Juglans cinerea Origin- USA

Also known as

Juglans cinerea, Butternussbaum, Lemon Walnut, Oil Nut, White Walnut, Nogal Ceniciento, Noyer Cerdr*.

Introduction

The butternut is a walnut with leaves like the black walnut but a grayish, deeply furrowed bark. Walnuts are round, but butternuts are elongated, like pecans.

Constituents

Juglandic acid, juglone, tannins.

Parts Used

Inner bark, dried and chopped.

Typical Preparations

Tea or extract. Butternut bark pieces (but not butternut bark powder) can be soaked in any alcohol as a beverage (such as vodka) with small pieces of ginger and/or angelica to make an extract for treating chronic constipation. Butternut bark powder (see Butternut Bark Powder Herb Profile) is used to make a syrup for treating tapeworms. Can also be taken as an extract or in a capsule.

Summary

Butternut bark is a mild laxative, used for the same indications as rhubarb, but unlike rhubarb in that small doses are not constipating. Butternut acts on the lower bowel 4 to 8 hours after the herb is taken, and does not cause cramping. The herb also encourages the release of bile by the liver, assisting the digestion of fats and helping maintain hormonal balance.

Precautions

Do not use if you have gallstones.

For educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Information Obtained from mountain rose herbs @ http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Folklore Information