Horse Chestnut Health Benefits

Horse chestnuts provide an array of health benefits, ranging from cosmetic enhancements to inflammatory relief. As an herbal remedy, horse chestnuts can be applied externally or taken internally to improve blood circulation. Both the bark and the nut of the horse chestnut tree possess medicinal properties.

Dosage

• Aescin, the active ingredient in horse chestnuts, promotes good circulation. Generally 250 to 325 mg of horse chestnut twice a day is recommended. This dosage delivers 90 to 150 mg of aescin. Once your condition begins to improve, the dosage can be reduced. It is possible to overdose on horse chestnut. Signs of too much horse chestnut are unconsciousness, reddening of the face, diarrhea, enlarged pupils, extreme thirst, sight problems, and vomiting. If you exhibit any of these signs while taking this herb, seek medical attention.

Edema

• If you suffer from edema on your lower legs, you can orally ingest horse chestnut to reduce the reddening.

Varicose Veins

• Externally apply horse chestnut extract, made from tree bark and nuts, to varicose veins to reduce their appearance.

Inflammation

• Horse chestnut also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent when taken internally. By strengthening the veins, this herbal remedy reduces swelling in the joints, tendons, and muscles.

Other Benefits

• Horse chestnut extract can be used to treat arthritis and fever. When ingested, horse chestnut helps to reduce fatigue, pain, nighttime cramping, as well as itching and swelling of the legs. It can even lessen your body’s fluid retention.