Butternut

Juglans cineraria

Part Used: Inner bark.

Constituents:

Naphthaquinones, including juglone, juglandin and juglandic acid.
Fixed and essential oil.
Tannins.

Actions: Laxative, Cholagogue, anthelmintic.

Indications: Butternut is used as a dermatological agent, antihaemorrhoidal and cholagogue. It is a purgative. Ellingwood says: “Experiments with the drug have ascertained that it influences, with great energy, the liver, small intestines, colon and rectum, causing and increased manufacture and elimination of bile, as well as increased activity of the glands of the intestinal tract. Full doses produce large bilious evacuations, without much pain or griping, in which respect its action very much resembles that of Iris versicolor.” He suggests its use in: Chronicjaundice, constipation, skin diseases, eczema, herpes, acne, impetigo pemphigus.