Horse Chestnut is native to Asia and northern Greece, but it is now cultivated in many areas of Europe and North America. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the seeds, bark, and leaves. Primary chemical constituents of Horse Chestnut include saponins ( aescin ), glycosides ( aesculin and fraxin ), hydroquinine, tannins, and flavones. It is believed that the aescin content inhibits inflammation in cells without weakening phagocytosis. The unique actions of Horse Chestnut are on the vessels of the circulatory system. This herb seems to increase the strength and tone of the veins, in particular. It inhibits the enzyme hyaluronidase, and makes veins less permeable and less fragile. Horse Chestnut can improve the tone of veins and increase the flow of blood through them. Horse Chestnut leaves have been used as a cough remedy and to reduce fevers. They were also believed to reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism. Externally, Horse Chestnut has been used as a lotion for pain relief from hemorrhoids, rheumatism, swellings, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. Primary internal uses for Horse Chestnut are for support of capillary weakness, edema, frostbite, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, and varicose veins. Horse Chestnut also helps move congestion, and strengthening the capillaries while decreasing their permeability. Horse Chestnut is also utilized extensively in Europe as an anti-inflammatory agent for a variety of health conditions, in addition to being used for vascular problems.
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Calendula grows as a common garden plant throughout North America and Europe. Calendula flowers were believed to be useful in reducing inflammation, wound healing, and as an antiseptic. Internally, the soothing effects of Calendula were used for stomach ulcers and inflammation. A sterile tea of this herb was also applied in cases of conjunctivitis. Calendula has been found to be antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include saponins, carotenoids, flavonoids, mucilage, bitter principle, phytosterols, and polysaccharides resin. The flavonoids, found in high amounts in Calendula, account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity; triterpene saponins may also be important. Calendula also contains carotenoids. Investigations into anti-cancer and anti-viral actions of Calendula are continuing, but at this time there is insufficient evidence to recommend clinical use of Calendula for cancer. There is, however, evidence suggesting use of Calendula for some viral infections. The constituents responsible for these actions are not entirely clear. As a cholagogue, this herb helps relieve gallbladder problems and to aid digestion. As an emmenagogue, Calendula can be of benefit in the treatment of delayed menstruation. An infusion of the flowers can be used for such gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis, and diarrhea. It is also useful taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting.
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