The black walnut (Juglans nigra) has been a nutritious addition to the diets of individuals since ancient times, from the Native American to Asian cultures. Studies have focused on the constituents, flavonoids, quinones and polyphenols found in the kernels, which are known for their antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiatherogenic and neuroprotective properties.
Given that, black walnuts are a popular superfood, and modern research is only just scratching the surface when it comes to uncovering the powerful nutritional components these unique nuts contain, as I describe below.
1. Expels 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.
2. Promotes Healthy Skin
Black walnut benefits may include helping to treat many other skin conditions and problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
For acne, the tincture is taken both internally and sometimes apply diluted externally as a skin treatment. If applying it to your skin, it would once again be best to test it first for your own sensitivity.
To do this, mix a few drops in warm water and dab a small area in an inconspicuous part of your face with a cotton ball and leave it for an hour or two to see if you have any reaction.
It may be gentler and more effective to mix a small amount of black walnut hull powder with these avocado oil treatments for psoriasis and eczema. Especially with these conditions, make sure you patch test well first, perhaps even overnight, before using them on potentially sensitive areas.
3.Improves Cardiovascular Health
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.
Black walnuts have a similar nutritional profile to English walnuts and the same diabetes and cardiovascular benefits for lowering high blood pressure and reducing blood sugar levels can be gained from eating them.
4. Antifungal
Black walnuts skin problemsThese same antifungal properties make black walnut hull tincture a popular treatment for athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch and other fungal infections of the skin.
To treat these fungal skin conditions the black walnut tincture can be applied externally to the affected areas and is often reported in online forums to be more effective for those who try them than pharmaceutical preparations.
Always patch test any preparations like this on the skin of your inner arm for several hours before using them to test for allergic reaction.
5.Helps Protect Against 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.
6. Sore Throat Treatment
You can gargle with black walnut extract diluted in water to treat a sore throat, tonsillitis and mouth sores. Once again, the astringent tannins and naturally antiseptic iodine provide the health benefits.