Can Black Walnuts Cause Blistered Hands?

Black Walnut offers several potential health benefits, but it is important to be cautious when using it to avoid skin irritation. If you're wondering, "Can Black Walnut cause blisters on your hands?", the answer is yes.

Black Walnut contains a natural substance called juglone, which can irritate the skin. Direct contact with the husk or other parts of the tree may lead to skin discomfort, including blisters. This article guides how to use and store Black walnuts safely.

Can Black Walnuts Cause Blistered Hands?

Yes, Black walnuts can not only stain your hands but also cause blisters. This is due to the presence of a toxin called juglone, which can harm the skin if you come into contact with it [1]. Initially, you may feel pain and itching, and it can gradually worsen into severe blisters. For those with sensitive skin, even a small touch is enough to cause skin damage.

How Do Black Walnuts Cause Blisters On Hands?

As mentioned earlier, the toxin in Black Walnut is juglone – a natural compound in the husk of the walnut that has strong irritant properties that can cause blisters on the hands.

Juglone acts like a strong chemical, damaging the surface skin cells and leading to irritation or inflammation. This reaction is not an allergy but rather a contact irritation that can affect anyone who touches it, not just those with sensitive skin. Therefore, when handling Black walnuts, wearing gloves is the best way to protect your hands from damage.

Other Side Effects Of Black Walnut

Black Walnut not only affects plants but can also cause some side effects in humans and animals. In nature, Black Walnut releases a substance called juglone, which can harm sensitive plants like tomatoes, potatoes, and flowers such as peonies, causing them to wilt and even die if planted too close. For animals, especially horses, exposure to Black Walnut sawdust can lead to hoof inflammation.

Consuming Black walnuts in excess may lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals. If any discomfort occurs, it's recommended to reduce consumption and consult a healthcare provider. If discomfort continues or worsens, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.

Additionally, direct contact with Black walnuts can cause skin irritation, rashes, or natural swelling. Furthermore, sawdust or pollen from the tree can irritate those prone to respiratory sensitivities [2].

What To Do If Black Walnuts Cause Blisters On Hands?

If contact with Black Walnut leads to irritation, gently wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the juglone substance.

For small blisters, it’s best to let them heal on their own. However, if the blisters are large and painful, it’s best to consult a doctor for safe treatment. For skin irritation, some people find over-the-counter remedies helpful, but if irritation persists, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid cream.

If the blister breaks, apply antibiotic ointment and a light bandage to prevent infection and aid the healing process. When handling Black walnuts in the future, wearing protective gloves is the best way to avoid skin irritation. If signs of infection such as redness, natural swelling, fever, or pain appear, seek medical attention for a thorough examination [1].

Black Walnuts Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of Black Walnuts:

• High plant protein content: Black Walnuts are an excellent choice, offering 15g of protein per half cup, the highest among nuts [3].
• Improves cardiovascular and digestive health: Studies show that consuming 42g of Black Walnuts daily increases beneficial bacteria in the gut and reduces inflammatory bile acids. Additionally, it lowers healthy LDL cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, and some indicators are associated with cardiovascular risk [4].
• Rich in beneficial omega-3s: This nut contains alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health and brain function and reduces inflammation, something the body cannot produce on its own [3].
• Pleasant flavor, ideal for cooking: Black Walnuts have a richer, bolder taste compared to other walnuts, adding a unique touch to baked goods, salads, and stir-fries.
• Easy to store for long periods: Due to their high oil content, the nuts can maintain freshness in the fridge for 9-12 months or even up to 2 years in the freezer [3].
• Easy to incorporate into recipes: Black Walnuts can replace other nuts, making it easy to add them to recipes for bread, cookies, and even ice cream while retaining nutritional value and great flavor.

How to Harvest Black Walnut Safely

Because there is a risk of blisters when handling black walnuts directly, you should keep the following tips in mind to protect your hands:

• Wear protective gloves: Disposable gloves are the best option to avoid contact with juglone, a substance that can cause irritation and leave dark stains. If you use rubber gloves, make sure to wash them thoroughly after use.
• Avoid touching your face and other surfaces: Minimize touching your face, especially your eyes and mouth, and do not let your hands touch surfaces you will touch later. Clean all work surfaces with paper towels and soap.
• Wash your hands immediately after harvesting: If you accidentally touch the walnut husk, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent stains from lasting.
• Treat promptly if itching or blistering occurs: Use hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching, or consult a doctor if necessary.
• Wear long sleeves and pants: This helps protect your skin from direct contact with the toxic substance.

Way To Consume Black Walnuts Safely

To use Black Walnuts safely, after harvesting, peel off the green husk and let the nuts dry in a cool, dry place for a few weeks.

Before using, check for any moldy nuts, as this mold may contain harmful aflatoxins. Once dried, you can store the nuts in a mesh or cloth bag in a dry place or remove the husk and refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Black Walnuts are delicious in baked goods, salads, or stir-fries, giving you many ways to enjoy them!

For quick and convenient use, many people turn to Black Walnut supplements. Common supplement forms include capsules, powder, and extract. Each form has its pros and cons:

• Capsules: These are the most convenient and easy to use. You only need to take 1-2 capsules per day and wait for the effects. They also allow for easier dosage control.
• Extracts: Usually in liquid or concentrated form, extracts are quickly absorbed by the body and can be added to drinks or food. They’re ideal for those who prefer not to take capsules and want more flexibility.
• Powder: This form is versatile for mixing and can be added to smoothies, juices, or meals. It’s suitable for those who want to fully utilize the natural ingredients of the product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regarding the question "Can Black Walnut Cause Blistered Hands?" the answer is yes, but you can take precautions by wearing protective gloves when handling or coming into contact with the tree. If your skin blisters, wash it immediately and care for the affected area. Be sure to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge before using Black Walnut.