Juglans cinerea, commonly known as butternut or white walnut, is a species of walnut native to the eastern United States and southeast Canada.
Contents
Uses
Juglans cinerea bark has mild cathartic properties and was once used medicinally in place of jalap, a more expensive cathartic which was imported from Mexico.
During the American Revolution, a butternut extract made from the inner bark of the tree was used in an attempt to prevent smallpox, and to treat dysentery and other stomach and intestinal discomfort
Benefits
Juglans cinerea was used by various native North American Indian tribes as a laxative and tonic remedy to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatic and arthritic joints, headaches, dysentery, constipation and wounds. In modern herbalism it is considered to be a valuable remedy for chronic constipation, gently encouraging regular bowel movements. It is especially beneficial when combined with a carminative herb such as Angelica archangelica. Juglans cinerea also lowers cholesterol levels and promotes the clearance of waste products by the liver. An infusion of the inner-bark is used as a cholagogue, febrifuge, mild laxative and stomachic. It is effective in small doses without causing cramps. The bark is best collected in the autumn. Best collected in late spring according to another report. An infusion of the dried outer bark is used in the treatment of toothache and dysentery. The oil from the nuts is used in the treatment of tapeworms and fungal infections.
Cautions
None are recorded.
Interactions
- Please consult your doctor.
Other names
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juglans_cinerea#Medicinal
NaturalMedicinalHerbs, http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/j/juglans-cinerea=butternut.php
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juglans_cinerea#Medicinal