Walnut Leaf (Juglans nigra): The Antifungal and Skin Herb

Walnut Leaf — from Juglans nigra, the Black Walnut — is the leaf preparation of the same tree whose bark gives Butternut Bark (J. cinerea) and whose husks are used in antiparasitic herbal protocols. The Black Walnut leaf carries the same juglone content that makes the whole plant medicinally significant — a naphthoquinone compound with potent antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties — in a leaf preparation that is also used topically for skin conditions.

At Herba Naturalle, Walnut Leaf is listed in the comprehensive herb index as an antifungal and skin herb.

Active Compounds

• Juglone — the primary naphthoquinone; potent antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic; also strongly staining (turns skin dark brown on contact)
• Tannins — high concentration; astringent and anti-inflammatory
• Flavonoids — quercetin and related compounds; antioxidant

Clinical Applications

Skin Conditions (Topical)

Walnut Leaf topical preparations are used for eczema, athlete’s foot (topical antifungal), and skin infections — the juglone’s antifungal and antibacterial action, combined with the astringent tannins, provides genuine skin-healing benefit.

Antifungal (Topical and Internal)

The juglone content has documented antifungal activity against Candida and dermatophyte species — used in both topical (diluted preparations) and internal protocols for Candida overgrowth. The Berberis Plus provides complementary gut antimicrobial support.

Antiparasitic

As with other Juglans preparations, the juglone content provides antiparasitic activity against intestinal parasites.

Relevant Blog Posts

• Stop the Inflammation Pandemic: The Digestive System (Part 1)
• Stop the Inflammation Pandemic – The Lymphatic System
• Inflammation in Muscles and Joints: The Hidden Link to Autoimmunity
• Stop the Inflammation Pandemic: Breathe Easy – Inflammation in the Nose, Sinuses, and Lungs
• Welcome to the Final Episode of the Inflammation Pandemic Series

Safety

• Juglone staining: Will permanently stain clothing and temporarily stain skin brown — use with care
• Pregnancy: Avoid
• Liver disease: Juglone is metabolised hepatically — professional guidance in liver disease

Contact Herba Naturalle for antifungal and skin herbal support. Browse all products and the full herb index.

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This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified medical herbalist before use.