Horse Chestnut Against Varicose Veins

Experience and research show that horse chestnut can make an excellent contribution in the fight against varicose veins. In addition, it also gives great results in treating heavy and restless legs.

A large part of the population has to deal with this chronic venous insufficiency. It is an annoying condition, which is not only painful, but also has a very disfiguring effect. Fortunately, there are many remedies on the market that can successfully treat varicose veins.

One of these turns out to be the use of horse chestnut. Several studies show that horse chestnut seeds have a positive effect as a regulating factor that prevents vasoconstriction. Therefore, the use of this chestnut is promoted in many cardiovascular diseases. It is also beneficial for blood circulation.

This article takes a closer look at the use of horse chestnut against varicose veins.

What is horse chestnut?

Horse chestnut is a tree native to Asia, which is now spread all over the world. We are also used to seeing this robust tree in our parks and streets. The fruit is unfortunately poisonous to humans. However, the other parts of this ornamental tree contain a lot of medicinal power:

• You can use horse chestnut leaves  to treat eczema and painful periods. They also prevent soft tissue swelling due to fractures and sprains. Painful joints also benefit from using the leaves of this tree.
• The bark can be used  in treatments against malaria and dysentery. In addition, studies are also underway on the outcome of treating lupus and skin conditions that cause ulcers with horse chestnut bark.

• The seeds  are the part of the tree on which most studies have been conducted. There are thousands of publications supporting that the active ingredient aescin has a positive effect on the veins. It promotes blood circulation and helps to make the walls of the vessels strong. It also reduces inflammation and leg pain.
  • It is therefore recognized as a drug capable of draining fluid and promoting blood circulation in general. In the ‘European Database for Natural Medicines’, aescin is therefore cataloged as ‘effective’. This is also endorsed by the Pharmacological College of Barcelona in Spain.

What does the active ingredient of horse chestnut do?

The seeds of the horse chestnut contain the substance aesin. This substance has been proven to support blood circulation. Fluid accumulation or edema is avoided, because aesin causes fluid to be expelled through the urine.

It gives very good results with the well-known symptoms, such as dilatation and swelling of the veins in the lower legs, the heavy feeling around the knees and the usually associated painful cramps.

The substance also strengthens the resistance of the blood vessels and reduces inflammation. This comes in very handy for someone who suffers from those unsightly fine varicose veins all over the lower leg, skin ulcers or hemorrhoids.

How can we use horse chestnut?

Horse chestnut is available in the form of capsules in every health food store or organic supermarket. The extract of these seeds is also sold in the form of gels and creams, which you can use to massage the legs.

The standard recommended dose is 400 mg per day, which is equivalent to 2 capsules daily. The capsules are best taken just before breakfast and after dinner. This way you can avoid annoying nighttime cramps.

Are there any downsides to using horse chestnut?

It is very important that you  should never consume the leaves, bark, fruits and seeds raw. We recommend using only the prepared preparations. In the laboratories where they are produced, the toxic substances are separated from the active components.

Horse chestnut is also not recommended during pregnancy, for diabetics and patients with liver problems.

So we can say that this Oriental ornamental tree, which is well known in our regions, contains a great deal of healing power in its bark, leaves and seeds. This makes it a good ally in the fight against many circulatory disorders.