Traditionally, horse chestnut was taken by people hoping to naturally cure joint pain, bladder and digestive issues, fever and leg cramps. While several of these issues have not been tested scientifically, there are some benefits to taking horse chestnut, most notably its ability to combat chronic venous insufficiency (a vascular condition), hemorrhoids and swelling after surgery. ( 1 ) Some sources have also found that using butcher’s broom alongside horse chestnut extract in a cream is a useful treatment for varicose veins, the precursor to CVI. 2. Could Cause Cell Death in Certain Cancers Chronic Venous Insufficiency , or CVI, is also known as post-thrombotic syndrome or phlebitis. This condition is characterized by non-functioning valves in your veins (commonly in the legs and sometimes arms), which causes blood to pool in the limbs and an increase in internal pressure within the veins.

ddljohn-- I think the horse chestnut cream sold in he US is fairly safe. I have been using it for a month and have not noticed any adverse side effects. Horse chestnut aescin, a compound found in the chestnut tree, may be beneficial in the treatment of infertility caused by varicocele (in 26). Aesculin, an organic compound found in unprocessed horse chestnuts, can be harmful to health. Suicide has been linked to convulsions, paralysis, muscle twitching, depression, and death. Horse chestnut extract has anti-inflammatory properties that it may help relieve pain and inflammation caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), as well as other health issues such as hemorrhoids and male infertility caused by enlarged veins. Despite being considered safe, the extract may have potential side effects, as well as interactions with medications. Benefits Of Horse Chestnut Extract: Uses And Safety Considerations First of all, horse chestnuts aren’t related to chestnuts at all; they’re a totally different family of trees and shrubs known as Hippocastanaceae. While 15 recognized species exist, the European horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) is most commonly the one you’ll find used in supplemental and herbal medicine. A lot of us know that good probiotic foods can aid in digestion and gut health, but did you know that by pairing those with prebiotics , you’ll gain even more digestive benefits? Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fiber compound that are fermented by the gut microflora in the colon.Other contemporary but untested uses of horse chestnut include enlarged prostate , menstrual pain and eczema . ( 2 ) The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) produces large, fragrant blooms that appear white in spring. It is a large flowering tree that grows in mountainous regions. Finding the perfect location is the most important factor in the growth of a horse chestnut tree. In USDA plant zones 1-8, they thrive in areas with full sun and moist, humus-rich soil. Trees that are well-established require little or no care other than occasional trimming at the end of the winter. The horse chestnut is also grown as a vegetable in addition to seeds and conkers. It is best to germinate them in a cold frame and allow them to sprout naturally. Once sprouted, place the roots in composted containers once the soil has been composted. What Can You Not Take With Horse Chestnuts? It may be possible to treat symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) by using horse chestnut extract. When blood does not flow evenly to the veins of the legs, it causes CVI. Horse chestnut seed extract may help to improve venous tone by increasing blood flow to the legs. It may help reduce the symptoms of leg swelling and pain associated with varicose veins in addition to relieving leg swelling and pain. Horse chestnut extract contains a substance known as aescin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to reduce swelling, inflammation, and venous insufficiency as a result of injury and venous insufficiency. Horse chestnut seed extract contains antioxidants, which can prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Another case report highlights a link between horse chestnut extract and renal angiomyolipoma (renal AML), a benign fatty tumor in the kidney. The report advises against using horse chestnut for patients with this condition. ( 22 ) It doesn't seem to do a lot for vericose veins, or perhaps it takes a long time to show effects in that area. Vericose veins are difficult to treat, so that's not surprising.

On the tree, horse chestnuts are encased in a spiky, greenish outer layer, and fall to the ground as the shiny, brown fruit once mistaken for a variety of chestnut. While these used to be fed to horses as stimulants and to help keep coats shiny, horse chestnuts are actually mildly poisonous to most animals except for deer and wild boar, which can break down the otherwise toxic compounds they contain. ( 13 ) For over 40 years, Canesten® has been helping people around the world understand, treat and prevent their intimate conditions. Today, we offer effective products to help people take their health into their own hands. Horse chestnut cream is fantastic for leg and ankle swelling however. And it also helps with skin discoloration. I tend to experience edema when I stand up for long hours. An application of horse chestnut cream after arriving home relieves the swelling and pain. So I like it for that.Horse chestnut seed extract 300 mg can be taken orally to improve blood circulation in patients with low blood pressure, such as those suffering from varicose veins, pain, tiredness, swelling, itching, and water retention. It might also be less effective than maritime pine bark as a treatment for cramps and leg swelling. Some sources offer horse chestnut cream, which can be applied to problematic vein areas directly, or a combo horse chestnut/butcher’s broom cream used for varicose veins or hemorrhoids.

Conventional medical treatment of chronic venous insufficiency typically consists of compression treatment, which many patients don’t like due to the discomfort involved. Several research studies have shown that horse chestnut seed extract can be effective in treating varicose veins. In a study of over 60 participants, 58% reported a reduction in their varicose vein symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and discoloration after taking horse chestnut seed extract tablets containing 20 mg of aescin three times per day and 2% aescin gel topically twice daily for eight weeks Those suffering from varicose veins and other symptoms of this condition may be relieved to learn that they are not the only ones concerned. Horse chestnut seed extract is also being investigated as a potential treatment for conditions other than varicose veins, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, which causes poor blood flow in the legs, which can cause leg pain, swelling, itchiness, and other symptoms), irritable bowel syndrome, and others. Although more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the extract in these conditions, it is clear that it has significant potential. If you are interested in a natural treatment for varicose veins, horse chestnut seed extract may be worth considering. It has been shown to help with symptoms of varicose veins, and there are various ways to take it, such as tablets and topical gels. You must, however, consult with a healthcare professional to determine which treatment is right for you. Natural Remedy For Varicose Veins: Horse Chestnut ExtractHorse Chestnut Cream is a natural remedy for hemorrhoids. It is made from the extract of horse chestnuts, which are rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. These properties help to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation, shrinking swollen veins and providing long-term relief from pain and itching. Horse Chestnut Cream can be applied directly to the affected area and it is also available in ointment and suppository form. It is safe to use, but as with any natural remedy, it is important to consult with a doctor before using it. Treat Varicose Veinshorse Chestnut