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What Are the Benefits of Horse Chestnut?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

Horse chestnut is an expectorant, decongestant, tonic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory. The benefits of horse chestnut include its use as a natural remedy to treat such diverse afflictions as fluid retention, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, arthritis, and sprains. Some other benefits of horse chestnut are its ability to lower fever, increase blood circulation, and ease the symptoms of phlebitis. Its antioxidant properties help remove toxins from the body and boost the immune system.

An astringent causes tissues to contract, decreasing discharges of bodily secretions such as blood. Among the benefits of horse chestnut is its astringent action that gives it the ability to shrink and reduce the bleeding, pain, and inflammation of hemorrhoids. It also tones and strengthens blood vessels. This improves circulation and prevents the walls of capillaries, arteries, and veins from breaking down and leaking, which is what makes horse chestnut so beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins.

Horse chestnut extract is often used to treat varicose veins.
Horse chestnut extract is often used to treat varicose veins.

Some other benefits are its effectiveness in treating leg cramps, bruising, and swelling. It is a powerful agent for reducing edema in the lower legs. The tea has been used as a folk remedy to treat diarrhea. Horse chestnut has been used topically as an ointment or cream to promote the healing of rashes, sores, and eczema. Aescin is the most prevalent medicinal constituent in horse chestnut and the agent that gives it such powerful therapeutic properties.

Horse chestnut can help reduce edema in the lower legs.
Horse chestnut can help reduce edema in the lower legs.

The horse chestnut isn’t actually a chestnut; it is a member of the buckeye family. It gets its name due to its green, spiny casing and shiny brown nut that resemble those of chestnuts. The seeds, bark, and nuts contain flavones and saponins, the substances that promote a healthy vascular system and provide some of the other healing benefits of horse chestnut. Native to the Balkans of southeastern Europe, the horse chestnut has been planted all over the world in temperate climates for the shade provided by its beautiful, spreading canopy.

Horse chestnut may help treat leg cramps.
Horse chestnut may help treat leg cramps.

Horse chestnut shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Herbs can have side effects just like pharmaceutical drugs do, and one of the side effects of horse chestnut can be thinning of the blood. This is why horse chestnut shouldn’t be used by people who are taking blood-thinning drugs. Other possible side effects of horse chestnut include allergic reaction, itch, and upset stomach. Allergic reactions are rare, but if any swelling occurs as a result of taking horse chestnut, medical care should be consulted immediately.

Discussion Comments

anon1000160

Works miracles for hemorrhoids. And I've tried a lot of different methods over the years trying to find something that works. Horse chestnut is no joke, the absolute best remedy I've ever found.

Take it immediately upon noticing a hemorrhoid popping up and overnight it will be deflated. After a week of using it, the hemorrhoid will be totally healed. Although it might heal slower or faster depending on your overall health.

Heavanet

@talentryto- Horse chestnut is less likely to cause certain side effects when used as a cream than when taken orally, so you shouldn't be too concerned. However, it can cause irritation and itching at first, especially on individuals who have problems with sensitive skin. To be on the safe side, you should talk to your doctor or dermatologist before using any form of horse chestnut.

Talentryto

Even though horse chestnut is natural, I am concerned about the possible side effects of taking it. I would like to start using it in cream form for skin rashes. Does anyone have some advice?

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    • Horse chestnut extract is often used to treat varicose veins.
      By: roblan
      Horse chestnut extract is often used to treat varicose veins.
    • Horse chestnut can help reduce edema in the lower legs.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Horse chestnut can help reduce edema in the lower legs.
    • Horse chestnut may help treat leg cramps.
      By: Irena Misevic
      Horse chestnut may help treat leg cramps.
    • Side effects of horse chestnut may include upset stomach.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Side effects of horse chestnut may include upset stomach.
    • Horse chestnut has astringent action that can help reduce the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids.
      By: Andrea Danti
      Horse chestnut has astringent action that can help reduce the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids.
    • Topical application of horse chestnut can help heal rashes and other skin conditions like eczema.
      By: Jingling Water
      Topical application of horse chestnut can help heal rashes and other skin conditions like eczema.
    • Horse chestnut has been used topically as an ointment or cream to promote the healing of rashes, sores, and eczema.
      By: dimakp
      Horse chestnut has been used topically as an ointment or cream to promote the healing of rashes, sores, and eczema.