Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut seed was traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia and conditions of venous congestion, particularly with dull, aching pain and fullness. Other major uses include rectal complaints and reflex conditions attributed to rectal involvement (including headache, spasmodic asthma, dizziness, disturbed digestion). Research now suggests horse chestnut seed as a suitable remedy for lower limb circulatory disorders such as varicose veins.
Horse chestnut has a tonic effect on the veins through aiding in contraction, venous pressure and assisting lymphatic valve function. Clinical studies have shown horse chestnut to improve the tone of connective tissue and improve circulation by toning the veins.
Results demonstrate 73% improvement in blood viscosity in the lower extremities after patients received horse chestnut extract. Many studies have shown horse chestnut to significantly improve symptoms of oedema, cramps, pain, fatigue and sensation of heaviness in the lower leg. Research involving thousands of patients with chronic venous insufficiency, receiving standardised horse chestnut extract, experienced dramatic improvements in all lower limb symptoms.
Horse chestnut extract has been shown to demonstrate strong antioxidant activity in vitro against cell damage induced by active oxygen. Protection against lipid peroxidation and the damaging effects of free radicals have been noted. These additional effects may provide additional long-term benefits for lower limb health and protection.
Escin, the main active constituent of horse chestgnut, has been shown to reduce the localised oedema associated with inflammation and acts by reducing capillary permeability to water, thus reducing the 'leakiness' of blood vessels leading to water retention. The use of horse chestnut in reducing oedema in patients is equivalent to that achieved by compression stocking therapy.
Potential applications of horse chestnut include prophylactic use to decrease the incidence of deep vein thrombosis following surgery (DVT). Horse chestnut is useful for economy class syndrome (long haul airline travel), venous insufficiency (especially varicose veins, haemorrhoids), rheumatism, neuralgia and disease states associated with inflammatory congestion e.g. leg ulceration. Horse chestnut is also beneficial in disorders of local tissue oedema such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Bell's palsy, dysmenorrhoea, intervertebral disc lesions, soft tissue injuries, swelling and minor surgery.
Horse chestnut should not be applied to broken or ulcerated skin.