What is it
The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a deciduous tree that can reach up to a height of 30 meters with a crown that can have up to 10 meters in diameter.
Originally from Western Asia, it is now present throughout Europe, the Middle East and Iran and owes its name to the ancient use to treat horse cough (in Greek, in fact, it means “horse chestnut”).
Activity
The main activity concerns the circulatory system, in particular veins and capillaries, and is to be attributed to two active ingredients: escin and esculoside. Let’s see what are the respective functions:
| Active ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Escin | Increases the tone (vasoconstriction), strength and elasticity of the vessels. |
| Aesculoside | Instead, it promotes the reabsorption of liquids and therefore has an anti-edema effect (swelling). |
Another important action of horse chestnut is to neutralize free radicals (antioxidant). It also has a healing action.
Why is it used
Horse chestnut is mainly used in case of capillary fragility and insufficiency of the venous circulation (varicose veins, hemorrhoids). Several studies have shown that it is able to reduce swelling, pain and tingling in the legs.
Since it is also active on the lymphatic circulation, it can also be used in case of fluid retention.
How to use it
The dry extract titrated in escin (minimum 3%) obtained from the seeds with the integument and/or bark is used.
Initially the dosage of 250 mg 3 times a day (corresponding to 40 mg escin three times a day) on a full stomach.
Maintenance involves halving the dose. The 20% ointment formulation can also be used.
Effects
Irritative effects have been observed, but only at doses significantly higher than therapeutic, particularly in the gastric mucosa following increased acid secretion.
Allergic reactions are less rare (5% of urban children are sensitive to pollen).
Precautions
The use of horse chestnut is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to possible stimuli on uterine contractility, during lactation and in pediatric age. An important contraindication is renal failure.
Interactions
It can interfere with anticoagulant drugs and increase their effects.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.