated liquid.
Active Ingredients
Juglone is the active ingredient in black walnut tincture that rids the body of intestinal worms, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Juglone is anthelmintic, meaning it destroys parasites; and is antiparasitic, meaning it either destroys or prevents the growth of parasites. Additional black walnut constituents include fatty oils, tannins and juglandis folium.
Method/Dosage
To rid the body of intestinal worms, James Balch, M.D., author of "Prescription for Natural Cures," suggests an adult dose of 30 drops, or 250 mg, taken three times per day. There is no suggested dosage for children.
Considerations
Do not exceed the recommended dosage, and do not give black walnut tincture to children, pregnant women or nursing mothers, unless directed to do so by a doctor. In high doses, juglone may be toxic to the kidneys and liver. There are few reported side effects, but that may be due, in part, to a lack of research. Medications are available that will also kill intestinal worms, so talk to your doctor before using black walnut tincture.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D., 2004
- "Herbal Remedies---Eyewitness Companion"; Andrew Chevallier, 2007
- Organic Nutrition: Black Walnut Hull Extract -- (Tincture)
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
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