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Bulk Herbs: Black Walnut Hull Powder, Wild Crafted
Juglans nigra
Size: 1 oz package
Format: Powder
Plant Part: Hulls
Also Known as: American Walnut, Black Walnut
Origin: USA
Black walnut (Juglans nigra), also known as American walnut, is a large hardwood species in the Juglandacea family and native to eastern North America before spreading westward toward California. With heights reaching up to 100 feet and deep roots as long as 10 feet, it adds stability and support for the black walnut tree but makes it difficult to soak up water.
This is why black walnuts grow in regions with occasional rainfall or near creek beds. The leaves are spear-shaped, light green, and several inches in length. The bark is black, deeply furrowed, and thick, and when scraped, it reveals a dark-covered subsurface.
The tree is native to the Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan, and Central Asia and was cultivated in Europe as early as 100 B.C. Black walnuts are smaller, harder, and more pungent than the English walnuts sold in grocery stores. The hulls without the meaty kernels inside are used in traditional herbalism. Black walnut trees exude a sap that discourages the growth of competing plants over their roots. Black walnut is a member of the Juglandaceae.
Active Compounds: Naphthoquinones (juglone, plumbagin), 1-alpha-tetralone derivative, (-)-regiolone, Stigmasterol, Beta-sitosterol, Taxifolin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Myricetin
Actions: Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiparasitic), Antiseptic, Antidysentric, Alterative / Depurative, Mild laxative
Indications: The black walnut tree has also been historically used to get rid of a fever and treat kidney ailments, gastrointestinal concerns, ulcers, toothache, snake bites, and syphilis. Recent studies have shown that the husks of the black walnut contain chemicals that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and may be valuable in controlling dermal, mucosal, and oral infections in humans. Also used in skin conditions (chronic), i.e., acne, eczema, ulcers, furunculosis, impetigo, herpes, shingles, cold sores, itchy skin eruptions, ringworm, lichen, rashes, and scaly skin disorders – cleanses the blood; a consideration for skin cases involving low metabolism and irritability/inflammation of the intestines, particularly cases involving infection with parasites/worms.
Precautions: Black walnuts may be unsafe when applied to the skin. They contain a chemical called juglone that can irritate it. Those with nut allergies should not use this product. This product may not be safe for long-term use. Be sure to check with a qualified herbalist.
Magick Uses: Black walnut is considered a “masculine” tree associated with the element of fire and the sun. In his Complete Herbal, Culpepper writes, “This is a plant of the sun. Let the fruit of it be gathered accordingly, which as the most virtual whilst green, before it shells.” In the American Hoodoo tradition, walnut leaves and nuts are used to put jinxes on people. Walnuts are also used to “fall out of love.”