Black Walnut Hulls
Botanicals
About
Black walnut is a tree. People use the outer covering of the nut (the hull) to make medicine.
Black walnut is used to treat parasitic worm infections and certain other infections including diphtheria and syphilis. It is also used for leukemia.
Some people use black walnut as a gargle, apply it to the scalp as hair dye, or put it on the skin to treat wounds.
How it works
Black walnut contains high concentrations of chemicals called tannins, which can reduce pain and swelling and dry up body fluids such as mucous.
Effectiveness
Not Proven
LeukemiaDiphtheriaSyphilisIntestinal wormsUse as a gargleSkin woundsOther conditionsConcerns
Possibly safe
Black walnut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth short-term. It is not known what the possible side effects from short-term use might be
Possibly unsafe
Black walnut is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied directly to the skin. It contains a chemical called juglone that might cause tongue or lip cancer, especially if applied daily.
Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Don't apply black walnut to the skin if you arepregnantorbreast-feeding. Thistopicaluse isPOSSIBLY UNSAFE. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of black walnut taken by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Are there any interactions with medications?
Interactions
Moderate
Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Black walnut hulls contain a large amount of chemicals called tannins. Tannins absorb substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking black walnut along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medicine. To prevent this interaction, take black walnut at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.