Herb guide › Butternut Bark
Butternut Bark
The inner bark of Juglans cinerea, a North American deciduous tree with gray-brown bark and compound leaves. Dried bark occurs in fibrous strips or chips and has a strongly bitter, woody, earthy taste with tannic qualities. Produces a brown decoction.
Traditionally used for
Constipation, sluggish bowel
Potential benefits
Bowel regularity, stimulant laxative, astringent, relief occasional constispation
Ingredients
Butternut Bark, bark of Juglans cinerea
Origin
United States, Canada
How it is traditionally prepared
No routine tea dosage recommended; medicinal use should be short-term and preferably replaced by a standardized commercial preparation. Short-term only: ½–1 tsp dried bark per 8 oz water; simmer 10–15 minutes. Use only under qualified guidance.
Cautions and who should avoid it
Contains naphthoquinones and may cause cramping or diarrhea; avoid pregnancy, breastfeeding, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel conditions, and prolonged use; electrolyte imbalance is possible
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