15401

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 02:12
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Horsechestnut

  • Botanical Name

    Aesculus hippocastanum

  • Part Used

    Seed

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    40%

  • Dose

    5 to 20mL weekly

Horsechestnut seed acts on the vessels of the circulatory system by strengthening and toning the veins in particular. Its astringent and circulatory tonic properties make it useful internally for haemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency, oedema, varicose veins and inflammation of the veins. Externally it can be used as a lotion for the same conditions as well as for leg ulcers and other skin disorders.  
The evidence presented in a 2012 Cochrane Library systemic review suggests that horsechestnut is an efficacious and safe short‐term treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. Overall there appeared to be an improvement in chronic venous insufficiency related signs and symptoms with horsechestnut compared with placebo. Leg pain was assessed in seven placebo controlled trials. Six reported a significant reduction of leg pain in the horsechestnut groups compared with the placebo groups, while another reported a statistically significant improvement compared with baseline. One trial indicated that horsechestnut may be as effective as treatment with compression stockings

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Horsechestnut and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    The dried seeds and bark of the horsechestnut tree have been used medicinally since the 16th century. Traditionally the seeds are used to treat conditions affecting the veins, including haemorrhoids, phlebitis and varicose veins; bruising, diarrhoea, fever, enlarged prostate, eczema, menstrual pain, painful injuries, sprains, swelling and spinal problems.

  • Actions

    Anti-inflammatory, astringent, circulatory tonic, antioxidant

  • Indications

    Chronic venous insufficiency such as pain, night cramps, itching or swelling and sensation of heaviness in the legs, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, bruising, preventing postoperative oedema, venous leg ulceration

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Not recommended. Safety in pregnancy has not been well established.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Avoid use in the presence of hepatic or renal impairment. Oral use may cause gastric irritation so take with food. Horsechestnut can also cause hypersensitivity reactions which occur more commonly in people who are allergic to latex. It is suggested that it should be avoided by people with infectious or inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including coeliac disease and malabsorption disorders, and should not be applied topically to broken or ulcerated skin.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with lithium, anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) and antidiabetic drugs. 

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Maritime Pine, Bilberry, Oak Bark, Ginkgo, Stone Root