What Is Black Walnut?
Black walnut (Juglans nigra), also known as the American walnut, is a large hardwood tree native to eastern North America. With its towering height of up to 100 feet or more, the black walnut tree thrives in regions with occasional rainfall or near water sources like creek beds. The tree’s thick, black, furrowed bark and distinct leaves contribute to its distinct appearance.
Black walnut is also a powerful natural remedy and nutritious superfood. This tree have been used for centuries as a valuable timber source but also as a traditional medicine. Modern research is only beginning to uncover the impressive range of benefits black walnut has to offer.
Black Walnut’s Origins and History
Historically, Native Americans valued black walnut kernels as a food source and used the tree’s leaves for medicinal purposes to treat conditions like diarrhoea, colic, and bilious complaints (Nolan and Robbins, 1999). Black walnut timber is also highly valued, being one of the most economically significant hardwood species in the United States (Randolph et al., 2013).
Unique Chemical Composition of Black Walnut
Black walnuts produce a chemical called juglone, which occurs naturally in all parts of the tree, especially in the buds, nut hulls, and roots. The leaves and stems contain smaller quantities of juglone. Juglone is a main phenolic compound (kind of plant chemical) responsible for the wide range of biological activities of black walnut (Clark et al., 1990).
Black walnut has three main parts: the kernel, the hard shell, and the hull. While the seed kernel is rich in nutrients, including a source of omega-3 fatty acids, the green hulls of the unripe fruit, as well as the leaves and roots are where the medicinal value lies.
To make effective antimicrobial medicines, black walnuts are harvested while the green hulls are still firm and fragrant, as they contain high concentrations of medicinal compounds such as juglone and more. The brown walnuts are harvested when fallen from the tree in autumn for their seed kernels.
Black walnut hulls are prized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and powerful antimicrobial properties. The green hulls are the key ingredient in herbal formulas aimed at detoxification, gut health, as well as fungal, bacterial, and parasite elimination.
Black Walnut Benefits
Extensive research indicates that various parts of the black walnut tree are effective against a wide range of health issues. Extracts from the nuts have been shown to inhibit oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, slow tumour growth, and combat wrinkles and prevent skin-aging (Sharma et al., 2022).
Additionally, new studies suggest that the stem bark and dried hull possesses astringent, antifungal, anti-parasitic, bactericidal, diuretic, digestive, laxative, stimulant, detergent, and insecticidal properties (Ara et al., 2023).
The walnut seed kernels, commonly consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, may help manage diabetes, skin conditions, infections, and inflammation. The leaves are also mixed with stored grains as an effective insecticide and fungicide.
Black Walnut Is A True Super Food
Personally, I rank Brazil nuts, almonds, and walnuts amongst the very best nuts to eat, and snack on every day in small amounts. The walnut is a dietary plant with one of the highest levels of plant antioxidants (Halvorsen et al., 2002)., and has the highest level of phenolic antioxidants among nut species (Espín et al., 2007), (Vinson et al., 2012).
Traditional and Historical Use of Black Walnut
Black walnut has been widely used across different cultures for various health conditions. Originating from the Himalayas and Central Asia, the tree was later cultivated in Europe as early as 100 B.C. Traditionally, black walnut has been used to:
High Nutritional Value
Walnut contains many powerful and healthy natural plant chemicals and fats, here is a list of just a few:
Health Benefits of Black Walnut
Research highlights several promising benefits of black walnut, particularly in its hull form:
Black Walnut Is A Powerful Anti-Microbial
Recent research has identified the powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties found in the husks of black walnut. These chemicals have the potential to inhibit the growth of harmful microbes, making black walnut valuable in managing infections of the skin, mucosa, and mouth.
The phytochemical composition of black walnut, including its rich source of tannins and antioxidants, contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.
1. Parasite Elimination
Black walnut hulls are a major component in herbal parasite detox formulas. Natural plant chemical like tannins and juglone have powerful effects on a wide range of parasites. Besides juglone, another notable feature of black walnut is its high content of natural tannins. These tannins have powerful properties that can combat parasites, yeast, and fungi. They have been shown to effectively treat various parasitic infections of the gut, including ringworm, tapeworms, and pinworms.
Juglone exerts its effect by inhibiting certain enzymes needed for metabolic function. This phenolic compound is 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 (Islam et al., 2020).
Juglone is known to kill harmful parasites and help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, making them valuable in supporting digestive health.
2. Anti-Bacterial
The antibacterial properties of black walnut kernels have been well-documented, showing strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Researchers have tentatively identified six potential antibacterial compounds in these kernels (Ho et al., 2018).
Another study showed that juglone potentially can inhibit three key enzymes from Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacteria that causes several human gastrointestinal diseases. (Benites et al., 2018).
3. Candida and Fungal Infections
Black Walnut contains an active ingredient known as juglone, which can be as effective as some commercial antifungal drugs. Studies showed the antifungal activity of walnut green husk extracts (Wianowska et al., 2016). The juice of freshly macerated unripe hulls of the black walnut (Juglans nigra) has been used for many years in folk medicine as a treatment for localised, topical fungal infections (Bonjar et al., 2004).
