Black Walnut Hulls

Unless you’re in the health and wellness industry, you may not have heard of Black Walnut Hulls, know what they are, or what they do.

As they come with some substantial health benefits, we want to help you get to know them.

What are Black Walnut Hulls?

The Black Walnut (Junglas nigra) is a fruit, grown naturally in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the dropping of its fruit occurring around October.

The fruit has a long history of medicinal use, with archaeological data suggesting that the gathering and intake of Black Walnuts by humans occurred as early as 7,300 years ago in the Mediterranean region.¹ It was also used by Native Americans, Chinese, Indian and Siberian cultures as they appreciated its antibacterial and antiparasitic effects.

Due to its dark colour, the shell and hulls were also used as a safe dye for canvas and hair until the beginning of the twentieth century.

What are the Health Benefits of Black Walnut Hulls?

The Black Walnut consists of hulls, a hard shell, and a kernel. The hull however, is commonly discarded in processing. It shouldn’t be discarded though, because that is the part containing phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.²

Studies have found that the fruit hulls, and the tree leaves contain tannins possessing antibacterial, antidiarrheic, anti-hepatoxic, antihypertensive, antitumor, cancer preventive and antiulcer benefits.³

Let’s take you through the health benefits of Black Walnut Hulls in detail:

Antioxidants

Black Walnut Hull extract contains a variety of phenolic antioxidant compounds, which are a good source of antioxidants.⁴

Black Walnut Hull extract helps protect the body from sun damage, enhances vision, promotes joint flexibility, improves your arteries and cardiac tissue, improves blood circulation and helps prevent atherosclerosis.⁵

Antimicrobial Usage

Black Walnut Hull was initially used as an antimicrobial remedy, and today it is promoted as an effective herbal remedy for some infections. Some studies have found that the hull and shell extract helps to treat sore throats and tonsillitis too.⁶

Antifungal Benefits

The hulls of the black walnuts are a powerful anti-fungal remedy.⁷

Studies show that the hulls contain the active ingredient juglone and can prevent fungi from growing and spreading. This property proves that Black Walnut Hulls are as effective as any commercial antifungal preparation.⁷

Digestive Ailments

Black Walnut Hulls promote healthy digestion and gastrointestinal health as they encourage regular bowel functionality, due to their mild laxative effect.

Black Walnut Hulls extract is also used to treat intestinal tissue inflammation and improve the environment of the digestive system.⁸

Some studies show, that Black Walnut Hulls also help with constipation and diarrhea.⁸

Skin Care

Some herbalists also use Black Walnut Hulls to treat acne, eczema, ringworm and skin irritation.³

Black Walnut Hulls are a good tonic for your face skin, eliminating minor skin problems and improving its appearance. They also help against herpes and other skin infections, enhancing tissue immunity.⁹

Antiparasitic Benefits

The Black Walnut Hull is considered to kill more than 100 different parasites located both in the human body and environment, and it is an excellent natural antiparasitic cleanser.¹⁰

Some researchers recommend using Black Walnut Hulls for travelers in areas with contaminated water.¹⁰ Another recommendation suggests combining Black Walnut Hulls extract with other antiparasitic herbs like cloves.

Antitumor Effect

Laboratory studies show that a chemical compound in Black Walnut Hulls called juglone may even decrease the risk of cancer and may have antitumor effects.¹¹

Research presented in 2009, explained the action of juglone, as causing human gastric cancer cells to self-destruct.³

Are Black Walnut Hulls Safe?

Black Walnut Hulls have many health benefits, but it’s important to consider some safety aspects when taking them as a supplement.

For example, if you have a nut allergy, you should be wary in using products containing Black Walnut Hulls.

In addition, we recommend you be particularly attentive when buying products and choose only reputable brands offering safe supplements.

Properties

Anti-Bacterial⁶
Anti-Fungal⁷
Anti-Inflammatory⁵
Anti-Parasitic¹⁰
Antimicrobial⁶
Antioxidant⁵
Antiseptic⁶
Atherosclerosis³
Blood Tonic³
Cancer Prevention³^,¹¹
Cholesterol³
Constipation³
Diarrhea⁸
Digestive Function⁶^,⁸
Digestive Restoration⁶^,⁸
Diuretic³
Eye Health³
Hypertension³
Immune Booster³
Laxative⁸
Skin Issues⁹
Toxin Removal³
Ulcer Support⁶
Weight Loss / Management³

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