Botanical Name: Juglans nigra

Common Name:

English: Black Walnut Hull
Also, known as: Carya, Walnoot, Jupiter’s nuts

Habitat: North America

Origin: USA

Parts Used: Hull

General Information:

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 - 12inch 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, semifleshy 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.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. 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. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

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.

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.

Black Walnut Hull Powder