Black Walnut Leaf Extract Organic 1 oz 0r 4 oz Botanical Name: Juglans nigra

TRADITIONAL USE:

The leaves of English walnut trees, Juglans regia L. [Fam. Juglandaceae], also known as European walnut, have been used medicinally for thousands of years particularly for treating skin disorders. English walnut is native to southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, India and China. The leaves, bark and husks of black walnut, Juglans nigra L., native to North America, have also been used traditionally as medicines by American Indians and later by European settlers. The bark of black walnut was chewed for toothaches and the inner-bark was used as a laxative. The fruit-husk was chewed for colic, the juice used on ringworm and poulticed for inflammation. The leaves are considered astringent, and insecticidal against bedbugs and mites (i.e. scabies). The famous herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, used European walnut to "kill worms in the stomach or belly". The juice of the green husk was boiled with honey and used as a gargle for sore mouth and throat and to relieve heat and inflammation in the throat and stomach. Walnut leaf today is most often used externally as an astringent for treating eczema, herpes and ulcers. The leaves of black walnut are most often used to treat hemorrhoids as well as liver and gallbladder problems. In folk medicine, black walnut leaf was also given to relieve headache, hepatitis, and skin conditions, although there is little evidence to back up these claims. Black walnut juice is believed to cure herpes, eczema, and worms. The compound, juglone, isolated from black walnut, has been shown to be a laxative, fight worms, and have strong activity against bacteria and abnormal growths. Dr. James Duke recommends eating walnuts for treating various glandular disorders including thyroid problems and notes studies showing that the fresh juice of green walnuts made by boiling them for about 20 minutes, boosted thyroxine at least 30 percent.

Suggested Amount: English walnut leaf decoctions for external use are prepared using 2-3 g dried leaf per 100ml cold water. The cut leaf is placed in cold water and brought to a boil and simmered for about 15 minutes. The decoction is used in compresses, poultices and partial baths. Blumenthal and other (2000) note that occlusive dressings and/or topical applications of walnut decoctions to large areas of the body should be avoided. Currently the advised application of walnut leaf based on the German Commission E extends only to external use. However, health authorities in France permit the use of walnut leaf for oral use. Based on Turkish folk medicine, decoctions of the green husks or leaves of walnut species for internal use in the treatment of glandular disorders including thyroid problems are made by boiling the plant material for about 20 minutes. Dr. James Duke in The Green Pharmacy recommends eating walnuts for low dosages – alternatively the leaf decoction can also be used for boosting glandular functioning. For treating Candida, Dr. Duke recommends a tincture made largely from fresh black walnut husks together with a few drops each of tinctures of lavender flowers, valerian root, pau-d'arco and teatree oil.

Warning: Prolonged use is not advised due to the presence of significant quantities of juglone, a known mutagen in animals.

When should I be careful taking it?

Individuals who have kidney or liver conditions should not take or apply black walnut products because chemicals in them may irritate kidney or liver tissue.

In high doses, black walnut may stimulate strong bowel activity, which may complicate pregnancy or worsen chronic stomach or intestinal conditions. Therefore supplemental black walnut should not be used by pregnant women or individuals with gastrointestinal conditions. Amounts of black walnut that might be part of a normal diet are not thought to present a danger, however.

Precautions

Very little information is available on how black walnut might affect an infant or a small child. Therefore, its use as a supplement is not recommended while breast-feeding or during early childhood.

Disclaimer Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.