Useful properties and use of horse chestnut, contraindications. Horse chestnut: description and composition What diseases horse chestnut is used for

In Soviet times, chestnut trees were planted along city alleys and highways to absorb smog and carbon dioxide. Few people know that ordinary horse chestnut, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which will be discussed below, is used not only by healers of traditional medicine. An extract from parts of the plant is part of some medicinal medicines.

The tree has a wide palette of effects on the body. This effect is due to the constituent ingredients horse chestnut.

It includes:

  • Tannins - have a protective and astringent effect;
  • Vitamin C - helps eliminate inflammation, strengthens defenses;
  • Vitamin K - prevents hemorrhages, strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
  • Coumarin - heals wounds, reduces blood clotting;
  • Pectins - remove toxic substances, suppress pathogenic flora in the intestine;
  • Carotene - protects the body from carcinogens, prevents cardiovascular disease.

In addition, the plant contains many other healing elements, such as flavonoids, organic acids, globulin lecithin, fatty oils, B vitamins, and minerals.

An extract from flowers, leaves, fruits is used to cure many ailments.

In alternative and official medicine, the following properties of horse chestnut have been used:

  • Anti-inflammatory and analgesic;
  • Decongestant and diaphoretic;
  • Venotonic, antithrombotic;
  • Antipyretic, bactericidal;
  • Antitumor, antioxidant;
  • Anti-sclerotic;
  • Astringent, wound healing;
  • Hemostatic.

Traditional healers prepare tinctures, ointments, decoctions from horse chestnut. To make the prepared medicine safe and effective, the procurement of raw materials cannot be carried out within the city or radiation areas.

Leaves and flowers should not be damaged by insects, the bark must be chosen without mold. It is necessary to dry parts of the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight, so as not to spoil the quality of the raw materials.

Benefits for various diseases

Useful properties of horse chestnut extend to a large number of diseases. The tree, first of all, is valued for its ability to normalize the protein formula of the blood, preventing blood clots. Horse chestnut is used to treat high blood pressure, nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, hemorrhagic diathesis.

flowers

The tree begins to bloom in May. It is during this period after a long winter, when the body is most weakened, with the help of chestnut flowers, immunity can be significantly increased. The juice from fresh flowers has a restorative effect.

The flowers must be crushed with a blender or in a meat grinder, squeeze the juice. Take this medicine for 30 - 35 drops half an hour before meals three times a day. In addition, fresh juice helps with varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids.

The medicine has one big drawback, its use is limited to the flowering season. But in this situation, you can find a way out. Flowers need to be dried. After drying, tinctures, ointments are prepared from the flowers, which are used to treat trophic ulcers, endarteritis, prostate adenoma, uterine bleeding, radiation sickness.

Leaves

The leaves of the plant have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are used for inflamed veins in the legs, trophic ulcers on the lower leg, with spasms of blood vessels, venous congestion.

  1. Medicines are prepared from the leaves that normalize the water and salt balance, which is necessary in the treatment of rheumatism and gout.
  2. Decoctions and infusions from the leaves of horse chestnut treat the respiratory organs with a cold, this remedy helps well with bronchial asthma, bronchitis, tracheitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia.
  3. The leaves have a calming effect on the nervous system, normalize sleep, facilitate the process of falling asleep, and eliminate signs of stress.

The diuretic effect is used for urinary tract ailments, as well as for edema of various origins.

Fruit

The chestnut nut is harvested at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. After assembly, the fruits are dried, crushed, infused or boiled, sometimes used in fresh. Processing depends on the purpose of use.

Dried crushed walnut kernels are used by folk doctors to treat weeping erosions. Tinctures and ointments, which include chestnut fruits, help with joint pain, inflamed muscles, salt deposits, and arthritis.

Bark

The bark is harvested in the autumn months, at which time it is saturated with the greatest amount of healing components. The bark on the trunk and young branches contains escin, tannins, glycosides, fatty oil substances.

