Candlenut is the seed of the fruit produced by the candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccanus). The seed, seed oil, and kernel have sometimes been used as medicine.
While candlenuts resemble walnuts in appearance, candlenuts are extremely poisonous, even deadly, if they are eaten raw or undercooked. Candlenut contains various substances that might stimulate the bowels and cause sweating. It also contains toxic chemicals, such as cyanide.
People use candlenut for asthma and constipation and to encourage hair growth, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using candlenut can also be unsafe.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using candlenut for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Candlenut is unsafe. It contains a chemical similar to cyanide as well as other poisons. Even one seed might cause severe poisoning. Candlenut can cause extreme stomach pain, violent vomiting, breathing problems, and possibly death.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if candlenut is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's unsafe for anyone to take candlenut by mouth. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, it could harm you as well as your baby.
It is not known if Candlenut interacts with any medicines. Before taking Candlenut, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of candlenut might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Abrasin, Aleurites javanicus, Aleurites moluccanus, Aleurites pentaphyllus, Aleurites remyi, Aleurites trilobus, Arbol Candil, Arbre à Huile du Japon, Balucanat, Candleberry, Candleberry Tree, Country Walnut, Indian Walnut, Jatropha moluccana, Kukui, Noix d'Abrasin, Noix de Bancoulier, Noyer de Bancoule, Noyer des Moluques, Nuez de la India, Otaheite Walnut, Varnish Tree.
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