Black Walnut Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Black Walnut Leaves  100 g ($17.99), 50 g ($11.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:
Nutrition
Black walnut leaves, bark and fruits contain a constituent called juglone, aka 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione, an active constituent known to be effective against worms, tobacco mosaic virus and H-pylori.

Plumbagin, or 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, is a quinoid constituent that’s also found in Juglans nigra. Plumbagin has been known for its potential health benefit in being neuroprotective. It inhibits ectopic growth of human breast cancer, melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer cells. It’s been reported the plumbagin induces apoptosis, inhibiting growth of prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. (9)

Plumbagin was evaluated for antimalarial activity against Anopheles stephensi Liston, a mosquito vector of malaria. After the three-hour exposure period, larval mortality was observed against A. stephensi. The results, published in Parasitology Research, show that plumbagin may be considered as a new potential source of natural larvicide for the control of malaria. (10)

Other constituents found in black walnut include: (11)

• 1-alpha-tetralone derivative
• (-)-regiolone
• Stigmasterol
• Beta-sitosterol
• Taxifolin
• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Myricetin

Black walnut also contains higher amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as gamma-tocopherol. These components have been correlated with the prevention and/or treatment of several types of diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions, cancer and diabetes.

Other nutrients that are also present in the black walnut include folate, melatonin and phytosterols. Based upon its phytochemical and phytonutrient composition, the black walnut is a potentially potent and a beneficial addition in diets in order to promote overall health.

In addition, one ounce (28 grams) of black walnuts contains about: (12)

• 173 calories
• 2.8 grams carbohydrates
• 6.7 grams protein
• 16.5 grams fat
• 1.9 grams fiber
• 1.1 milligrams manganese (55 percent DV)
• 0.4 milligram copper (19 percent DV)
• 56.3 milligrams magnesium (14 percent DV)
• 144 milligrams potassium (14 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligram vitamin B6 (8 percent DV)
• 4.8 microgram selenium (7 percent DV)
• 0.9 milligram zinc (6 percent DV)
• 0.9 milligram iron (5 percent DV)

Parasites  One of the key active components of the black walnut hull is juglone. Juglone exerts its effect by inhibiting certain enzymes needed for metabolic function. It’s highly toxic to many insect herbivores — it’s often used by organic gardeners as a natural pesticide — and researchers have observed that black walnut can expel parasitic worms from the body. According to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, black walnut is effective against ringworm, tapeworm, pin or thread worm, and other parasites of the intestine. (2) This is why black walnut makes a great addition to any parasite cleanse.

Skin  The tannins in black walnut have an astringent effect, which is used to tighten the epidermis, mucous membranes and relieve irritation. Dermatological applications associated with black walnut include viral warts, eczema, acne, psoriasis, xerosis, tinea pedis and poison ivy. (3)  Walnut leaves contain astringent tannins. These tannins cross-link skin cells, making them less impermeable to infectious microorganisms, especially fungi. Walnut leaves contain two antibacterial agents, walnut essential oil and juglone, which act directly on infectious microorganisms.

Excessive sweating. Walnut leaf washes “shrink” the sweat glands, possibly reducing perspiration. The herb’s tannins cause proteins in the cells lining the sweat glands to cross-link, effectively forming a barrier to the excretion of sweat.

Cardiovascular  Black walnuts are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), with 100 grams of the walnuts containing 3.3 grams of ALA. (4) Walnuts are an excellent staple of the Mediterranean diet food list, a diet thought to be healthy in reducing mortality rates from coronary artery disease, which is low in Mediterranean populations.

Recent epidemiological studies suggest that frequent consumption of walnuts may have protective effects against coronary heart disease because of the promising effects on blood lipid profiles. In clinical studies, diets supplemented with walnuts decreased serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol.

Other potential protective constituents include high amounts of magnesium, vitamin E, protein, dietary fiber, potassium and alpha-linolenic acid. (5)

Antifungal, Antimicrobial  The juice from unripe black walnut hulls has been used in folk medicine for many years as a treatment for topical, localized dermatophytic fungal infections, such as ringworm. These fungal infections usually involve the keratinized tissues, such as hair, skin and nails. Such infections may be chronic and resistant to treatment but rarely affect the general health of the patient.

It’s been suggested that the biological activity of the black walnut hull is due to the naphthoquinone, juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4 naphthoquinone). The antifungal activity of juglone has also been compared to other known antifungal agents, such as griseofulvin, clotrimazole, tolnaftate, triacetin, zinc undecylenate, selenium sulfide, liriodenine and liriodenine methionine.

In a study, it was determined that juglone exhibited moderate antifungal activity similar to zinc undecylenate and selenium sulfide, which are commercially available antifungal agents (6). Internally, black walnut is also used for chronic constipation, intestinal toxemia, portal congestion, hemorrhoids and giardia.

The derivatives of 1,4-naphthoquinons have been of great clinical interest since these compounds exhibit strong activity as antibacterial and antifungal agents. A series of 50 naphthoquinone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal properties, with highest activity against S. aureus and candida symptoms and moderate activity against gram-positive and acid-fast bacteria.

Another study showed that juglone potentially can inhibit three key enzymes from Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterium that causes several human gastrointestinal diseases. Several algae species, including Anabaena variabilis and Anabaena flos-aquae, were inhibited significantly by juglone as well. (7)

Cancer  Quinones have been associated with anticancer activity. Juglone is a quinone found in the leaves, roots and bark of black walnut trees. The exocarp of immature green fruit, bark and branches has been used in China to treat liver, lung and gastric cancer. Juglone blocks potassium channels, promotes the generation of hydrogen peroxide and inhibits transcription in cancer cells.