The use of chestnut bark is based on tannic and astringent properties:

  • dental infections;
  • diseases of the upper respiratory tract - rinses are prescribed;
  • candidiasis, cervical erosion, vaginitis infusion and diluted decoction is used for douching;
  • hemorrhoids - sitz baths with a decoction of the bark are used.

By rinsing and douching, they achieve the establishment of the natural flora, while pathogenic microorganisms die. The mucous membrane is restored, the inflammatory reaction is removed, pain is eliminated.

An aqueous infusion of the bark or clusters of flowers is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, ulcers, inflammation of the spleen, diarrhea, diseases of the liver and gallbladder.

The use of horse chestnut

Horse chestnut has found its application not only for the treatment of diseases, but also in cosmetology. The plant received such use due to its mineral and vitamin substances. The plant helps to fight inflammatory reactions on the skin of the face, the whole body. Skin cells are enriched with beneficial trace elements, delaying aging.

Except medicines other products based on chestnut are highly valued. For example, chestnut honey is the best natural antibiotic, destroys pathogenic organisms, easily fights colds and flu, and boosts immunity. Among other things, you can easily prepare chestnut kvass, which is made from fruits or flowers. This drink has healing properties and a pleasant taste.

Tincture

You can prepare the tincture yourself or buy a ready-made version at the pharmacy.

  • 100 g of fruits with peel are crushed to a powder state;
  • pour vodka so that the raw material is completely immersed;
  • insist 21 days in a dark place;
  • drink 10-12 drops twice a day.

The remedy is prepared from dried flowers, leaves, from the green peel of fruits. In addition, the medicine at home can be made water-based. This chestnut tincture has an antioxidant effect, speeds up metabolic processes, and is often used to get rid of excess weight and eliminate the symptoms of menopause.

Extract

You can extract useful substances from horse chestnut using the maceration method. The extract is prepared both from dried flowers and from fresh ones.

  • 6 table. l. raw materials are poured into 1 liter of water;
  • bring to a boil, but do not boil;
  • cover with a lid, insist 12 hours.

At fibrous mastopathy, tendency to bleeding, hemoptysis, you need to drink an infusion per day, in small sips every hour.

Ready pharmacy extract is available in 50 ml bottles, indications for use are described in detail in the instructions. More often than not, chestnut extract is prescribed for cramps in the calves, severity lower extremities, trophic disorders, venous veins. The tool is also used in complex treatment swelling after surgery or after injury.

Decoction

For external use, decoctions are prepared from all parts of the tree, but in most cases they take the bark, young branches or fruits.

  • grind dried raw materials in a coffee grinder;
  • 100 g of the mixture must be filled with 1.5 liters of water;
  • bring to a boil, boil for half an hour over low heat;
  • insist until completely cooled.

Sitz baths with a decoction have an analgesic effect on hemorrhoids, normalize the microflora in inflammatory diseases of the female genital tract. Warm broth is washed with trophic ulcers.

A decoction of chestnut leaves and flowers is taken orally for salt deposition, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism, vascular spasms, inflammation respiratory tract. In some regions, decoction protects skin covering from sunburn and treat dermatological problems.

Ointment

If you take any fatty base, you can prepare an ointment from chestnut parts.

Noteworthy is this recipe:

  • melt 200 g of lard in a water bath;
  • put 5 crushed fruits and some chestnut flowers;
  • bring to a boil, stir constantly;
  • dip 20 g of beeswax into the hot mixture.

When the wax is melted, strain the ointment and store on a refrigerator shelf. Chestnut ointment relieves muscle tension, improves blood circulation in the legs, increases skin elasticity, relieves swelling. With varicose veins, the limbs are massaged with ointment from the bottom up, first the feet, then the knees.

Oil

The ability of the oil to reduce the subcutaneous fat layer, swelling, smooth wrinkles is used for a puffy face, double chin, bags under the eyes. The skin is rubbed with oil twice a day.

