Black walnut (juglans nigra)

Table of Contents

Other names

None

Synopsis

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a hardwood tree native to North America, traditionally valued for both its nutritional kernel and medicinal hulls. While the inner nut is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals, the green hulls are the primary part used in herbal medicine. They are rich in juglone (a natural quinone compound), tannins, iodine, and flavonoids, which give black walnut its powerful antifungal, antiparasitic, astringent, and detoxifying properties.

Black walnut hull is most commonly used to:

  • Expel intestinal parasites, including worms and protozoa
  • Combat fungal infections, such as Candida overgrowth
  • Support oral health, including gum infections and mouth ulcers
  • Cleanse the digestive tract and improve bowel regularity
  • Promote skin healing in topical applications for eczema, acne, and ringworm
  • Act as a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic, both internally and externally

It is typically consumed as a tincture, capsule, or powdered hull, often combined with wormwood and clove in traditional parasite-cleansing formulas. Externally, it is used in washes, ointments, or dental rinses.

Historical Use:

Black walnut has a long history of medicinal use among Native American tribes, who used the inner bark, leaves, and hulls for parasites, constipation, infections, and skin conditions. The Cherokee and other groups would prepare infusions and decoctions from the green hulls to treat intestinal distress and expel worms.

In early American herbalism, black walnut was considered a cleansing herb for both the gastrointestinal tract and the skin, often included in blood-purifying and anti-parasitic formulas. Its high tannin content gave it astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, useful in diarrhea, ulcers, and infections.

In traditional European herbal medicine, walnut trees were similarly revered, with Dioscorides and other early herbalists noting the antiparasitic and wound-healing properties of their hulls and leaves.

Today, black walnut remains a staple in natural cleansing protocols, anti-Candida programs, and herbal anti-parasitic blends, especially in functional and integrative medicine. While potent and effective, it is used with caution due to its strong activity and potential to irritate mucous membranes, especially in high doses or long-term use.

Uses: Health Conditions

Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Neither)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Scabies (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)

Body Systems

Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)