How to Use Horse Chestnuts as a Natural Remedy

The horse chestnut tree originated in southeastern Europe and Asia. It is also known as a "conker" tree. The tree, itself, is well known. However, the health benefits are not as well known. Here are some ways in which you can use the seeds from this tree as a natural remedy.

Please note that the nuts, or seeds, and leaves of this tree can be poisonous sufficient amounts are ingested. They can be processed to use as a natural remedy. However, if you do not know the process, please do not attempt it without consulting a reputable and licensed herbalist. It is best to buy this remedy already processed to avoid any accidents.

The scientific name for horse chestnut trees is Aesculus hippocastanum. More common names include, buckeye and Spanish chestnut. The trees are grown as decorations.

The most common malady that horse chestnuts are used to treat is circulatory problems. It is an astringent and an anti-inflammatory. It will tighten and tone the vein walls where they have become damaged. It will also help draw back fluid that has leaked out of the veins. This helps reduce swelling and congestion in veins. Horse chestnut is one of the best choices in herbal remedies for varicose veins and poor vein health.

Horse chestnut is most often used in tablet or capsule form. However, it can also be used as a lotion, ointment, or gel. As such, it is applied to the skin over varicose veins. It should not be applied to any skin that is broken or ulcerated. This remedy will need to be taken for several months before you will see visible signs of improvement. Healing of this type can be a lengthy task. There have, however, been clinical studies that show horse chestnut is effective in treating and healing veins. Horse chestnut is also useful to treat bronchitis and respiratory catarrh, if the bark is used. It has been successfully used with Butchers Broom, also.

There are other uses for horse chestnut, as well. It can also be used as a natural treatment for hemorrhoids and thread veins. It can be used to treat leg cramps and swelling or fluid retention in the legs. Horse chestnut is also an effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis, frostbite, and leg ulcers. But, only use it for this if you have professional advice. In France, and oil extract from the seeds or nuts has been used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, in the US, a decoction of the leaves of the horse chestnut tree has been used for treatment of pertussis.

This remedy should not be used on children. It is also possible it will cause irritation to the digestive tract if the tablets are not prepared with an enteric coating. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition, if you are already taking a medication that is a blood thinner, such as aspirin or any other anticoagulants, you should ask your doctor before taking horse chestnut. It can lead to increased bleeding time. Really, anyone who is starting a new medication, even a natural herbal remedy, should consult with their doctor or an herbal practitioner before taking any new medicines.

Horse chestnuts have been used as a remedy for chest problems in horses, donkeys and mules for hundreds of years, especially in Turkey. There are references to this remedy as early as the 16^th century. Some herbalists of that time held the opinion that the name was derived from its use on horses.

Using natural remedies can give you a sense of having more control of your health issues. You should always consult a health professional, however, before beginning to consume any new medication. Using natural remedies in addition to conventional medicine is a wonderful way to take advantage of both schools of treatment.

SOURCES

Brinker, Francis, N.D. "Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions". 1997. Eclectic Institute, Inc. Oregon.

Chevallier, Andrew. "Herbal Remedies". 2007. DK Publishing. New York, NY.

Lust, John. "The Herb Book". 1974. Bantam Books. New York.