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Horse Chestnut Against

Hemorrhoids

The horse chestnut tree, also known as the Spanish chestnut, often produces one to three large seeds called nuts once a year. The extract from these seeds has been found by European doctors in the 1800s to help cure varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other illnesses brought about by sluggish circulation of the blood and fragile veins. Many Germans patronize the use of horse chestnuts, making it one of the most popular herbal medicines.

The horse chestnut tree (scientific name is Aesculus hippocastanum) is different from the sweet chestnut (scientific name is Castanea vesca). The latter produces edible nuts that are roasted and stuffed into holiday turkeys. While the former has toxic substances. This is why home remedy is not the way to go in using the seeds of this tree. That is, you can’t just take the nut from the tree and create your own concoction of its extracts because it is poisonous. Only a careful treatment of the nut can yield the needed therapeutic substance called aescin.

Aescin basically tones up the walls of the veins making it more elastic, and brings down any inflammation or swelling. As a result of strengthening the veins, blood flows more freely. With this general action, the aescin can treat the discomfort of varicose veins and relieve swollen legs and calf cramps.

And since the hemorrhoid is a swollen vein, too, it can be made to shrink by the action of aescin. You will find it as the active chemical component in most hemorrhoid treatment creams, gels, and capsules. The aescin of the horse chestnut seed is available in several forms; as powder, ointment, lotion, liquid, gel, cream, and capsule. A tea can be concocted from the leaves of the horse chestnut, but no findings, so far, has proved this form as an effective and safe preparation.

The horse chestnut seed extract may also show some side effects on people. Cases of gastrointestinal upset have been reported when this herbal medicine is ingested on an empty stomach. And then some people taking it complained of a dizziness, headache, and itching. When these happen, along with an upset stomach, you must immediately see your doctor.

This herbal medicine is not compatible with anti-coagulants or blood-thinners (such as warfarin) because the it may increase bleeding. There are also conditions deemed unsafe by doctors when taking the horse chestnut. One is when the patient has liver of kidney problem. Second is when the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding her child.

Results of studies aimed to determine the effects of the horse chestnut extracts on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers were inconclusive. Therefore, if you are pregnant, it is better to stay on the safe side.