Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) is a deciduous tree native to the Balkan Peninsula, Europe. They grow very rapidly into tall straight trees that can reach heights of over 100 ft (approximately 30 m) tall, with widely spreading branches. The tree is also known as buckeye, Spanish chestnut or conker tree. Although it is sometimes called buckeye, one should not confuse it with the Ohio or California buckeye trees, which are related but not the same species. This article enlists few uses and dangers of horse chestnut.
Here are Few Uses of Horse Chestnut:
- Horse chestnut seed extract standardized to contain 16 to 20 percent aescin (escin), the active ingredient, is the most commonly used form. Horse chestnut seed extract is beneficial in treating chronic venous insufficiency.
- Horse chestnut has been used topically to cosmetically improve the appearance of varicose veins.
- It is also used as medicine for relief of swelling or inflammation of joints, tendons, and muscles and hemorrhoids.
- Horse chestnut has been used orally to improve symptoms of fatigue, and pain, night-time cramping, itching and swelling in the legs.
- Horse-chestnut seeds were used in France and Switzerland for whitening hemp, flax, silk and wool. They contain a soapy juice, fit for washing of linens and stuffs, for milling of caps and stockings, etc., and for fulling of cloth.
Side Effects: Dangers and Cautions while using Horse Chestnut:
- Horse chestnut has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of horse chestnut may not be known. Homemade preparations of horse chestnut should not be used. Raw horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers contain esculin, which is poisonous.
- Horse chestnut should not be taken without consulting doctor if you have a history of blood clots, colitis or other stomach or intestine related illnesses, diabetes, heart disease, low blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or poor blood circulation.
- Horse chestnut have interactions with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, others), or ketoprofen (Orudis KT, others). These drugs may increase the risk of bleeding while using horse chestnut.
- Some of the uncommon side effects to horse chestnut include itching, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset. It is best to consult your health care provider before using the products of horse chestnut to ensure coordinated and safe care.
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October 5th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
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