Black walnut (juglans nigra)
Synopsis of black walnut
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.
Black walnut is used for these health conditions
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)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Scabies (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
black walnut is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Products containing black walnut
Vitabase
7 Day Colon Cleanse
Designs For Health
GI Microb-X™
Designs For Health
GI Microb-X™
Additional Help
Talk with Dr. Shannyn
Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.
Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.
At-Home Lab Testing
Want to know if your body really needs this ingredient?
Explore our at-home lab tests—from hormone and gut panels to toxin screenings. These simple kits give you data to back your decisions, and pair perfectly with natural ingredient guidance.
Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.