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Side Effects of Black Walnut Hulls

Black walnut hulls are derived from the black walnut that is grown in the United States, Canada and some parts of Europe. The nut, also known as the fruit, has been used to treat certain skin conditions and fungal infections for hundreds of years in folk medicine. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction to this tree nut and its derivatives.

  1. Function

    • Black walnut hull supplements contain powdered black walnut hull, vitamin C and zinc, and are often taken to treat intestinal worms or infections of the skin. Black walnut hulls can also be used externally to treat yeast infections and ringworm. Because of their astringent properties, black walnut hulls and extracts are used by herbalists as part of a nutritional cleansing and body detoxification program.

    Positive Effects

    • Black walnut hulls contain several antibacterial and antifungal properties and can effectively kill parasites. Nutritional supplements made with black walnut hulls may also have oxygenating and antiseptic effects that help to rid the body of harmful toxins, regulate blood sugar levels and treat internal bacterial infections or viruses, such as ringworm and herpes.

    Benefits

    • The black walnut hull also contains several active ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and tannins; these all have beneficial effects on the body. Black walnut hulls can be used to reduce constipation, heal skin sores and to treat fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or jock itch. Other benefits include promoting weight gain, reducing inflammation inside and outside the body, killing intestinal worms and parasites in both humans and animals, and serving as a topical antiseptic.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of black walnut hull supplements and powders may consist of symptoms of tree nut allergies, such as skin rashes, puffy eyes, inflamed lesions and difficulty swallowing.

    Misconceptions

    • There is no scientific evidence available that states black walnut hulls or extracts can effectively cure or prevent disease, or kill parasites. However, black walnut hulls have been used in folk medicine and by herbalists for hundreds of years, and many people still use them as a natural alternative to drugs. Black walnut hulls have positive effects in treating skin problems, inflammation and fungal infections, but they have not been proven to be an effective treatment for cancer.

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