Horse Chestnut

History and Uses:
Horse Chestnut, which is also known by the name, Buckeye, should not be confused with its North American relative, Aesculus glabra, the Ohio Buckeye or Aesculus glabra californica, the California Buckeye. The name Horse Chestnut arises historically from the use of this herb to treat horse's coughs, as well as being used as animal feed. The Horse Chestnut tree is native to southeastern Europe and northern Greece, but it is now cultivated in many areas of Europe and North America. The tree produces fruits that are made up of spiny capsules containing one to three large seeds, known as Horse Chestnuts. The tree grows to about eighty feet in height. Horse Chestnut is an old folk remedy to treat hemorrhoids and arthritis, and it was thought to be effective by carrying a chestnut around in one's pocket until it hardened, then replacing it with a fresh one. 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. In particular, this herb seems to increase the strength and tone of the veins. It inhibits the enzyme, hyaluronidase, and makes veins less permeable and less fragile. Horse Chestnut is thought to 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 to relieve congestion and strengthen 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. A topical aescin preparation is very popular in Europe for the treatment of acute sprains during sporting events. Scientific studies (randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled) have shown that Horse Chestnut can reduce edema, and a clinical study compared Horse Chestnut extract to compression stockings and placebo for varicose veins - both the herbal medicine and the stockings significantly reduced edema of the lower legs, compared to placebo.