Are Black Walnut Hull Supplements Safe to Take?
Black walnut is used as both a food and a medicine. The nut is high in protein, good fats and vitamin E, and it is available in most grocery stores. The hull and tree bark have been used to kill intestinal worms and Candida. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use as a Food
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Black walnuts are used as a nutritious food. According to the online magazine "World's Healthiest Foods," the nuts of the black walnut tree are high in heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids. Black walnuts are also high in magnesium and copper, both minerals that are important for good health. Walnuts also provide protection against inflammatory illnesses like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidants in walnuts support the immune system.
Use Against Internal Parasites
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According to Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health," the green hull of black walnuts contains a compound called juglone. This compound kills intestinal worms and parasites within the body.
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Use Against Fungal and Skin Diseases
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Black walnut hulls are effective against fungi that live in and on the human body. Gladstar reports good results against athlete's foot when dried black walnut hulls are used externally. Micheal Tierra, in his book "Plantetary Herbology," suggests internal use of tincture of black walnut hull against eczema and other skin diseases.
Use for Gastrointestional Complaints
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Black walnut tincture is also used effectively against diarrhea, constipation and other stomach complaints. It is effective against the symptoms of Candida and Giardia. Tierra suggests dried walnut bark be used for dysentery and liver congestion.
Potential Side Effects
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Black walnut can cause a laxative effect, and tannins in the green hulls will stain skin, clothes and surfaces.
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References
- Photo Credit Walnuts image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
