Horse chestnut – Aesculus Hippocastanacea

Horse chestnut is a tree, which is not used in cooking and despite not being widely known among the medicinal herbs, has many beneficial properties for the body. Many of the properties that we will mention are rare and particularly beneficial for the body.

Starting from perhaps the most important property, horse chestnut, has a strong vasoconstrictive action. This action is particularly beneficial for the treatment and relief of varicose veins. All disorders associated with dilated blood vessels can be treated or relieved with the use of horse chestnut, even chronic problems with symptoms that significantly aggravate the daily life of sufferers. Examples of poultice use are walking discomfort, edema, heaviness in the lower extremities, pain and itching.

The use of horse chestnut can be done either externally in the form of a poultice, or internally using an extract or tincture. The vasoconstrictive action of horse chestnut, has positive results and offers relief in cases of hemorrhoids. Its use in everyday life can seem soothing in foot baths for tired and swollen feet, for jobs that require long hours of standing and also relieves the pain of rheumatism.

Mainly with the use of fruits for its healing properties, horse chestnut relieves cramps while at the same time significantly improves the circulatory system, strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Due to the contraction it causes in the blood vessels, horse chestnut has a hypotensive effect.

Additional properties, of secondary importance, are the astringent action it has, in order to stop diarrhea, reduce fever and protect against prostatic hyperplasia.

The use of horse chestnut does not show any side effects or allergic reaction. However, it is good to use it in moderation. The shell of the fruit may be toxic to the human body, so it is recommended to remove it before any use. People taking anticoagulants should not use this herb. Taken by people suffering from constipation, it causes deterioration due to its astringent properties.

Read more about the cosmetic uses of horse chestnut and the collection of horse chestnut.