Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)

2017

Aesculus hippocastanum
Sapindaceae
Formerly Hippocastanaceae

Horse chestnut

Part used: dried seed (without hull)

leaf (topical only)

Harvestable status / sustainability: widely cultivated ornamental

Flavor: bitter, acrid

Energetics: dry, neutral to warming

Actions: anti-inflammatory, venotonic, anti-edematous, bitter, astringent,

expectorant, mildly narcotic

Horse chestnut is best thought of as a supreme toning remedy particularly of the

vasculature, stabilizing the endometrial lining of the blood vessels – which in turn
reduces plaque accumulation, improve venous insufficiency, and relieves congestion
and lymphatic swelling.

Indications:
• Aesculus is used mainly for congestion, pain, and a sensation of fullenss in the
lower body, and for its toning effect on the blood vessels. It can be thought to
regulate Qi and move Blood (Garran).
• Weiss describes its action as acting on “the connective tissue barrier between
blood vessels and tissue, where nutrients and gases diffuse, inhibiting exudation
and the development of oedema and reducing vascular fragility. The wall of the
vein becomes less permeable, and this inhibits oedema.”
• Relieves venous congestion - improves venous insufficiency characterized by
fatigue, heaviness, pruritis, pain in the hips and lower back, dull, aching pain
and fullness, rectal pain, throbbing, swelling/edema in legs, painful leg
cramping especially at night
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
2017

• Improves circulation, elasticity, and tonicity of blood vessels, decreases capillary

permeability, decreases edema from lymphatic congestion
o atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease
o varicose veins, spider veins
o hemorrhoids with fullness and pain, both topically and internally, with
Collinsonia, Hamamelis, Calendula
• Rheumatism , arthritic conditions
• Peripheral neuropathies – Reynaud’s, diabetic neuropathy, etc.
• Neuralgias; Carpal tunnel syndrome, topically and internally; Bell’s palsy
• Post-traumatic and post-surgery pain and swelling, sprains, bruises, edema
• Can also be used topically as a poultice or ointment/cream for sprains, bruises,
trauma, varicosities, hemorrhoids

Safety, Contraindications, Interactions and/or Toxicity:

• AHPA Safety Class 1, Interaction Class A
• Occasional allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Mainly
any side effects are mild and include dizziness, nausea, headache, and G.I.
complaints.
• Studies indicate potential safety during pregnancy but it should be used with
caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Some sources
recommend avoiding during lactation although there is no definitive evidence of
harm.
• Some sources cite a theoretical interaction with anti-coagulants but this has not
been observed.
• More serious reported adverse effects are when using intravenous preparations
• Fresh unprocessed seed should not be eaten, and other parts of the plant (bark,
leaves, capsule) should not be used. The triterpene saponin glycoside aesculin
breaks down blood proteins and can cause vomiting, mucous membrane
inflammation, thirst, twitching, weakness, and paralysis. Fatality very rare –
usually in repeated overdose only. Related to hydroxycoumarin in leguminous
plants that when fermented thins the blood.
• Used widely and considered safe in Europe; Mills and Bone: “very low risk
associated with oral or topical administration of horsechestnut seed”

Preparation:
Tincture
Capsule
Topical preparations: cream, salve, oil

Dosage:
½-2 ml three times per day as tincture (see below)
500 mg 2-4 times per day as capsule (total 1-2 g dried seed daily)
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
2017

Major plant constituents: Triterpene saponin glycosides (aescin), tannins, sterols,

hydroxycoumarins - coumarin derivatives (aesculetin, aesculin), flavones, fatty acids.
Aescin in particular reduces “the number and diameter of the small pores in the
capillary membranes” (Weiss)

Additional notes:
• Some herbalists recommend tincture doses much higher than typically used in
the U.S.: Mills & Bone: 5-15 ml 1:5 tincture per day; Hoffmann: 1-4 ml 3 x day
• Not interchangeable with native Aesculus glabra and A. flava (buckeye), which
shares some of the same properties but is less effective and is considered narcotic
and toxic. Ellingwood discusses using it topically for hemorrhoids, headache,
and backache. Leached and roasted buckeyes were eaten by Native Americans.
• Leaf can also be used for topical applications
• The seed of Aesculus chinensis is used in China as a sweet, warming remedy to
regulate Liver and Stomach Qi in cases of
o abdominal fullness, distention, bloating, and pain, and for
o premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness (with Liquidambar and
Cyperus)

Sources:
AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition
Blumenthal, ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs
Bone and Mills, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
Brinker, Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Chen and Chen, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology
Ellingwood, American Materia Medica
Felter-Lloyd, King’s American Dispensatory
Gaby, A to Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions
Garran, Western Herbs in Chinese Medicine
Hoffmann, Medical Herbalism
PDR for Herbal Medicines, Second Edition
Skenderi, Herbal Vade Mecum
Turner and Szczawinski, Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America
Trickey, Women, Hormones, and the Menstrual Cycle
Weiss, Herbal Medicine
Winston and Kuhn, Herbal Therapy and Supplements