Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)

Juglans nigra                      Common name: Black Walnut, Butternut

Family: Juglandaceae

Parts used:  Green hulls/husks, bark/leaf

Constituents:  Bark/leaf: naphthaquinones (juglone), volatile oil, fatty acids, tannins, ellagic acid, gallic acids, flavonoids, EFA, silica, nutrients

Medicinal actions:  Alterative, laxative, cathartic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, astringent, hepatic

Medicinal use: The antiseptic properties (antifungal, antimicrobial) and antineoplastic action give it indication in the treatment of chronic skin conditions associated with a disorder of digestion and assimilation. Used internally for the treatment of worms/parasites, yeast infections and cancer. The bark is a powerful purgative.

Pharmacology:

• Naphthaquinone juglone is anti-fungal, a toxin, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and anti-parasitic. Also has similar laxative effects to anthraquinones in senna.

Pharmacy: Infusion/Decoction: steep 6 hours. Tincture: (1:4, 25%) 5-10 ggt, TID, weekly max 10-15 ml. Pause dosing: 2 weeks on 2 weeks off

Toxicity:  N/V and watery catharsis, external application may cause dermatitis (treat by washing area with soap and water). Juglone may cause allergic reaction and genetic mutation with long term use.

Contraindications: Chronic GIT conditions, pregnancy/lactation.

Interactions: None known.