Hickory - Medicinal Herb Info

Scientific Names

Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory)
Carya tomentosa (Mockernut hickory)
Carya laciniosa (Shellbark hickory)
Carya glabra (Pignut hickory)
Carya illinoinensis (Pecan)

Common Names

Shagbark hickory

Mockernut hickory

Shellbark hickory

Pignut hickory

Scalybark hickory

Upland hickory

White hickory

White-heart hickory

Parts Usually Used

Bark (inner bark), nuts, leaves, roots, wood
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Hickory trees are deciduous hardwoods native to North America and parts of Asia, growing 40-100 feet tall. They’re characterized by compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets and distinctive bark (especially shagbark hickory with its loose, shaggy strips). Hickory produces oval nuts enclosed in a thick husk that splits open when mature, revealing a hard shell containing sweet, edible kernels. The trees are slow-growing and long-lived, often reaching 300-350 years old. They prefer moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types including acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions.
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Where Found

Hickory trees are native to eastern North America, from southern Quebec and Ontario to Nebraska and Minnesota, south to eastern Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Some species also extend into northeastern Mexico. Hickory trees are commonly found in mixed hardwood forests, river bottoms, dry upland slopes, and fertile valleys. They grow best in humid climates with well-drained soils and prefer full sun to partial shade.
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Medicinal Properties

Hickory has astringent, diaphoretic, digestive, and emetic properties. The inner bark is particularly valued for its astringent and detergent qualities. Traditional medicinal uses suggest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, particularly for rheumatic conditions.

Modern research has shown that hickory nut extracts may have cardiovascular benefits, including helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Hickory nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants like vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as plant sterols and flavonoids that support heart health. Some research also suggests potential benefits for brain health and neurite growth.
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Biochemical Information

Hickory nuts are rich in healthy fats (64.37g per 100g), with a favorable balance of monounsaturated (32.61g) and polyunsaturated fats (21.89g). They contain significant protein (12.72g per 100g) and moderate carbohydrates (18.25g per 100g). Hickory nuts are particularly high in manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. They also contain B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1), which is important for energy production and nervous system function.
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Legends, Myths and Stories

The name “hickory” derives from the Algonquian word “pockerchicory” or similar variations, referring to a milky drink made from the nuts. Native American myths feature hickory prominently – the Seneca believed hickory trees were connected to bringing the dead back to life, with several stories involving placing bones before a hickory tree to resurrect the dead.

In folklore, hickory was used for weather prediction – the thickness of hickory nut shells was thought to predict winter severity. In North Carolina, it was said that if hickory leaves turned a beautiful yellow in autumn, the next harvest would be rich and golden. Hickory buds were used to determine when to plant crops, with the saying “plant your corn when hickory buds are as big as a crow’s beak.”

Carolina wives were said to prevent their husbands from straying by driving a hickory stub into their doorposts – as long as the slow-rotting hickory peg remained whole, their husbands would remain faithful.
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Uses

Medicinally, hickory has been used in numerous ways across cultures:

Inner bark as a poultice for treating rheumatism, joint pain, and arthritis
Decoction of bark taken internally for rheumatism, colds, and kidney problems
Fresh shoots steamed to create an inhalant for headaches
Bark chewed for mouth sores
Bark used as a dressing for cuts and ruptured blood vessels
Infusion of bark used for treating menstrual problems and heart issues
Extract from roots used for salt in emergency situations

Beyond medicinal applications, hickory has important cultural and practical uses:

Nuts consumed as nutritious food, providing protein, healthy fats, and energy
Nut milk (“Kanuchi” in Cherokee tradition) used as a creamy addition to foods
Bark used to make a vanilla/butterscotch-flavored syrup
Wood used for tools, bows, wheel spokes, and furniture due to its strength and flexibility
Excellent firewood and smoking wood for culinary uses
Bark used for making yellow dye
Inner bark used for weaving, cordage, and lashing

Formulas or Dosages

Traditional preparations include:

Bark decoction: Boil 1-2 tablespoons of inner bark in 2 cups of water for 15-20 minutes for use as a wash or compress
Bark tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of inner bark in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes for internal use
Fresh shoot inhalant: Steam young shoots and inhale vapor for headache relief

For nutritional benefits from the nuts, a typical serving is 1-2 ounces (about a handful) daily.
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Nutrient Content

According to nutritional data, 100g of dried hickory nuts contain:

657 calories
12.72g of protein
64.37g of fat
18.25g of carbohydrates
6.4g of fiber
436mg potassium
336mg phosphorus
173mg magnesium
61mg calcium
Rich in thiamine, manganese, copper, and zinc

How Sold

Hickory products available commercially include:

Shelled hickory nuts
Hickory nut oil
Hickory syrup (made from bark)
Hickory wood chips for smoking
Herbal preparations (less common)

Warning

Those with tree nut allergies should avoid hickory nuts, as they are a major allergen. While generally considered safe for most people, the inner bark in large doses may have emetic properties (induce vomiting). Some hickory species like Bitternut hickory produce nuts that are extremely bitter and not suitable for consumption, though they aren’t typically toxic. Always properly identify hickory species before foraging.

When used as a traditional medicine, consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any treatment, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
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