Characteristics and Habitat of the Black Walnut Tree

The Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), also known as the American Walnut, grows along the eastern seaboard from northern Florida as far west as Texas and north up through the Dakotas to Ontario, Canada. The deciduous (leaf-shedding) species thrives in low, very moist and warm environments, such as alongside rivers and streams.

In the early 17’th century, Black Walnut was introduced to Europe where it’s still one of the most prized hardwoods and is utilized in many woodworking applications such as for furniture, decorative flooring, gunstocks, and coffins. The wood is dark reddish-brown and exhibits a fine grain and luster.

The trees grow considerably large if not felled early, with trunks averaging 1 meter in diameter and more than 30 meters in height; and they are exceedingly long-lived, with some examples reaching over two-hundred years of age. The nut of the tree grows an unusually hard, rubbery outer shell that turns black after falling off and also secretes a viscous, acrid black-green juice that can stain your hands or clothing. As in any other use of the term, the organic variety of Black Walnut denotes it has been grown free of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers and provides the highest quality nuts and other produce which can be used in alternative medicine. Regrettably, however, its value in carpentry has led to severe over-harvesting of Black Walnut in many areas and the verdant giants are becoming quite scarce.

Alternative Health Properties of Black Walnut Hull

Organic Black Walnut Hull provides many health benefits due to its unique composition of juglone, tannins, and natural iodine. Many cultures have utilized Black Walnut nuts, leaves, and even stems for folk cures in treating negative health conditions. Additionally, the nuts are very tasty, with a rich, hearty flavor, but are difficult to obtain since the outer shell can be quite strong and can actually extend fibers down into the core. Speaking of which, the nut itself is a healthful and very nutritious snack! Read more about the ingredients below:

Juglone

Juglone (5-hydroxy-alphanapthaquinone) is a powerful defensive adaptation of Black Walnut and is known as a phytotoxic allelochemical. This material can be detected in virtually every part of the tree, including the bark, leaves, wood, the hull of the nuts, and especially the roots. Juglone is toxic to many plant species such as laurels, azaleas, pine, apple, and even fruit-bearing species such as tomato, potato, black and blueberry, and apple. You will not observe these species growing within several tens of meters of a Black Walnut. By contrast, the tree seems to encourage the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and other grasses that promote grazing of cattle.

Often, when a substance found in nature exhibits strength as a toxin, its properties can be applied in healing as well. In this regard, Juglone demonstrates potential as an effective bactericide, fungicide, and even parricide. For this reason, many healthcare practitioners regard Juglone as an important component of Black Walnut and cultivate it for use in natural health supplements.

Tannins

Tannins are polyphenols produced by many plant species to help ward off attacks from insects and bacteria and to reduce its inflammability. Tannins are also found in organic beverages such as tea and many fruits, such as in many berries, pomegranates, and wine grapes. Tannins are believed to aid the body in warding off bacteria and in resisting many conditions and diseases such as diarrhea, various blood disorders, stress, tumors, ulcers, and even cancer.

Iodine

Iodine, another important ingredient of Organic Black Walnut Hull, is required by almost all living organisms to some degree. Although elemental Iodine is toxic in large amounts, it has been widely used in both traditional and non-traditional (alternative) medicine for its antiseptic properties. For this reason, kelp and other ocean-faring plants are often consumed as rich organic sources of Iodine due to its high concentration in seawater. Iodine is required to produce the thyroid hormone and a deficiency can result in the onset of goiters, chronic fatigue, depression, and possibly mental impairment. To support its routine consumption, common table salt is iodized. Once in the body, Iodine affixes itself to harmful bacteria and reduces their lifespan, so this nutrient is an excellent choice for strengthening the body’s natural immune response.

Other Interesting Info and Benefits of Organic Black Walnut Hull

The ancient Romans referred to the tree as the "Imperial Nut" for its multiple applications in holistic medicine. Other benefits of Organic Black Walnut Hull include:

• Promotes healthy digestion and assimilation of fats
• Encourages bowel regularity as a natural laxative
• Oxygenates the blood for healthier organs
• Antiseptic healing properties (both internally and externally)
• Aids in balancing blood sugar and reducing cholesterol
• Helps flush out toxins and harmful pathogens

When combined, the different substances work together to reduce or discourage the growth of multiple organisms within the digestive tract. Owing to its purgative properties, Organic Black Walnut Hull has been used in many native cultures to help the body reject that which doesn’t belong. For this reason, Organic Black Walnut Hull is one of the many important components of Paratrex®, the amazing health supplement designed to support your immune system and promote optimal internal health. Paratrex® works with your natural defenses to help create an environment hostile to invading organisms!