Horse chestnut is included in many venotonic creams - 911 balm, Venoton gel, Venitan ointment. Such ointments and creams strengthen capillary walls, prevent blood stasis, reduce inflammatory processes and puffiness.

The technology for making chestnut oil at home is quite simple:

  • Several fruits and flowers are ground to powder;
  • Pour in any liquid unrefined vegetable oil;
  • Put in a water bath, languish for 1 hour after boiling.

The oil is allowed to cool, then filtered through layers of gauze. Chestnut oil is used as a means for massage, as well as for the preparation of masks for the body, face, hair.

Contraindications for use

Due to its natural composition, the medicine from various parts of horse chestnut is used in various diseases. But, despite the naturalness of the remedy, there are still contraindications.

  1. Pregnancy and lactation.
  2. Failure of the menstrual cycle.
  3. Atony of the intestine.
  4. Low pressure.
  5. Chronic diseases of the kidneys and liver.
  6. Children's age up to 14 years.

Contraindications are mainly associated with the ability to thin the blood. If used pharmaceutical preparations based on horse chestnut, you must first consult your doctor.

Many people are familiar with a beautifully flowering tree with a regular crown and large dissected leaves - horse chestnut. The use of its seeds, bark and flowers in folk medicine started several centuries ago. Healers and healers empirically came to the conclusion about the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, prescribed its decoctions and infusions for varicose veins, hemorrhoids. The study of the chemical composition and effects of drugs on the human body allowed specialists to systematize information about the medical use of this tree species.

Horse chestnut (Aesculus)

Genus Aesculus by modern classification belong to the Sapindaceae family. Decorative qualities are high in almost all trees belonging to this systematic group. For example, horse chestnut is a tall deciduous tree that blooms in April - June. The flowers have irregular shape, they white color, with red-pink stripes and specks. Pyramidal panicles of another popular type - meat-red horse chestnut - a beautiful pink or dark red color. Ripe fruits are round boxes the size of a large walnut. They are covered with pointed soft spikes. Inside are large brown seeds (1-2 in a box). Fruit ripening time - September-October.

The triumph of the woody plant in medicine

Of all the representatives of the genus Aesculus, Aesculus hippocastanum has the greatest medicinal value. So called in scientific publications ordinary horse chestnut. The use of this plant in veterinary practice has been mentioned since 1556, when the doctor P. Andreas Mattioli advised horse owners to feed the fruits of the tree to animals suffering from shortness of breath.

Later it turned out that chestnut is good for human health - it treats diseases caused by various disorders of blood circulation in the body. Around 1866, horse chestnut tincture appeared in European pharmacies. The use of this drug was recommended by doctors for the following diseases: varicose veins, hemorrhoids, chronic inflammation intestines, gout. Help with skin diseases and rheumatism flowers and leaves (herb horse chestnut). The use of the decoction is external and internal.

The main indications for the use of the plant

Scientific and practical medicine finally recognized horse chestnut tincture effective medicine only at the very end of the 19th century, after publications in one of the scientific journals of France. The main indications for the use of decoctions, infusions and tinctures of horse chestnut have not changed much over 120 years:

  • leg ulcers;
  • varicose disease;
  • chronic digestive disorders;
  • muscle inflammation;
  • neuralgia;
  • haemorrhoids.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

In folk and official medicine, the bark, leaves, flowers and fruits of the horse chestnut plant are used. Application in medicinal purposes implies correct workpiece raw materials. The bark is removed from branches that have reached the age of 3-5 years, during sap flow. Panicle inflorescences are cut in May (during the flowering period). The raw materials are dried a little in the sun, the main drying is carried out in the shade.

The leaves are harvested in May - September. Early collection is preferable, because in summer the chestnut moth infects the tree, the leaves turn yellow, turn brown and become unsuitable for treatment. The fruits are harvested already in their mature form, when the peel begins to turn yellow and crack, and the seeds fall to the ground. The bark, flowers and leaves are laid out to dry in the shade to ensure uniform drying and preservation. useful substances. Fruits are stored at temperatures up to 25 ° C.

