Horse Chestnut Seed Extract

Species Name: Aesculus hippocastanum

Also Known as: Chestnut seed extract, buckeye, Spanish chestnut

Horse chestnut seed extract comes from the seed of the tree, though other portions of the tree are used as well. The seed variety of the extract is available as a cream or as a capsule and may be contained in other supplement products.

The tree is native to Greece and Bulgaria and is not related to the California Buckeye tree.

Home Remedies Using Horse Chestnut Seed Extract:

Benefits of Horse Chestnut Seed Extract:

This extract has been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency. The condition is one in which the veins do not efficiently move blood from the lower extremities to the heart. This often causes health conditions such as pain and ankle swelling, linked to edema.

Varicose veins are also a common side effect of venous insufficiency. Many people experience leg cramping at night, a feeling of heaviness in their legs and a painful itch.

In order to use horse chestnut seed extract, individuals can take a capsule of the product as directed by the manufacturer or their doctor. In some studies, the application of a cream variety of the extract to varicose veins has been helpful in relieving the pain and discomfort this condition causes.

Horse chestnut seed extract can also help to reduce some of the symptoms of poor blood circulation, such as the accompanying pain, tiredness, legs swelling, water retention, and itching.

In addition to this, the seed extract has also been shown to work as a topical treatment for hemorrhoids.

Side Effects of Horse Chestnut Seed Extract:

Most people should not use homemade preparations of this product. Raw seed extract can be poisonous. Purchase only products manufactured by a trusted company.

In some cases, the use of this product can cause itching, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea. It is only safe to use once the esculin is safely removed. If you are taking any other medications, consult your doctor prior to taking this extract. It can interfere with some medications, including blood thinners. In addition, it can be harmful if taken in the wrong dosage.