Black Walnut

Buy Black Walnut: Hulls, Capsules and Tinctures of Juglans nigra

Black walnut (Black Walnut) is a botanical product obtained from the black walnut tree, Juglans nigra. The green outer shell of the nut (the so-called hulls) is traditionally used in herbal preparations. In supplements, black walnut is found as a standalone plant and as part of classic herbal combinations, for example with mugwort (wormwood) and cloves. Black walnut is among the botanicals whose health claims are still under review in Europe (on hold); therefore, on this page we only describe what it is and the forms in which you can find it, without attributing any effects.

In our range, you will find black walnut in various forms and from several brands. For example, we offer walnut hull capsules from Swanson and Black Walnut Hulls from NOW Foods, a liquid Black Walnut Wormwood Complex from NOW Foods, and the Walnut Complex in drop form from LUTO Supplements with mugwort and cloves. Below you will read more about the plant, its origin, the available forms, and what to look out for when you want to buy black walnut.

What is black walnut?

Black walnut is the fruit of the North American tree Juglans nigra, a family member of the common (European) walnut Juglans regia. The tree can grow dozens of meters tall and produces a hard nut with a thick, green outer shell. In herbal preparations, this outer shell is usually processed, referred to in English as black walnut hulls. The shell naturally contains substances such as tannins and the dye juglone, which causes the characteristic brown discoloration.

Where does black walnut come from?

The black walnut tree is native to eastern and central North America, where it has traditionally grown in mixed deciduous forests. The nuts are harvested in late summer and autumn, after which the green hulls are separated, dried, and processed into powder, capsules, or extracts. Black walnut has a long history in traditional North American herbal practice; this tradition in itself says nothing about a proven effect.

What is black walnut naturally found in?

Black walnut is not a substance found in all kinds of foods, but a plant in itself: the nut and the green outer shell of the tree Juglans nigra. You can find the edible nutmeat as a nut, while in supplements, the ground green shell (black walnut hulls) is mainly used. In commerce, you will therefore find black walnut almost exclusively in herbal preparations such as capsules, tinctures, and liquid complexes, and not as an additive in ordinary foods.

What forms of black walnut are available?

Black walnut is available in a number of dosage forms, each with its own characteristics:

• Walnut hull capsules – a fixed dosage per capsule based on ground hull, convenient and taste-neutral in use. Examples are Swanson Black Walnut Hull 500 mg and NOW Foods Black Walnut Hulls 500 mg.
• Liquid complexes and tinctures – extracts in drop form, often based on alcohol or glycerine, where you measure the number of drops yourself. The NOW Foods Black Walnut Wormwood Complex Liquid and the LUTO Walnut Complex are examples of this.
• Herbal combinations – formulas in which black walnut is combined with other traditional plants such as mugwort (wormwood) and cloves, a classic three-way combination in herbal tradition.

Black walnut capsules or drops?

The choice between capsules and drops is mainly a matter of preference. Capsules offer a fixed amount per piece and are taste-neutral, which makes dosing easy. Liquid forms and tinctures allow you to determine the number of drops yourself and can be mixed with water, but generally have a pronounced, herbal taste. Those who prefer to take a ready-made dose choose capsules; those who want to dose flexibly or do not want to swallow capsules choose a liquid form.

Black walnut and the herbal triad

Black walnut is often mentioned in herbal tradition in combination with mugwort (Artemisia absinthium, wormwood) and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum). These three plants together form a well-known classic combination that you can find in various liquid complexes, including products in this range. The combination is traditional in nature; no health effects are attributed to it on this page.

Dosage of black walnut

The correct amount of black walnut varies per product and per form. Walnut hull capsules often contain 500 mg per capsule, while with tinctures and liquid complexes you measure a number of drops. Because the concentration and composition differ per brand, there is no general dosage that can be given. Always follow the directions for use and the recommended daily amount on the packaging of the product in question.

When do you take black walnut?

There is no fixed time that applies to every black walnut product; the time of use depends on the form and the brand. Capsules are generally taken with a generous amount of water, while drops and liquid complexes are usually diluted in a little water or another drink. Some people take it with a meal, others at a fixed time of day. For the correct time of intake and frequency, follow the directions for use on the packaging of the specific product.

Who is black walnut intended for?

Black walnut is chosen by people with an interest in traditional herbal preparations and botanical supplements. It is a dietary supplement and not a replacement for a varied diet or a healthy lifestyle. Black walnut and walnut products are not suitable for people with a nut or walnut allergy. Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, using medication, or in doubt whether the product is right for you? Then consult your general practitioner or an expert first.

What to look out for when buying black walnut?

When purchasing, pay attention to the form (capsules or liquid), the amount of hull or extract per dose, and whether it is pure black walnut or a herbal combination with, for example, mugwort and cloves. Also look at the brand, the contents (number of capsules or milliliters), and whether the drops are based on alcohol or glycerine. In this range you will find black walnut from Swanson, NOW Foods, and LUTO Supplements, so you can choose a form and composition that suits your preference.

Also view our other collections, such as Herbs & Plants and Oregano. Looking for more from these brands? Then view NOW Foods and Swanson.