Chemical composition

In all parts of the plant, a high content of biologically active substances is observed, which has a diverse effect on the human body. Pharmacological activity contributed to the growth in popularity of the horse chestnut plant. The use in medicine is based on the rich chemical composition flowers, leaves, bark and fruit. The plant contains: catechin tannins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and vitamins B 1 , B 2 , K, phenols and phenolcarboxylic acids, coumarins, saponins, tannins, aldehydes.
Horse chestnut glycosides:

  • esculin, fraxin (coumarin);
  • aescins, hypocaesculin (triterpene);
  • quercitrin, quercetin and kaempferol (flavonoids).

The flowers are rich in glycosides, sugars, mucous and pectin compounds. The seeds also contain phytosterols, sugars, saponins, bitter and protein compounds, and a lot of fatty oil. In the leaves, in addition to the compounds listed above, there are rutin, lutein, violaxanthin. Content of some compounds (%):

  • pectin, starch - about 50;
  • proteins - 11;
  • sugars - 9;
  • fatty oil - up to 7;
  • tannins - about 0.9.

Horse chestnut flowers: medicinal uses

Biologically active ingredients found in flowers and other organs of horse chestnut. They contribute to an increase in blood filling of the veins, increase their tone. All these properties are very important for the treatment of venous obstruction. From the flowers, a horse chestnut tincture rich in flavonoids and saponins is prepared. Application:

  • with varicose veins;
  • for the treatment and prevention of thrombophlebitis;
  • increased resistance of the vascular wall, vein tone.

Horse chestnut: bark application

The glycosides esculin and fraxin present in the raw material are good anticoagulants. Therefore, the bark is used as a hemostatic agent, its decoction helps with hemorrhoidal and uterine bleeding. The drugs have anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic properties, are used to treat varicose veins, leg ulcers resulting from spasm. Baths with a decoction or infusion of the bark are useful for neuralgia, these procedures reduce inflammation in muscle tissue. Take drugs inside for chronic colitis, gastritis, diarrhea, chronic bronchitis.

Medicinal properties of horse chestnut fruit

The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing properties of chestnut seeds are valued in official and alternative medicine. Decoctions of fruits and leaves are prescribed for boils, abscesses and burns. Powder is used for ulcers, for which it is necessary to dry and then grind the fruits of horse chestnut. Decoction application:

  • prepare 10 g of seed powder;
  • pour raw materials with 1 glass of hot water;
  • boil for 30 minutes in a water bath, covered with a lid;
  • strain hot and bring boiled water to the original volume.

Two or three days should be taken 1 tbsp. l. this decoction 1 time per day, then increase the multiplicity to 2-3 times a day. The duration of taking this medication for venous insufficiency is 0.5-2 months. With hemorrhoids - no more than 1 month.

Types and forms of medicinal preparations from horse chestnut grass

Back in the middle of the twentieth century, the German pharmaceutical industry began to produce horse chestnut venotonic preparations. Then the production of oral solutions, ointments and creams with an extract of the fruits, flowers and bark of this healer tree was established around the world. Active substance drugs - glycoside escin. In the names of medicines, the Latin term Aesculus (Aesculus) is more often “played out”.

The pharmaceutical industry produces fruit extract. Release form - oral solution and tablets. The name of the medicine is Aescusan. Produced on the basis of dry extract of horse chestnut plant. Instructions for use contains a clarification that this is a phytopreparation. In fact, oral drops are a pharmacy tincture of horse chestnut. Indications:

The main contraindication may be hypersensitivity to the main and auxiliary components: escin, thiamine chloride, ethyl alcohol (as part of drops).

Take the drug inside before meals, 10-15 drops diluted in liquid, or 2-3 tablets. Multiplicity and duration of admission - 3 times a day for 3 months.

