Black Walnut

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Black Walnut
- American Walnut
- Eastern Black Walnut

Latin Name: Juglans nigra

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Intestinal parasite expulsion (tapeworm, threadworm, giardia) - Native American and early American folk medicine
• Fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete's foot) - Cherokee and European herbal traditions
• Skin conditions (eczema, herpes, psoriasis, scrofulous diseases) - Eclectic medicine, 19th century
• Wound healing and difficult sores - Cherokee medicine (bark wash "to kill the poison")
• Constipation and intestinal toxemia - Traditional American herbalism

Modern Uses

• Intestinal parasites - Used for tapeworms, giardia, and other intestinal parasites | Research quality: Preliminary
• Key findings: Juglone demonstrates antiparasitic activity; traditionally combined with other antiparasitic herbs

• Source citations: Easley - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory; Coffman - Herbal Medic

• Fungal infections - Athlete's foot, ringworm, candida, nail fungus | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Juglone has documented antifungal properties; topical application most effective

• Source citations: WRCHM - Western Materia Medica II; Gladstar - Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

• Gut dysbiosis and SIBO - Addresses bacterial overgrowth in digestive tract | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Locally-acting antimicrobial that must contact infected tissue

• Source citations: WRCHM - Western Materia Medica II

• Thyroid support - Contains iodine for hypothyroid conditions | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Natural iodine content may support thyroid function; also supports gut bacteria regulation
• Source citations: Garrett - The Cherokee Herbal

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Juglone - Primary medicinal constituent with antifungal and antiparasitic activity; alcohol-soluble, poorly water-soluble
- Tannins - Provide astringent properties for wound healing and tissue toning
- Iodine - Natural antiseptic; supports thyroid function
- Selenium - Trace mineral with antioxidant properties

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Tincture
- Amount: 5 drops to 1 ml
- Frequency: Three times daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Tincture (fresh hulls 1:2, 95% alcohol): 1-3 ml, three times daily
- Tincture (dried hulls 1:5, 50% alcohol): 1-3 ml, three times daily
- Glycerite (dried hulls 1:6): 1-5 ml, three times daily
- Capsules/Powder: 1,000-2,000 mg, three times daily
- Duration: 2-3 weeks maximum, then take an equivalent break

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 9 ml tincture or 6,000 mg powder
- Warning threshold: Do not exceed 3 weeks continuous use without a break

Bioavailability Notes:
- Juglone is alcohol-soluble but poorly water-soluble; tinctures preferred over teas
- Fresh green hulls produce stronger medicine than dried
- Must contact infected tissue directly for antimicrobial effect

How to Take It

Timing:
- Take between meals for parasite cleansing
- Can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs
- Best used as part of a broader protocol, not as a standalone long-term remedy

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Wormwood (Artemisia) - Classic combination for parasite protocols | Enhanced antiparasitic effect
2. Clove - Traditional trio with black walnut and wormwood | Targets parasite eggs
3. Pau d'Arco - Combined for antifungal formulas | Broader antifungal spectrum
4. Oregano - Antifungal formula companion | Complementary antimicrobial mechanisms
5. Neem - Used together for foot/nail fungus (with red henna) | Enhanced topical antifungal effect

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. High-iodine supplements - May cause iodine excess | Potential thyroid disruption

Drug Interactions:
1. Blood pressure medications - May potentiate effects | Monitor blood pressure | Severity: Moderate
2. Thyroid medications - Iodine content may interfere | Consult healthcare provider | Severity: Moderate
3. Sedatives - Large doses have sedative effects on circulation | May enhance sedation | Severity: Mild

Food Interactions:
- None specifically documented
- Take separately from mineral supplements to avoid absorption interference

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy - not recommended
- Lactation - reduces milk production; avoid unless this effect is desired
- Dry constitutions or emaciation
- Weak digestion
- Kidney disease (use cautiously)
- Heart disease (use cautiously)
- Do NOT use for deworming horses - toxic to equines

Side Effects:
- Skin staining (will turn skin, nails, clothing black - use gloves)
- Fresh green husks can cause skin irritation or blistering in excessive quantities
- Large internal doses may have sedative effects on circulation and heart
- Possible allergic reactions during pollen season (May)

Long-Term Use:
- Not recommended for extended continuous use
- Cycle: 2-3 weeks on, then equivalent break period
- Best used as part of a formula rather than alone
- Should be administered by trained professionals for internal use

Special Precautions:
- Always use gloves when handling fresh hulls
- Will permanently stain fabrics, towels, and surfaces
- For topical neti pot use: Add 30 drops tincture to normal saline, let stand 25 minutes before use

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Intestinal parasites, fungal infections (ringworm, athlete's foot, candida), gut dysbiosis

Secondary: Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis), thyroid support, wound healing, constipation

Sources

Local Library:
- Easley, Thomas - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
- Coffman, Sam - Herbal Medic
- WRCHM - Western Materia Medica II
- Tourles, Stephanie L. - Hands-On Healing Remedies
- Gladstar, Rosemary - Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
- Pursell, J. J. - The Herbal Apothecary
- Lust, John - The Herb Book
- Garrett, J. T. - The Cherokee Herbal

General Knowledge:
- Traditional Eclectic medicine texts (Felter)
- General herbalism training data