Re: BTW, MH's "tree iodine"-Reality Check

A tincture made from the Black-Walnut hull will be fairly weak in iodine. Juglone will be the most prominent ingredient. Juglone is what dyes the hands of Walnut picker-uppers with the orange-black stain, not iodine. Juglone is supposed to be anti-helmentic which explains why it is used in many anti- parasite formulas. The tincture will also contain tannins, a highly alkaline, bitter tasting substance also found in tea and some bitter fruits. Tannins are used to tan the hides of animals, and can be harmful to the skin in strong concentrations. Unless a maker has the ability and equipment to extract Iodine from the other ingredients found in the Black-Walnut hulls and leaves, there is not much chance of getting a good quality Iodine that is fit for oral consumption. Remember that Iodine is an element, iodine is iodine it is the other elements it combines with that makes the difference.

Kelp is also very rich in iodine, but after a lot of research I have decided that taking kelp supplements is kind of like drinking from a toilet. Chances are it won't kill you, but you will be likely to be consuming stuff you would rather not have. Kelp is like a vacuum cleaner and sucks up all kinds of pollutants as well as absorbing ocean minerals. I do not feel threatened by using "elemental" iodine (even though that is not a correct term). I feel I am getting a known substance and a controlled quantity and quality. Since Lugol's is mixed in distilled water, I feel very safe using it. This is one time when the term "plant based" does not impress me in the least. Tweet