Occasionally on the shelves of pharmacies you can see horse chestnut oil. Application - external - based on venotonic and lymphatic drainage effects. Assign for varicose veins, edema, spider veins. Oil is prepared from fruits and flowers by extraction with other oils. As a result, the final product is enriched with escin, terpenoids, resins, flavonoids, and vitamins. The oil can be used to make home cosmetics, fight cellulite, wrinkles, improve the condition of the skin and blood vessels.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Traditional medicine has long used horse chestnut in the treatment of many diseases, including hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, bleeding, varicose veins, etc. But official medicine does not lag behind unofficial medicine, including this plant in many medicines. Let's talk about what properties horse chestnut has won its place in the pharmacopeia, how to properly take and prepare preparations from this plant, which has a wide range of effects on the human body. In addition, this article will provide recipes for remedies that will help get rid of diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, etc.

Description of the horse chestnut plant

horse chestnut(epithet ordinary helps to distinguish it from other species belonging to the genus horse chestnut) belongs to the horse-chestnut family, and is a tree whose height reaches 36 meters.

Horse chestnut (hereinafter, this name will be used, without the epithet "ordinary") has a low-lying spreading domed crown and a trunk of a regular cylindrical shape. At the same time, the trunk of this wind-resistant plant with a powerful root system is dressed in a dark brown lamellar bark.

Horse chestnut leaves are palmately complex and slightly serrated, with long petioles.

White flowers, enclosed in erect cone-shaped panicles, the size of which is 10 - 30 cm, have small yellow spots(or specks). Each panicle consists of 20 - 50 flowers, which have an interesting property: for example, yellow spots turn red after the flowers stop producing nectar. The change in color of the spots is a kind of signal for pollinating insects that stop visiting flowers.

Most often, one panicle contains 1 - 5 fruits, which are green boxes with many thorns. In such boxes you can find one (rarely two or three) nut seeds, which are popularly called chestnuts. The size of each shiny brown chestnut is 2 - 4 cm in diameter (at the base, the fruits of the horse chestnut, ripening in August - September, have a whitish scar).

I must say that the tree got its name for several reasons - firstly, due to the similarity of the shade of the shell of the horse chestnut fruit with the "ordinary" chestnut, and secondly, because of the leaf scars remaining on the shoots of the plant after leaf fall, and reminiscent of in its form a horseshoe.

In addition, there is a version according to which the seeds of this plant were brought to the territory of Central Europe by the Turks as food for horses. It was for the purpose of distinguishing fodder fruits from edible chestnuts that the first were called horse chestnuts.

Where does the horse chestnut tree grow?

The homeland of the horse chestnut is the south of the Balkan Peninsula, namely Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Bulgaria, where this tree grows in deciduous forests, adjacent to alder, ash, as well as maple and linden.

On the territory of Russia, horse chestnut is cultivated in a zone with a temperate climate, that is, in areas of the European part of the country.

Collection and storage

Between May and June (that is, after the flowering period), the fan-shaped branches of the horse chestnut abound with green cocoons covered with long thorns. In such cocoons there are fruits-nuts with medicinal properties. At the same time, not only the fruits of the plant, but also all its other parts can boast of healing qualities: roots, leaves, flowers, bark, as well as nut shells.

Seeds (or fruits) horse chestnut is cleaned of pericarp and dried, laid out on racks with a layer not exceeding 5 cm thick. The raw material is dried for 3-4 weeks (when drying in special dryers at a temperature of 40-60 degrees, the process is reduced to 2-3 days). Properly dried fruits, which have a shelf life of two years, are distinguished by a round shape (fruit diameter is about 4 cm), rich brown color, a shiny surface, a gray spot at the very base of the fruit and an astringent taste.

Bark tree is collected in the spring (after pruning trees), being removed from the branches, which "turned" 3 - 5 years. The bark is dried in the attic or in a ventilated room. Dried horse chestnut bark is stored for a year.