One particular study found that juglone to have “moderate antifungal activity” and fights fungal infections as effectively as other common antifungal treatments, such as zinc undecylenate and selenium sulfide (Clark et al., 1990).
It appears that black walnut can inhibit certain enzymes of the yeast which are needed for metabolic function, thus preventing it from growing and spreading (Ho et al., 2019).
One of the most significant uses of black walnut hulls is their potential to combat Candida overgrowth. The husks have shown powerful antifungal properties, possibly even more effective than some pharmaceutical antifungals, making black walnut a popular natural remedy for Candida-related issues. We’ve used black walnut hull in out Candida and digestive health formulations for more than 20 years. It’s why I’ve also included in in our 3-rd generation candida supplement, Yeastrix Cleanse.
One study showed that daily intake of 43 grams walnuts over eight weeks significantly affected the gut microbiome by enhancing probiotic- and butyric acid-producing bacteria in healthy people.
— (Bamberger et al., 2018)
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Walnuts are a staple of the Mediterranean diet, linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, aging-related issues, and cancer. A review found that higher walnut consumption was associated with lower total and CVD mortality, as well as increased life expectancy in older adults in the U.S. (Fan et al., 2023)
The flavonoids and polyphenols in black walnut have been linked to reduced inflammation, making them beneficial for managing conditions such as arthritis and heart disease .
One researcher in the latest study believes walnuts have a “remarkable potential” to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds, scavenging free radicals, and modify pro-inflammatory pathways. The incorporation of walnuts into our daily diet is an effective therapeutic approach to support overall health and wellness (Shabbir et al., 2024).
Summary of Key Black Walnut Benefits
By incorporating black walnuts into your diet (the seed kernels) or through specialised dietary supplements, you can benefit from their impressive range of nutrients that support various aspects of health—from heart and brain function to skin vitality and immune defence. If you’ve got Candida overgrowth, SIBO, IBS, or IBD you will likely benefit as well.
Here is how you take black walnut:
How Do You Take Black Walnut ?
When used as part of an anti-Candida treatment regimen, the Black Walnut’s husk is typically the most beneficial component.
The therapeutic properties of Black Walnut are commonly extracted in tinctures, which are alcoholic solutions that concentrate the beneficial compounds found in the husk. While tinctures do contain alcohol, it is present in such small amounts that its effect is minimal on the Candida or digestive health patient.
For those who prefer an alternative, concentrated Black Walnut extracts are also available in dietary supplement form, such as in capsule or tablet form, providing a convenient and precise dosage of the active ingredients.
One popular supplement that incorporates Black Walnut is the Yeastrix Cleanse. This product combines Black Walnut with other powerful ingredients to target Candida overgrowth and support overall gut health.
By including Black Walnut, Yeastrix Cleanse leverages its powerful antifungal properties to help manage Candida and other pathogens. Whether through tinctures, capsules, or specialised products like Yeastrix Cleanse, Black Walnut’s therapeutic benefits make it a valuable component of any anti-Candida treatment plans.
Yeastrix Cleanse: Comprehensive Antifungal Solution
For those looking for an all-in-one solution to tackle Candida and other fungal or bacterial infections, consider Yeastrix Cleanse, our 3rd generation antifungal supplement.
This product combines black walnut with several other powerful antifungals, creating a balanced and effective cleanse for yeast overgrowth.
Yeastrix Cleanse includes:
With Yeastrix Cleanse, you can simplify your antifungal regimen by getting the benefits of black walnut along with other natural ingredients that promote gut health and combat yeast infections. Made with the highest-quality, non-GMO, and vegetarian ingredients, it’s designed for those looking for a natural, safe, and effective approach to Candida management.
Risks and Side Effects of Black Walnut
Allergic Reactions
For individuals with nut allergies, black walnut can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms may include:
Use in Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Black walnut is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for extended use. The fresh green husk can cause skin irritation and blistering if applied excessively. Internally, large doses may act as a sedative to the circulatory system and heart.
Special Considerations
People with existing liver or kidney diseases, or those with chronic gastrointestinal issues other than Candida, (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) should seek professional health-care advice before using supplements containing black walnut.
Although no major side effects have been reported, its high tannin content warrants caution in those with liver or kidney damage. I’ve yet to hear of such cases, even after working with black walnut in dietary supplement form for many years.
For more detailed information on choosing between anti-fungal natural medicines like caprylic acid, black walnut, clove, and garlic, refer to the Candida Cleanse treatment plan.
Conclusion
Black walnut is an under-appreciated superfood that provides powerful health benefits. From aiding in gut health and eliminating parasites to fighting Candida and offering anti-inflammatory support, black walnut has proven to be a versatile remedy.
Whether through extracts, supplements, or its raw form, this ancient natural remedy continues to support human health in modern times. Black walnut is a promising addition to any natural health regimen, offering a wide range of benefits rooted in centuries of traditional use. We recommend including black walnut in your Candida or digestive health formula to help balance gut microbiota. .
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
