Black Walnut Hulls - Juglans nigra

In Western herbalism, Black Walnut is synonymous with intestinal cleansing. While the hulls are more often recommended for that purpose, the bark also offers a mild intestinal Health support. However, Black Walnut bark is primarily appreciated for its ability to tighten & tone muscle and tissues.

Black walnut hulls contain juglone, a chemical that is antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and a fungicide. As a skin wash, black walnut hulls are used to treat ringworm and yeast infections of the skin. Taken internally as an herbal supplement, black walnut hulls are used to treat intestinal worms.

The bark, dried and powdered, and made into a strong infusion, is a useful purgative. The husk, shell and peel are sudorific, especially if used when the Walnuts are green. Whilst unripe, the nut has wormdestroying virtues.

The black walnut is a large deciduous tree attaining heights of 30–40 metres (98–130 ft). Under forest competition it develops a tall, clear bole; the open-grown form has a short bole and broad crown. The bark is grey-black and deeply furrowed. The pith of the twigs contains air spaces. The leaves are alternate, 30-60 cm long, odd-pinnate with 15-23 leaflets, the largest leaflets located in the center, 7-10 cm long and 2-3 cm broad. The male flowers are in drooping catkins 8-10 cm long, the female flowers terminal, in clusters of two to five, ripening during the autumn into a fruit (nut) with a brownish-green, semi-fleshy husk and a brown corrugated nut. The whole fruit, including the husk, falls in October; the seed is relatively small and very hard. The tree tends to crop more heavily in alternate years.