BLACK WALNUT
Juglans nigra
FEATURES: Six species of the walnut, genus Juglans, are native to the United States. Black walnut is
among them, widely distributed in the eastern states and extending to adjacent Canada. These deciduous
hardwoods have rough furrowed bark, alternate pinnately compounded leaves with a distinctive odor
when bruised, and greenish flowers, the male in drooping catkins.
Black walnut is one of the best-known, largest, and most valuable native hardwoods. Though not
plentiful, the tree grows rapidly in mixed forests on rich, moist, well-drained soil such as is found in
valleys. It sometimes exceeds 100 feet in height, with trunks 3 feet in diameter. Planted for roadside
shade, shelter belts, and as ornamentals.
The wood is figured beautifully and used as paneling, for cabinet making, and in salad bowls.
The nut is a popular food for candy, ice cream, and cake flavoring. The husk does not split open like
that of the hickory nut; it is covered with a green pulp coating, while on the tree, that turns black when on
the ground and in storage. This outside pulp is used for dyeing and tanning. If you have ever gathered or
hulled black walnuts you will recall the lingering walnut stains.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Bark, leaves, rind, green nut.
SOLVENTS: Alcohol, water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Vermifuge, tonic.
USES: Materially, scrofula has had harmonious results with 1 cup of the leaves boiled in 1 quart of water,
made fresh daily and used often, with honey. This should be continued for several months. The dry leaves
may be used when the green cannot be had. A strong tincture of the leaves and nuts is highly extolled as a
remedy in the treatment of bilious and cramp colic.
DOSE: 1–2 teaspoonfuls every twenty or thirty minutes until relieved. Also a decoction as a vermifuge is
effective. The rind of the green fruit removes ringworm and tetter, and is given in diphtheria. The distilled
fresh walnuts in spirit alcohol will calm hysteria, cerebal, and pregnant vomiting.
The black walnut is one of the foods rich in manganese, important for nerves, brain, and cartilage.
Nutritionally, the Missouri black walnut is of high manganese content. All nut fruits should be fresh, as
rancid oil is detrimental.
One teaspoonful of the inner bark or leaves and rind, cut small or granulated, to 1 cup of boiling water.
Drink 1–4 cups a day often, a large mouthful at a time.