Walnuts are a type of food similar to pecans, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and cashews. They grow on trees native to North America. Walnuts were very important to the diets of Native Americans and early North American settlers. Walnut trees grow well in the Appalachian area and in the Central Mississippi Valley. There are many different types of walnuts, including white walnut and black walnut. Black walnuts offer a more distinct flavor, and they have thicker shells that are tougher to crack.1
Black Walnut Uses and Health Benefits
Walnuts have numerous health benefits. The leaves can be used to create an infusion and to minimize eye irritation. They’re also said to stimulate poor appetite, and the infusions can be applied topically to treat wounds and conditions like eczema. The outer nut rind can be taken as
The part of the black walnut you’re likely familiar with and is available at your local grocery store is the actual nut. You can eat the nut directly or use the oil prepared from it. The oil of the nut is said to help women experiencing menstrual dysfunction.2 Black walnuts are a rich source of magnesium and protein.3,4
Other prominent black walnut benefits include for:
Black Walnut Side Effects and Precautions
Black walnut is considered safe to eat and to use topically. However, in rare cases, black walnut side effects may occur. Avoid taking a wormwood, black walnut, and clove home remedy for parasites if you have porphyria, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease.6 Stop taking black walnut if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.
Talk to your doctor about starting on a black walnut diet if you are taking other herbs or medications. Do not attempt to self-medicate with black walnut for serious conditions like parasitic diseases without consulting your doctor and receiving proper diagnosis first. Talk to your doctor about using a black walnut home remedy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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