Commission E endorses Horse Chestnut for treating varicose veins. Varro Tyler, Ph.D., dean and professor emeritus of pharmacognosy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is also an advocate. In his book, Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals, he singles out Horse Chestnut seed as by far the most effective plant drug for treating varicose veins.

Japanese scientists tested 65 plant extracts and found seven that showed sufficient antioxidant activity to have potential against wrinkles. The four popular ones are Horse Chestnut, Witch Hazel, Rosemary and Sage. Soothing and astringent salves containing these herbs are available.

Contains several chemicals that help treat hemorrhoids. Aesculin and aescin strengthen blood vessel walls, reducing risk of further hemorrhoids. Other chemicals in this herb have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Some experiments have shown that Horse Chestnuts does help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. About 5 to 10 percent of the active chemicals are absorbed if you take this herb orally.

Read More About It

• Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: Horse chestnut.

• Horse Chestnut (Woodland Health) by Rita Elkins.

products | articles menu |  news | fyi | home