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Preparation of Horse Chestnut Seed Extract

Horse chestnut seed extract comes from the fruit or nut of the Aesculus hippocastanum, a tall tree that grows predominately in Europe. It is used medicinally and topically for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or sports injuries--such as sprains. However, due to the highly toxic properties of the seeds, these nuts should never be digested without proper processing. Doing so might prove harmful.

  1. Preparation

    • Horse chestnuts usually need to be soaked in lime juice before they are peeled and smashed for their pulp, which is rich in bioactive ingredients, such as aescin. Aescin is a component that fortifies veins and capillaries, encouraging healthy circulation. Horse chestnut in its raw form should never be eaten--especially not the seeds, which can be poisonous. Processing the seeds involves removing a toxic substance called, esculin, which can increase bleeding and deactivate the body's blood-clotting mechanism. Once this substance is removed, the result is HCSE, which is the purest form of horse chestnut seed extract and is perfectly safe for consumption. However, most people who use it choose other standard preparations, such as ointments, tinctures or capsules.

    Ointment

    • Horse chestnut seed extract can be purchased at pharmacies as an over-the-counter cream or ointment. The most common use in this form is to treat hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are characterized by swollen veins around the rectum and anus. This can be accompanied by severe straining during elimination and sometimes constipation. Horse chestnut seed extract has beneficial properties as an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory substance, which can relieve hemorrhoids. In addition, horse chestnut seed extract in ointment form continues to be popular in Europe, used for sports injuries--such as muscle aches, strained tendons, or ligaments and sprains.

    Capsules/ Tinctures

    • For people suffering from varicose veins, spider veins or other peripheral vascular conditions, sometimes resulting from chronic venous insufficiency, taking horse chestnut seed extract can help normalize the swelling in the veins that often accompanies the condition. Horse chestnut seed extract acts like a diuretic, while strengthening the collagen in the veins. Most people with this condition take horse chestnut seed extract in capsule form or as a tincture. If unsure of the proper dosage for your condition, consult your regular physician first. Mainly, because overdosing on horse chestnut seed extract may have a detrimental effect on your condition.

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