Benefits and side effects of Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut tree has palmate leaves and large clusters of white to red flowers followed by brown shiny inedible seeds erect clusters of white flowers tinged with red or yellow, and spiny or smooth capsules containing large shiny brown seeds. Horse chestnut trees originated in northern India and Greece but are now cultivated throughout Europe. A variety of the tree is known as buckeye in the United States.
The active ingredients of horse chestnut seeds are triterpene saponines collectively known as aescine. Aescin promotes circulation through the veins. Aescin fosters normal tone in the walls of the veins, thereby promoting return of blood to the heart
Lets us look into the benefits of Horse chestnut:
- The unique actions of horse chestnut are on the vessels of the circulatory system. Horse chestnut seeds increase the strength and tone of the veins in particular
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect and also improves the tone of the veins, preventing blood from pooling in the legs and feet.
- Horse chestnut is also effective in relief of swelling or inflammation of joints, tendons, and muscles and hemorrhoids, by strengthening and toning the body’s veins, as well as actually lessening swelling and fluid retention in the body, the hemorrhoid.
- Horse chestnut decreases edema — swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in the veins.
- Horse chestnut seed is used to prevent discomfort and disfigurement from fluid build-up in the legs. Seeds contain escin and esculin compounds that protect blood vessels and help prevent accumulation of fluid.
- Teas made from horse chestnut have been used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and it was also used topically on sores and rashes.
- Though it is rarely used topically today, Horse chestnut is used today to treat fevers and arthritis.
- An ingredient in the bark of horse chestnut is used in some European sunscreens.In spite of all these advantages of this herb it is always good to be aware of the side effects before using it.
- Side effects from horse chestnut are uncommon; nausea and upset stomach are possible
- Some people may experience itching or an allergic reactions.
- Horse chestnut has an anti-clotting action, people taking medications such as Coumadin, Plavix or Ticlid, as well as those who use aspirin therapy to reduce blood clotting, should avoid the use of horse chestnut.