{"id":47208,"date":"2025-03-09T16:12:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-09T16:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=47208"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:03:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:03:49","slug":"black-walnut","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/black-walnut\/","title":{"rendered":"Black walnut"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":47229,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"ded9b458-bd36-4baa-be79-fac1f66481a0","beyondwords_preview_token":"18e53cec-b025-410d-a22f-b954aba13209","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,693,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,786,1820],"western_action":[989,991,992,993,1824,1000,1001,1004,1006,1013,1014,1016,1018,1252,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1908,1499,1383,1487,1497,1492],"writer":[1932],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-47208","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-pungent","western_action-alterative","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antipruritic","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-depurative","western_action-hepatic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-laxative","western_action-relaxant","western_action-vermifuge","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-aromatic","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-cold","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-toning","writer-christina-stapley","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250309","herb_author":1932,"banner_text":"Black walnut is an anthelmintic, antiparasitic and dermatological","latin_name":"Juglans nigra<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Juglandaceae","herb_summary":"Black walnut has a gradual stimulant and cleansing action in the digestive system, relieving constipation and diarrhoea. Its antifungal and antiparasitic actions make it effective for both internal and external use.","key_benefits":"Cholagogue\r\nAnthelmintic \r\nAntifungal\r\nPancreatic stimulant \r\nDepurative\r\nTonic\r\nDermatological agent","how_does_it_feel":"The perfectly round green fruits are rough and hairy in texture, and, when newly harvested they have a strong citrus fragrance. Once they have fallen from the tree, they subsequently\u00a0 turn black. Black walnut has a mild initial taste, not as bitter as might be expected. There is a stronger, aromatic, slightly resinous, even spicy, aftertaste. The edible nut is unlike other walnuts, with a rich, slightly oily taste, again with a pungent and fragrant element. It is often considered a delicacy (1,2).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":47229,"hdif_image_2":47233,"hdif_image_3":47232,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,31,786,1820],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_47229\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Black Black walnut (Juglans nigra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBlack walnut hull and leaf have been used together to elicit a stimulating and cleansing action in the digestive system, encouraging the flow of bile and relieving stagnant conditions. Acting gradually to ease congestion, the mucous membranes are toned by the action of this aromatic bitter. It has been used to relieve both constipation and diarrhoea (3,4). The internal blood cleansing action is indicated in treating skin conditions such as acne<\/a> and impetigo. This action is especially appreciated in aiding chronic conditions as part of a whole picture of improving digestion and elimination in a gradual and effective process (5).\r\n\r\nThe strong astringency of the tannins in the hull and leaf of black walnut, (possibly combined with the juglone constituent) is responsible for the anthelmintic action of the herb in the gut (6). Black walnut encompasses the whole range of antiparasitic, antifungal, antimicrobial<\/a> and anthelmintic<\/a> actions. This, partnered with the cleansing, mild cathartic effect, makes it an appropriate choice for treating a range of eruptive skin conditions, as well as candida and athlete\u2019s foot (7).\r\n\r\nTannins play a key role in the anticatarrhal properties, as explored by physio-medicalists who explored their use in treating chronic mucous membrane inflammation, such as in cases of tonsillitis (3). Astringent<\/a> tannins are also helpful in leaf compresses applied for wounds, burns and skin conditions. Compresses additionally cool and relieve inflammation associated with boils, impetigo, and acne. A short decoction of the outer hull can be added to hair rinses to encourage hair growth and strengthen the hair. This is especially useful for treating alopecia (3). The edible nuts are currently being researched in a supportive role as a health supplement due to their rich phenolic compound content (8).","into_the_heart_of":"Black walnut produces juglone through releasing chemicals into the soil inhibiting the germination of competing plants (9). This defensive nature is also expressed through the fragrance of the tannin-rich leaves giving protection from many insect pests, and finally in the extraordinary hardness of the case surrounding the nut (2). When used in medicine, the aromatic bitter in black walnut can provide this protection to the patient, cleansing them of toxins, parasites and intestinal worms.\r\n\r\nThe fresh hull contains many esters responsible for the sweet citrus fragrance. These give black walnut a very different aromatic composition from the English walnut (Juglans regia<\/i>) (8). Once dried and powdered, the blackened hull still holds fragrance but now a distinctly drying, cooling nature is evident upon breathing it in. Cooling for inflammatory conditions, black walnut also supports the body\u2019s tissues with a tonic and relaxant<\/a> effect (3).\r\n\r\nThe edible nut is extracted with difficulty, but it is worth the effort as it is highly nutritious (8). The nut has an intense richness with an aromatic, slightly resinous aftertaste.","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_47231\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Black Black walnut (Juglans nigra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn the eastern states where black walnut was widely distributed, several Native American nations used black walnut medicinally. The Meskwaki charred old bark from the black walnut and applied it in a wash to treat snake bite (10). The Delaware drank a strong tea made from the bark of young twigs over two days to remove bile from the intestines and applied the juice of the green hull topically to cure ringworm. They used the leaves as strewing herbs against insect infestation in the home (4).\r\n\r\nIn 1830, Rafinesque described the decoctions of the green rind being rubbed on tetters and ringworm. The rind was also classified as a vermifuge<\/a> and diaphoretic<\/a>, even antisyphilitic. Thirty years later, Gunn records a strong syrup of the leaves taken for scrofula with a handful steeped in a pint of boiling water, strained and sweetened. A third of this amount taken daily was not expected to give fast results, but acted over time on the lymphatic system to produce firmer muscles and healthier skin. A strong tincture of green walnuts was recommended for bilious colic (10).\r\n\r\nThese treatments passed into modern use by physiomedicalists and other herbalists. Black walnut is currently associated with treating skin conditions such as psoriasis<\/a>, eczema<\/a> and ringworm. Black walnut infusion was also used as a gargle for diphtheria (11).","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_47230\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Black Black walnut (Juglans nigra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nAs a bitter<\/a>, black walnut stimulates appetite and encourages bile flow. With a relaxant, decongesting action, a tincture of the leaves and nuts is recommended for bilious colic (1). The antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic properties provide primary uses against Helicobacter pylori<\/i>, Candida albicans<\/i> and intestinal worms (3).\r\n

