Horse chestnut is most commonly used for treating problems related to poor blood circulation in the legs and feet. It is also called buck eye or Spanish chestnut. It is also used as a common remedy for treating many forms of inflammation. The triterpine glycoside, aescin, is the constituent that makes the horse chestnut so beneficial to the human body.

How is it Used?

The bark, leaves, flowers as well as the nut of the horse chestnut tree are used by natural medicine practitioners. The seeds may be processed to separate the active chemicals for further concentration. A poison known as esculin is present in significant quantities in horse chestnut and this is the reason why eating the nut raw is best avoided.

Effective Cure for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins is a problem that occurs due to improper or insufficient circulation of blood to various extremities. Most often, people with varicose veins have purplish veins or bulging veins in the legs and feet where the blood normally pools when circulation is improper. This ailment is most common in older people, especially if they lead a sedentary lifestyle. Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency can lead to painful inflammation of the legs and feet and/ or numbness. Horse chestnut seed extract is found highly beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of varicose veins problems in such elderly patients. The circulation of blood improves when this extract is taken. Herbal medicine practitioners may prescribe this seed to elderly patients who find wearing a compression stocking to treat varicose veins uncomfortable.

Although treatment for chronic venous insufficiency is the most common use that horse chestnut is put to, the seeds, flowers, bark and leaves also have other medicinal benefits.

Cures Inflammations

In addition to improving blood flow and enhancing the strength and tone of veins, horse chestnut also has anti inflammatory properties. This seed is used with good effect in treatment of all kinds of joint swelling, tendon and muscle inflammation as well as haemorrhoids. As this seed reduces the retention of fluid in the body, it is very effective in these treatments.

Other Uses

In countries like Germany, horse chestnut is used to treat head injuries of a severe nature. Owing to its anti inflammatory properties, it is also used here to reduce post surgical swelling. Bruises and sprains may also be treated using the various parts of this medicinal tree. When used in treatment of sports injuries or trauma, horse chestnut is used in the form of an ointment or gel.

What does it Contain?

The medicinal benefits of horse chestnut arise from its many constituents including flavonids such as saponin, essential oils, starches and plant sterols. In his ‘Anti aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural health’, author Joseph Marion states that the horse chestnut contains protein, fiber, fats, minerals and a high level of carbohydrates.

Many elderly people have experienced the positive effects of horse chestnut on the human body, especially for eliminating edema and poor circulation problems. However, it is important to ensure that only standardized preparations of this plant are taken as horse chestnut does contain some toxic substances too.

Author Bio: Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Twitter.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: enhance,circulation,horse,chestnut,healthy,aging,health,bemefits,blood