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Horse chestnut (buckeye)
Aesculus hippocastanum
This page contains information on horse chestnut and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as skin complaints and general skin care, to promote an even complexion and reduce swelling, while improving circulation.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Hippocastanaceae |
Genus and specie |
Aesculus hippocastanum |
Horse chestnut, bark bongay, konker tree, common horse chestnut and buckeye.
The horse chestnut tree is large with sticky buds and palm-like leaves. White flowers, with a pink to yellow basal spot, appear in 30 cm spikes in late spring and globose, green-brown, spiny fruits follow, containing 1-3 shiny, red-brown seeds.
The bark and seeds have medicinal and cosmetic uses.
Horse chestnut is a bitter, astringent herb that lowers fever and reduces local
edema. It has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties and is excellent to boost venous health and reduce capillary fragility.
The main constituent of the herb is aescin, which is a complex mix of saponins, which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Internal use
- It is used internally for circulatory problems, including hardening of the arteries, stroke, heart attack, varicose veins, phlebitis, chilblains, hemorrhoids and swelling following trauma.
- In some cases it is also injected to reduce swelling in swollen joints and fractures.
- External use
- Due to the excellent venous tonic effect of horse chestnut when applied topically on the skin, it helps to prevent vein and capillary fragility.
- It also balances the circulation in the skin, thereby promoting not only a clear skin, but an even complexion and good skin tone, and is used in good quality cosmetics, hand creams, lotions, as well as slimming and cellulite products.
- Due to the saponins contained it has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
The seeds of the horse chestnut tree are harmful if eaten. In large amounts they can cause gastroenteritis as well as kidney and liver failure.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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