Black walnut leaf, c/s, wild crafted

Background:

A versatile North American native tree providing a wide range of medicinal uses, black walnut leaf and hull are highly regarded by practitioners of herbal medicine.

Leaf and hull stain fabric and porous materials. Hull of all Juglans has been used as a dye for centuries. Hair coloring: Boil 1 c. hull to 1 qt. water, until a dark color liquid results. Add 1/2 tsp. alum to set the dye. Strain and use as a rinse. Repeat rinses until desired shade is achieved.

The Comanche used a paste of leaf and husk to treat ringworm..
Black walnut produces a treasured hardwood.

Black walnut leaf in medicine: A report in the early19th century by US physician C. Curtis to the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal told of results in trials using Juglans n. leaf to treat diphtheria. Inspired by Neaton's success with leaves and bark of European walnut for topical application in malignant pustule, but unable to acquire European walnut, Curtis substituted North American native black walnut leaf. Producing a concentrated decoction for use as a gargle he reported good effect in more than 30 very serious cases of diphtheria.The decoction was also used as a preventative, applied as a spray with atomizer.

Applications: Alterative, antibacterial, astringent, antifungal, antiseptic, calmative.

Black Walnut Leaf is a remedy for sinus infection, hemorrhoids, liver and gallbladder problems, and can be used to make a cleansing wash for external uses to treat fungal infections of the skin, including the highly contagious impetigo.

Leaf, bark and hull are each used to expel parasites, tapeworm and ringworm, and as a remedy for Candida albicans, and its mouth-centered affliction, oral candidiasis. An associated cause of oral candidiasis is the wearing of acrylic dentures, especially by the elderly. Candida albicans of the gastrointestinal tract has been linked to use of antacids and antihyperacidity drugs.

Black walnut leaf has been used for thousands of years as a traditional internal and external remedy for skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and more recently for acne. Cleansing poultices, washes and other applications of leaf showed benefit healing wounds, reducing perspiration, claminess, of feet and hands, and soothed and healed a variety of skin inflammations.

Used as a laxative and as a blood cleanser. Leaf tea has astringent properties and is insecticidal. Used to treat bites of Cimex lectularius (bedbugs.)

Recent reports of leaf extract reveal the active constituent Juglon to show antiviral and anti-tumor activity. Extended use of leaf may cause dermatitis.