Naturopathy

buckeye

Synonyms in a broader sense

Latin name: Aesculus hippocastanum

genus: Horse chestnut family

Common names: Fopp chestnut, wild chestnut, horse chestnut, white chestnut, gout tree, wild chestnut

English: horse chestnut, chestnut, buckeye

General

The most important active ingredient of the horse chestnut is aescin, this reduces the production of inflammatory substances.

From the up to 35 meter high deciduous tree and medicinal plant horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) are used for medical purposes today only the dried seeds used.
Earlier one used also the Leaves and the bark. Today the horse chestnuts are largely imported from Eastern European countries.
The main pharmacologically active ingredient of the horse chestnut is Aescin, a mixture of different triterpene saponins (esculus saponins).
The Aescin inhibits the body's own production of inflammatory substances and reduces the activity of the enzymes, which could break down the vessel walls.

history

The original home the horse chestnut is that Balkans or Middle East.
First in the 16th century the first trees were discovered in Greece and later in Vienna. Since the fruit the horse chestnut only for that Feeding the horses were used, received it so hers Names.
The chestnuts are not edible for humans. The medicinal properties of the horse chestnut were first reported by a French doctor in 1896.
The active ingredient was successful at hemorrhoids used. In folk medicine, the bark used to be used to treat fever and malaria applied. In addition, one made from the horse chestnut leaves Cough tea here.
Of the Popular belief also said to avoid gout and rheumatism should carry some chestnuts in his pocket.

The plant

The medicinal plant buckeye belongs to the family Hippocastanaceae. It is a leafy, deciduous tree up to 35 m tall.
Chestnuts are well known and widely used in parks and gardens.
In spring, from April to June, carry the branches thick, cone-shaped, white buds, also "Candles" called. The leaves consist of five to seven fingers.
in the September mature spherical, glossy brown seeds of the horse chestnut in yellow-green, prickly capsules approach and, when ripe, jump out of the bowl. The Seeds of the Horsechestnut are not for consumption suitable.

Plant parts used medicinally

Mainly the seeds, rarely also the flowers, leaves and bark.

ingredients

Aesculus saponins (aescin), tannins

Therapy and areas of application

The extracts of horse chestnut seeds are used medicinally, particularly to treat leg vein complaints.
The aescin contained in the medicinal plant horse chestnut increases the tone of the veins and the flow rate of the blood and thus prevents the formation of edema (water accumulation in the tissue).
Pain and heaviness in the legs can be reduced.
The uses of horse chestnut seed extracts for chronic venous diseases such as:

Varicose veins
Swelling
Muscle spasms
Itching or
Pain.

The active ingredient seals the vessel walls. Less fluid can accumulate in the surrounding tissue and thus lead to problems. After two weeks, it is possible that the circumference of the feet and lower legs has decreased after ingesting horse chestnut seeds.

The horse chestnut seed is not effective in the case of congestion of the lymphatic system or in the case of heart failure (heart failure).

Dosage form

The majority of the ready-made preparations contain an aqueous-alcoholic dry extract in the form of:

Capsules
Dragees or
Tablets

The aescin content over the day is important for the success of the therapy.
The recommended amount is included 50 to a maximum of 150 mg per day (possibly in "retard" form).
In addition to taking horse chestnut seed extracts, an accompanying therapy with compressions, leg wraps and cold leg puffs should be carried out.
To external application are horse chestnut extracts in the form of Gels, ointments and Sprays offered
Gels and ointments should only be used externally for the prophylaxis and therapy of venous congestion, Bruises and Bruising (Hematoma), for this type of therapy there is currently no scientific knowledge about the effectiveness.

Manufacturer and trade name

Manufacturers are named as examples and were selected at random. we have with none Manufacturers a personal connection!

Venostasin® Gel 40 ml € 6.45

Venostasin® Gel 100 ml € 12.00

Venostasin® Cream 50 g € 6.95

Venostasin® Cream 100 g € 12.60

Venostasin® retard capsules 20 pieces € 12.40

Venostasin® retard capsules 100 pieces € 48.50

Venostasin® S capsules (strong) 20 pieces € 16.00

Venostasin® S capsules (strong) 100 pieces € 63.00

Side effect and interaction

In individual cases, the following symptoms may occur after taking horse chestnut seeds (Aesculus hippocastanum), as the saponins contained have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane:

itching
nausea
diarrhea
Stomach discomfort / inflammation of the gastric mucosa

It should be noted in particular that the tea preparations made from the leaves of the horse chestnut or the consumption of the seeds can lead to poisoning!

Furthermore, the coumarin and aescin content can have an anti-clotting effect.
Therefore, be careful when taking Marcumar or aspirin at the same time.

In addition, allergic reactions cannot be ruled out when taking horse chestnut seeds.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Aesculus hippocastanum in homeopathy

The middle Aesculus is obtained from the fresh and peeled fruits. It is used with congested veins either in the portal vein area as well as at Varicose veins. Also at jammed and bleeding hemorrhoids. But also with chronic constipation with peg feeling in the anus and at Inflammation in the windpipe or larynx if the lining is dry accompanied. The most common potencies are D1 to D3.

You can find out more about this under our topic: Aesculus hippocastanum