Each year I have been able to benefit from a black walnut tree in our neighbors yard. I have made many batches and varieties of black walnut tincture and lotions. We’ve used it topically for many different skin conditions. It has really helped with cold sores to dry them up so they clear up quickly. We’ve also used them for warts and moles. As an anit-fungal, it has cleared up many cases of athlete’s foot over the years. This year while making a tincture I happened to rub a piece of the hull over a brown spot on my arm. The next day I noticed that the spot was smaller and lighter. I have applied it to several other spots with the same results. They are reducing in size and fading in color as I continue to apply the black walnut hulls. I’m confident and hopeful that eventually they will disappear. 

Dr. Christoper states that when used externally black walnut is nearly a miracle worker in cases of scrofula, eczema, impetigo, acne, dandruff, boils, itch, shingles, ringworm and many other disorders of the skin. He recommended using it whenever a skin disorder would appear.

Black walnut has naturally occurring iodine and is high in potassium. It is often used in thyroid formulas. Internally black walnut is used for parasites and as an antiviral and antifungal. It is recommended in protocols for parasite cleanses along with cloves and wormwood, for Lyme disease, and tuberculosis. It is also used for sores in the mouth, throat and intestines. 

Black walnut is a key component for the candida protocol. It is used along with pau d’arco for the first 2 days and the last 2 days to clear the intestines of yeast, fungus, and parasites. 

Dr. Christopher made a case for black walnut when in the army he cured a soldier of impetigo with a tincture of the hulls. The soldier was going to be sent home because the doctors had tried everything and still couldn’t clear it up. Dr. Christopher volunteered to try some herbs on it and received much ridicule and scoffing but was given permission to try. Not only did he clear up the impetigo but was allowed to use herbs on his patients from then on. 

Black walnut has been an important part of our family’s medicine kit. It’s something we have come to rely on for many different situations.  

Jo Francks is a Master Herbalist working at the School of Natural Healing.