In a recent study, it was shown to promote cell death in human colorectal cells, and given black walnuts juglone content, it could make the black walnut a potential cancer-fighting food. (8)

 

Hulls Vs. Leaves

Black walnut hulls and leaves both offer potent medicinal benefits, primarily driven by the compound juglone, which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties

. Hulls are stronger, often used internally for parasite cleansing and skin conditions, while leaves are traditionally used in teas or washes for skin issues and rheumatic pain.

Black Walnut Hulls (Outer Husk of the Nut)

• Primary Benefits: Known for eliminating intestinal parasites (candida, worms) due to high juglone content.
• Skin Care: Used in tinctures and salves for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and ringworm.
• Other Uses: High in tannins/iodine, acting as an astringent to reduce swelling and support wound healing.

Black Walnut Leaves

• Primary Benefits: Often used in teas to treat, wash sores, and treat scrofula (goiter).
• Topical Application: A poultice of crushed leaves helps relieve rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids, and skin rashes.
• Antifungal: Effective in rinses for athlete’s foot and other skin infections.

Key Differences

• Potency: Hulls generally contain a higher concentration of active compounds, particularly juglone.
• Use Case: Hulls are preferred for internal cleanses, whereas leaves are often preferred for topicals or milder tea infusions.
• Safety: Neither should be used long-term or in high doses, and they are not recommended during pregnancy.

During the last century, walnut leaf has been known as one of the “most mild and efficacious laxatives” available. Chinese medicine uses it to treat asthma, beriberi, erectile dysfunction (ED), and constipation. Ayurvedic medicine uses it for rheumatic complaints. The oil of the seeds was used for tapeworm but was reported to have aphrodisiac effects as well as to be useful for dysentery and colic. It has been used as a blood purifier. White walnut also is used in homeopathy as a treatment for liver disorders and intestinal sickness.

Another species of walnut, the black walnut (J. nigra), has been used to treat athlete’s foot and parasitic infections. Black walnut bark helps relieve constipation and is useful against fungal and parasitic infections. It is used to expel, rather than kill, worms during the normal course of laxative-induced cleansing of the body. Used externally, black walnut is beneficial for eczema, herpes, psoriasis, and skin parasites. It has been shown to exhibit anticancer properties due to the acids and alkaloids it contains. However, other substances such as juglone (a chemical) found in the walnut hulls have been shown to have mutagenic action, and topical use of the hulls has been linked to cancer of the lips and tongue.

The German Commission E has approved walnut leaf for mild, superficial inflammation of the skin and excessive perspiration, especially of the hands and feet.

Recommended Use
Walnut leaf teas can be made into baths, compresses, and skin washes. This herb product is more likely to be obtained from herb shops and other herb suppliers. There are many products that are made with walnut hulls combined with other herbs in tinctures for use as a harsh laxative. You should not use walnut hulls instead of walnut leaf for the conditions discussed above.

Botanical names: Juglans nigra, Juglans regia (Juglandaceae [walnut] family)
Also known as: black walnut, Caucasian walnut, Circassian walnut, white walnut, Carya, Walnoot, Jupiter’s nuts
English: Black Walnut Leaves
Habitat: North America
Origin: Albania
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Walnut trees are native to the dry temperate zones of western Asia, China, India, and the southwestern United States. The tree most often used in herbal medicine, the species native to western Asia, also is cultivated for commercial walnut production in Europe and the United States. The leaves are gathered in spring and summer and dried for medicinal purposes.

Walnut leaves have been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder reported the cultivation of walnut trees in the first century, the trees having reached Rome from the Middle East. The Latin name of the tree is derived from reference to the god Jupiter; Juglans is derived from combining the name Jupiter with glans (acorn), meaning “Jupiter’s nuts.” The famed seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper combined walnut leaf with honey, onion, and salt to draw out venom from the bites of snakes and spiders.

Juglans nigra, the eastern black walnut, is a species of deciduous tree in the walnut family. A large tree that may grow to 120 feet, 6-12-inch lance-shaped leaves. Black Walnut Hull or Juglans Nigra is, just as it sounds, the hull of the black walnut tree. The Black Walnut tree grows in the eastern US and parts of Canada, and while easy to grow and it is a beautiful shade tree. Black Walnut has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years.

The leaves are compound and alternately arranged on the stem. They are 25-50 cm long, typically even-pinnate but there is heavy variation among the leaves. The stems have 15-20 leaflets, with the largest leaflets located in the center, 8-10 cm long and 2-3 cm broad. The leaflets have a rounded base and a long pointed (acuminate) tip as well as having a serrated edge. The leaves are overall dark green in color and are typically hairy on the underside. Fruit Ripens 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 or November, the seed is relatively small and very hard. The immature fruits are round, green orbs with fleshy green outer husks that dry into very hard dark-brown nuts Because of its dark color, the outer hull is also used as a dye and was used in brown hair dye until the early 1900s.

Most parts of the tree, including leaves, stems, and fruit husks have a very characteristic pungent or spicy odor. This odor is lacking in the nut itself.

Walnut trees are native to the dry temperate zones of western Asia, China, India, and the southwestern United States. The tree most often used in herbal medicine, the species native to western Asia, also is cultivated for commercial walnut production in Europe and the United States. The leaves are gathered in spring and summer and dried for medicinal purposes.

Walnut leaves have been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder reported the cultivation of walnut trees in the first century, the trees having reached Rome from the Middle East. The Latin name of the tree is derived from reference to the god Jupiter; Juglans is derived from combining the name Jupiter with glans (acorn), meaning “Jupiter’s nuts.” The famed seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper combined walnut leaf with honey, onion, and salt to draw out venom from the bites of snakes and spiders.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.