Black walnut (Juglans nigra) and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) are two herbs that are typically combined together in supplements, believed to be effective in cleansing the digestive system, eliminating parasites, and supporting overall gut health.
Black Walnut
Black walnut is a tree native to North America known for its dark, hard wood and edible nuts. It has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The hulls (outer shells) of black walnuts are often used in herbal remedies.
Black walnut is believed to support digestive health, aid in detoxification, and help eliminate intestinal parasites.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a perennial herb with a bitter taste, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It's known for its distinctive silvery-green leaves and yellow flowers. Used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies, wormwood is known for its anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, and digestive-stimulating properties.
Wormwood is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, expel intestinal worms, and improve appetite and digestion.
Common uses of black walnut and wormwood complex
- Antiparasitic Properties: Effective against intestinal worms and parasites.
- Antifungal and Antibacterial: Treats fungal infections, improves skin health, and fights infections.
- Digestive Health: Aids in relieving bloating, indigestion, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and soothes irritated tissues.
- Appetite Stimulation: Enhances appetite and supports better digestion.
- Liver Health: Supports liver function and detoxification.
Black Walnut and Wormwood benefits
Parasite cleanse
Black walnut and wormwood remedies are frequently used as a natural remedy to treat parasitic and skin infections, although further research is needed to fully understand their efficacy. Black walnut1 is recognised for its antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.
A study2 found that Juglone, a chemical produced by black walnut trees, significantly inhibits the growth of the parasite, Acanthamoeba3 castellanii by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cell death.
Black walnut also has a high tannin concentration4, which may help with suppressing gastrointestinal parasites. Furthermore, In vitro and in vivo studies5 found that Wormwood leaf extract can inhibit the growth of Babesia and Theileria parasite species effectively.
Digestive health
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause digestive problems6 such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas and bloating. Supplementing with black walnut and wormwood can help to remove toxins from the body to improve overall gut health due to its antimicrobial effects.
Furthermore, wormwood may be an effective treatment for reducing gastrointestinal diseases as studies7 have found that it could potentially reduce the growth of harmful microorganisms linked to feelings of digestive discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory
Black walnut has strong anti-inflammatory properties8 due to its high content of omega 3 fatty acids, polyphenols and tannins. These compounds help reduce inflammation by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause swelling and pain. This makes black walnut useful for conditions like arthritis9 and inflammatory bowel issues10, helping to ease joint pain and digestive discomfort.
Wormwood contains powerful compounds like artemisinin11 and flavonoids12 that also fight inflammation. Research shows wormwood can lower levels of inflammation markers in the body, making it beneficial for chronic inflammatory diseases.
When combined, black walnut and wormwood can work together to provide even greater anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce pain and swelling naturally.
Side effects of black walnut & wormwood:
High doses of black walnut and wormwood come with the risk of side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions like skin rashes and hives. Additionally, they can interfere with medications like blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
How much black walnut and wormwood is safe to take?
Black walnut and wormwood should only be used as a short term remedy for no longer than 2-4 weeks. The safe dosage and duration for black walnut and wormwood complex tincture can vary, but a common recommendation is to take 1-2 droppers (approximately 20-40 drops) 2-3 times daily.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9510174/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26358271/
- https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/acanthamoeba/pathogen.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761373/
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jprotozoolres/29/1-2/29_8/_article/-char/ja/
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02019
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8324356/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7915249/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/2/361
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464622002511
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473495/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230820974_Total_phenolic_flavonoids_and_tannin_contents_in_different_extracts_of_Artemisia_absinthium
