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Black walnut trees grow in the central to eastern regions of
North America. The most notable attribute of the Black walnut tree
is its characteristic smell. The Black Walnut nuts are covered in a
smooth hard shell that is difficult to break. Teh black walnut has a
long history of medicinal and food uses. Once used as treatment for
diphtheria and syphilis, black walnut is now used mostly for the
astringent properties of its hulls and bark. The nuts continue to be
a popular ingredient in a number of bakery products. Black walnuts
contain essential fatty acids that can help to protect the body
against heart disease.
(Note: Essential fatty acids are used
by the body to regulate activities that include heart function,
insulin utilization, and mood balance. Essential fatty acids are not
produced by the body and must be obtained through diet or
supplementation.)
The astringents in black walnut, known as
tannins and juglone, help to tighten the top layers of skin or
mucous membranes, thereby limiting secretions, relieving irritaiont
and improving tissue firmness. Consequently, black walnut has beed
considered an effective treatment for gastrointenstinal problems
such as indigestion, constipation and diarrhea. Many believe that
black walnut may have some ability for eliminating internal
parasites such as tapeworms.
A liquid mixture made froom
black waltnut extract may be used as a gargle to treat mouth sores,
sore throats and to disinfect skin wounds. Some studies show that
black walnut may have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful
in treating the surface of the skin for irritation, injury or
infection.
Dosage
Black walnut
capsules, in extract and liquid form, are available commercially
range in strength from 500mg to 1000mg. Alternately, 10 to 20 drops
of the extract can be mixed with water to drink . Generally, oral
doses are taken three times a day, but oral use for longer than 6
weeks is not recommended, due to the tannin content.
As an
extract black walnut can be used as a skin application. It also
comes already added to creams, lotions, and ointments. The usual
recommendation for topical use is twice a day.
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