Cardiovascular<\/h3>\r\nBlack walnut is regarded by physiomedicalists as a vasocompressor through the astringent properties and as a vasotonic (3).\r\n

Endocrine<\/h3>\r\nA traditional remedy for goitre, black walnut tincture has been used in drop doses for treating hypothyroidism (12). It may defer diabetic complications and is seen as a possible pancreatic stimulant with an additional hypoglycaemic action (13,3).\r\n\r\nWhether used internally or as an external application, black walnut has been recommended particularly for eruptive and infected skin conditions. Acting both as a blood cleansing depurative and alterative<\/a> it has been valued for a wide range of antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic actions when applied topically. A bath is recommended for itchy skin conditions (14).\r\n

Hair<\/h3>\r\nBlack walnut eases inflammation on the scalp and stimulates hair growth, indicating it in treatments for alopecia (15).","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_47232\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Black Black walnut (Juglans nigra<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is a lack of significant clinical studies on the use of black walnut hull.\u00a0 Black walnut hulls were not included in the Commission E statement and the majority of medicinal recommendations are based on traditional use.\r\n

Antitumor activity of Juglans nigra<\/i> (black walnut) extractives<\/h3>\r\nThis study used extract of black walnut to treat spontaneous and\/or transplanted tumors in mice and examined the potential anticancer activities of the following compounds: Ellagic acid, juglone, and isolated fractions (strong acids, weak acids, and alkaloids). These were injected intraperitoneally for 9\u201312 days. The results showed that ellagic acid, juglone, and the strong acids fraction depressed the tumor growth rate significantly (16).\r\n\r\nA further study examined juglone and plumbagin 5-O derivatives and their effect on inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in vitro. It explored the inhibitory activity against six apoptosis-resistant cancer strains using synthesised analogues of juglone and plumbagin. This demonstrated that both constituents were cytostatic and able to overcome intrinsic resistance of U373 cancer cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli (17).\r\n\r\nJuglone from walnut produces cardioprotective effects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in SD rats.\r\n\r\nCardioprotective effects of juglone and the possible mechanism of action have also been researched. In this study using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, pretreatment with juglone (1.3 mg\/kg, i.p. ) and atenolol (1 mg\/kg i.p.) were given in separate experiments for five days and followed by isoproterenol to induce a myocardial infarction. The effect was judged on results from electrocardiograph readings, cardiac biomarkers (cTnl, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST) and histopathological study.\u00a0 Juglone was confirmed as a potential cardioprotective agent (18).\r\n

An overview of phytochemicals and potential health-promoting properties of black walnut<\/h3>\r\nThe potential properties for dietary consumption of the nuts in supporting health is the most current area of research. Further clinical studies are still required,\u00a0 and there are limited in vitro and in vivo studies. However, this study confirms that black walnut is rich in phenolics and contains higher levels of phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols than many other nuts. Several studies were found to support antibacterial and antioxidant activities and the data led to a presumption that regular black walnut consumption might contribute to protection against many lifestyle and age-related diseases. Future research and clinical studies were recommended (8).\r\n

Black walnut (Juglans nigra<\/i>) extracts inhibit proinflammatory cytokine production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human promonocytic cell line U-937<\/h3>\r\nFurther to the more general overview, a study was carried out using extracts of 10 black walnut cultivars. Five cultivars were examined and their effects on the expression of six human inflammatory cytokines\/chemokines were evaluated using methanolic extracts. Results from cytotoxicity and viability assays revealed no toxic effect. The findings suggest that not all, but extracts from certain cultivars are promising biological candidates for potentially decreasing the severity of inflammatory disease (19).","did_you_know":"Over 700 cultivars of black walnut have been identified. Quality black walnut hardwood is highly valued as timber and used for veneer. The shells are ground to be included in insecticides and have been used for blast cleaning and polishing on an industrial scale. The hulls provide an excellent, fast brown dye which does not require a mordant (2).","additional_information_right":{"illustration":47239},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"The tree can grow up to fifty metres high with a straight trunk bearing deeply fissured bark. The leaflets are compound, with between eleven and twenty-three to the leaf stalk. Although the leaves of both walnuts are compound, those of the black walnut are more lanceolate than those of the common walnut and have toothed edges. The underside is hairy and crushing them produces a strong aroma which discourages insects.\r\n\r\nThe tree bears greenish female flowers in spikes on the current year\u2019s growth and yellow male catkins on axillary buds on the previous year\u2019s growth (24). These appear in spring along with the clusters of newly opening leaves. They are followed by round fruits with a green, rough textured, thick outer hull which mature from September on into autumn.\r\n\r\nThey are especially round to enable them to roll away from the parent tree, which excretes toxic naphthalene glucoside into the soil where it is converted into juglone to inhibit germination of competing plants. When fresh, the green hull emits a delightful citrus perfume. An extraordinarily hard inner shell contains the tasty nut which is safe for consumption (2).","common_names":"