Horse Chestnut for Capillaries

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a tree nut used to treat capillary swelling. It contains the chemical aescin, which strengthens capillary walls.

Horse Chestnut Cream

• Horse chestnut is a soothing ingredient in some topical creams.

  Topical creams, ointments, and lotions rich in horse chestnut extract are available in pharmacies for patients suffering from weak capillaries. The herbal extract may be listed by its chemical name of aescin. Do not apply topical medicine to broken or ulcerated skin.

Standardized Extract

• Standardized horse chestnut is available in liquid or capsules.

  Horse chestnut can be purchased as a standardized extract. The level of the active constituent, a triterpene glycoside naturally occurring in the nut of the tree, is tested in a laboratory. Standardized extract of horse chestnut contains between 15 percent and 20 percent aescin per dose.

Horse Chestnut Capsules

• Capsules and tablets are a preferred method of taking horse chestnut medicine. Some people that have trouble taking capsules or tablets may find that gel caps are easier to swallow. The herb has a bitter taste that delicate palates find difficult to consume in its liquid form. Aescin in capsules are also available in a standardized form.

Horse Chestnut Tinture

• Tinctures and liquid extracts of horse chestnut are a popular way to treat damaged capillaries from within. The concentrated liquid is added to water or juice three times daily. Herbalists often recommend this herb combined with butcher's broom tincture to strengthen capillary walls for people who are on their feet all day.

Drug Interactions

• According PeaceHealth Hospital's Healthwise Knowledgebase, horse chestnut should not be taken by patients using heparin, ticlopidine, or warfarin. Patients should check if their prescription medications have one of these drugs. Consult with a qualified health-care professional before administering to pregnant or nursing women. This herb is not suitable for children.