Horse Chestnut Herbal Remedies
Horse chestnut has been shown to have a tonifying effect on the venous system and is used both internally and externally for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and phlebitis. It increases blood circulation, reducing fragility and leakage from tiny vessels, and can be used long-term for leg cramps which occur at night. Recently, extracts from horse chestnut, called aescin, have been added to creams and other preparations used externally for sports injuries such as sprains and strains, bruises, and venous problems. Horse Chestnut has a taste of ACRID, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
Horse Chestnut Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Horse Chestnut Ointment | cream applied 2-3 x daily |
| Horse Chestnut Tincture | 5-20 drops 3 x daily |
Horse Chestnut Reference Information
| Latin Name | Aesculus hippocastanum |
| Other Names | Aesculus |
| Part Used | Bark, Seeds |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, cream. |
| Affects | Cardiovascular system, Digestive system, Integumentary system, Respiratory system |
| Cautions | May cause digestive irritation. |
| Botanical Info | A large tree with palmately compound leaves with five coarsely-toothed leaflets and long spikes of fragrant pinkish-white flowers. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.
Reynolds, J., ed. 1993. Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.