Condition
Treatment Support
laxative
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Butternut
(Juglans cineraria)
Also know as White walnut
Botanical Information
A thirty to fifty foot tree with a trunk about four feet in diameter. The compound leaves are aromatic, and the nuts are covered with a yellowish-green hull. The nuts are edible.
Working with Butternut
Part(s) Used
Bark, leaves
Herb Forms
Tinctures, capsules, bulk herb, powder.
Christopher Hobbs:
“Butternut is a gentle laxative herb which shows some antiparasitic activity. In large doses it is emetic and purgative. Butternut is valuable for dyspepsia, flatulence, and burping resulting from overeating or improper food combinations.
Butternut has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.”
Historical Uses
- Butternut has a long history of use in folk medicine. The bark was commonly used as a laxative and a remedy for digestive issues, such as constipation and intestinal parasites.
- It was also used for treating skin conditions like ringworm and as an anti-inflammatory for various ailments.
Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths
- Laxative: Butternut bark is still used by herbalists to treat constipation due to its mild laxative properties.
- Digestive Health: It’s used to improve gut health, ease bloating, and support liver function.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some herbalists use it for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially for joint and skin conditions.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Active compounds: The bark contains tannins (juglone), alkaloids, and flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties.
- Laxative Effect: Juglone has mild stimulant effects on the intestines, promoting bowel movements.
- Antimicrobial: Juglone has shown antimicrobial properties, effective against various pathogens, including fungi.
Dosages
- Herbal form: The typical dosage for butternut bark is about 1 to 2 grams of dried bark in tea or capsules.
- Tincture: 1 to 2 mL of tincture is commonly used, but it’s important not to exceed recommended amounts to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
- Consultation: Always consult a healthcare provider for precise dosages, especially when used alongside other medications.
Clinical Trials
- There is limited clinical research on butternut, especially human studies.
- Most studies have focused on its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties rather than large-scale clinical trials for specific treatments.
- Animal studies have shown that butternut bark may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings in humans.
In summary, while butternut has a historical and ongoing use in herbal medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory issues, its clinical evidence is sparse, and safety should be considered, especially concerning pregnancy and dosage control.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Side effects: When used improperly or in excess, butternut can cause nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping due to its laxative effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is generally considered unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to butternut, especially those with allergies to walnuts.
Conditions treated with Butternut
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
