Horse chestnut

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry and lychee family Sapindaceae. It is native to a small area in the mountains of the Balkans in southeast Europe, in particular in northern Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

Description

The Horse Chestnut is a large deciduous tree, commonly known for its bright green leaves and its fruit, the conker or horse-chestnut seed. The tree can grow up to 36 metres (118 ft) tall with a domed crown of stout branches. The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5–7 leaflets.

Uses

The seeds, bark, leaves, and flowers of the horse chestnut tree are used in herbal medicine. Horse chestnut seed extract is widely used in Europe for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Medical Uses

Horse chestnut seed extract has been shown to reduce the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including pain, tiredness, tension, swelling in the legs, itching, and fluid retention. It is also used for diarrhea, fever, and enlarged prostate.

Side Effects

Horse chestnut can cause some side effects such as dizziness, headache, stomach upset, and itching. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using horse chestnut.

Interactions

Horse chestnut might slow blood clotting, so there is some concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using horse chestnut at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

See Also

• Herbal Medicine
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency
• Natural Remedies

References

Horse chestnut Resources
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