Although Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) are smaller and harder to crack than the English Walnut, these North American walnuts are sometimes preferred for their distinctive and good taste.
There are other uses for the Black Walnut. The drupes have compounds in them that are dark stains and can stain sidewalks and cars, but can be used as a natural stain in handicrafts, as well as traditionally as a hair dye by the Native Americans. The dye compounds are juglone, plumbagin and tannins.
The walnut shells are hard and have uses as abrasives or sand blasting, for such disparate uses as cleaning jet engines and cosmetics. The wood is very durable and valued for its color, shock resistance, and work-ability.
In herbal practice, black walnut (tincture of the green hulls) is used internally mainly for parasites and also for urinary health, toothache and thrush. Topically, it is also used for antifungal uses, such as for athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, as well as ringworm.
Despite the strong traditional herbal use, there is little scientific evidence yet confirming Black Walnut’s herbal benefits. What does exist is mainly preclinical studies on Juglone, which has been found to exhibit some antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-amoebic, and antiprotozoal activities. Other compounds have been found which may contribute to its activity, including glansreginin A, azelaic acid, quercetin and eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Photo by Ayotte, Gilles