In supplement form, horse chestnut is generally suggested at doses between 400–600 milligrams per day, divided into two dosage times, 12 hours apart. Much more important is the escin component (the active compound), which should be between 100–150 milligrams per day. ( 18 )

However, this awesome dietary supplement has legitimate cautions to consider, including possible side effects and medication interactions, plus dangers for pregnant or nursing women and individuals with certain health conditions. 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 The common side effects that may occur (although very rarely) include itching, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, muscle spasm and headaches .Herbal remedies such as parsley, cayenne pepper, garlic, and witch hazel have been shown to help with varicose veins due to their anti-inflammatory properties. 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.

Extract of horse chestnut contains some incredible antioxidants, which can help your body to fight free radical damage and more effectively fight disease. Studies have discovered both quercetin and kaempferol glycosides in horse chestnut, two antioxidants praised for their intense disease-fighting capabilities. ( 6 )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 There are isolated reports of other issues when using horse chestnut extract. For one, there is a case report of a 32-year-old male who developed acute effusive pericarditis after taking horse chestnut. ( 21 ) Horse Chestnut Can Improve Blood Circulation Without Overdoing Its Effects Horse chestnut seed extract contains an active ingredient called aescin, which has anti-inflammatory and other properties and can improve blood flow. The extract in this tea can aid in the treatment of venous insufficiency in patients. What Herb Heals Varicose Veins? The most well-researched benefit horse chestnut offers is in treating chronic venous insufficiency, an issue with vein pressure often preceded by varicose veins and/or blood clots, affecting up to as much as 40 percent of the US population. 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.

The tree is also well-suited to city growth and is one of the trees often used to line urban streets, including many in Paris, France. ( 15 ) Supplements of horse chestnut contain an ingredient called escin — not to be confused with the poisonous esculin found in raw horse chestnuts. Possibly through the same mechanisms with which horse chestnut positively impacts chronic venous insufficiency, escin seems to safely increase count and quality of sperm in men with varicocele-associated infertility, according to a 2010 research study. ( 11 ) Again, this research is not conclusive and may not function as expected in humans, but these results are promising. 6. Might Support Fertility in Men Our high-strength Horse Chestnut supplement contains a concentrated extract derived from the seed of the Horse Chestnut tree. Each tablet is standardised to provide 20% aescin, which is believed to be one of the most important, active compounds in horse chestnut, referred to as saponins.Conventional medical treatment of chronic venous insufficiency typically consists of compression treatment, which many patients don’t like due to the discomfort involved. Our formula also contains 112mg butcher’s broom per tablet to help support venous circulation in the legs. As I’ve mentioned, you should never eat horse chestnut fruits that fall from the tree. They contain a poisonous compound, esculin, which can cause bleeding. The use of horse chestnut extract in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins is fraught with controversy. Some studies have shown that horse chestnut extract can help with symptoms, but others have shown little to no effect. There is some evidence that horse chestnut extract can reduce swelling and inflammation in varicose veins, but this is not supported by the evidence. It is unknown whether horse chestnut extract, when used in conjunction with other dietary supplements, has any long-term benefits for spider veins or varicose veins. Anticoagulants (it causes vein/artery constriction in cows and decreases platelet aggregation in humans, which may cause bleeding) ( 20 )

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? Horse 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 An animal study also found that horse chestnut might help protect the body’s loss of glutathione , another antioxidant, after liver injury. ( 7 )Another benefit of horse chestnut that’s been a feature of preliminary research is its ability to help wounds heal. While no human studies have yet been conducted, a 2006 lab study found that horse chestnut extract can help induce contraction forces in fibroblasts , cells integral to the wound healing process. ( 9 ) When these fibroblasts contract, they potentially induce faster wound healing. In processed form, free of esculin, horse chestnut is safe for short periods of time for most people. Long-term studies on its safety have not been conducted. Is horse chestnut safe for vein diseases? Horse chestnut extract has been shown to improve symptoms of varicose veins, but it has not been shown to work well with spider veins. This extract can be used in creams to reduce inflammation and fluid build-up as well as reduce capillary pores and improve blood flow, and it has been shown to reduce capillary pores and improve blood flow. In terms of long-term benefits, it is unclear whether these creams will be effective in treating vein diseases. As a result, horse chestnut extract, as a treatment for spider veins, should not be used in isolation, but may also help to alleviate varicose vein symptoms. Exploring The Benefits Of Horse Chestnut For Venous Diseases Horse Chestnut is a traditional remedy used to treat a range of ailments, including varicose veins, arthritis, and eczema. However, it can also be used topically to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Making topical Horse Chestnut is easy and requires just a few ingredients. In this article, we’ll explain how to make a topical Horse Chestnut remedy, what ingredients to use, and how to apply it for optimal results. We’ll also provide some tips on using Horse Chestnut safely and effectively. So, if you’re looking for an easy and natural way to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, read on to learn how to make topical Horse Chestnut.