Leaves horse chestnuts are harvested from May to September (it is important to prepare raw materials before the leaves begin to turn yellow). In the event that the harvesting of raw materials is carried out from the same tree, the leaves are collected at the end of summer, that is, before the leaves fall.

It is recommended to harvest leaves from young trees, the height of which does not exceed 2 - 3 meters, since the collection of a third of the foliage available on the tree will not harm it. Raw materials are dried under a canopy, in a dryer or in a room with well-organized ventilation, spreading out in a layer with a thickness of about 10 cm. In order to speed up the drying process, in the first two to three days, the drying foliage is turned over twice a day. In properly dried leaves, the petioles break during bending, while the raw material itself is distinguished by a green color, weak pleasant aroma and mild astringent taste. The shelf life of the leaves is one year.

Composition and properties of horse chestnut

Saponins (escin)
Action:
  • increased tone of venous vessels;
  • elimination of venous congestion;
  • stimulating the release of adrenal hormones;
  • strengthening vascular wall and capillaries;
  • removal of puffiness;
  • decreased lymph flow.
Tannins
This class of substances denatures protein cells, as a result of which a protective film is formed that has bactericidal and astringent properties, which has been used in the treatment of diseases. oral cavity, burns, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders and poisoning with heavy metals or plant poisons.

Starch
This complex carbohydrate, overcoming the gastrointestinal tract, is converted into glucose, which is the most important source of energy that ensures the full functioning of all muscle groups (including the heart).

Vitamin C
Action:

  • promotes the absorption of vitamin E;

  • participates in the synthesis of corticosteroid hormones responsible for adaptive reactions occurring in the body;
  • strengthens the immune system;
  • eliminates inflammation;
  • fights germs and viruses;
  • promotes collagen maturation.
Vitamin A
Action:
  • security normal growth and development of all internal organs;
  • strengthening and stabilization of cell membranes;
  • strengthening immunity;
  • contributing to the cure of oncological diseases;
  • maintaining the protective functions of the skin and promoting its regeneration.
Vitamin K
Action:
  • ensures the full functioning of the kidneys;
  • prevents hemorrhage, provoked by reduced blood clotting.
B vitamins
Action:
  • normalize the functioning of the brain, central nervous system, heart, vascular, endocrine, muscular, and digestive systems;
  • contribute to the synthesis of hemoglobin;
  • strengthen hair, skin, nails;
  • promote the production of steroid hormones.
Thiamine
Vitamin B 1 (or thiamine) takes an active part in all, without exception, the metabolic processes of the body, thereby normalizing the work of the digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. In addition, thiamine stimulates brain activity and promotes hematopoiesis, improves appetite and tones the intestines.

Coumarins
Action:

  • stopping the growth of tumor cells;
  • acceleration of wound healing;
  • decreased blood clotting;
  • reducing the risk of thrombosis.
Glycosides
Action:
  • regulation of the functioning of the heart;
  • stabilization of the central nervous system;
  • promoting vasodilation;
  • increased urine output;
  • neutralization of pathogenic microbes;
  • promoting liquefaction, as well as the removal of sputum.
Pectins
Action:
  • remove radionuclides, salts of heavy metals;
  • suppress putrefactive intestinal flora;
  • eliminate constipation;
  • reduce the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques;
  • normalize metabolism;
  • reduce cholesterol levels;
  • speed up the wound healing process.
Carotene
Action:
  • protection of the body from carcinogenic effects from various kinds of aggressive pro-oxidants;
  • suppression of premature aging processes;
  • reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as eye cataracts and other diseases provoked by the damaging effects of prooxidants;
  • suppression of the processes of gradual transformation of cells into malignant ones.

Flavonoids (rutin)
Action:
  • reduces fragility and permeability of capillaries;
  • dissolves atherosclerotic deposits;
  • promotes blood clotting;
  • reduces blood pressure;
  • slows down heartbeat;
  • lowers intraocular pressure;
  • enhances the process of bile formation;
  • relieves puffiness;
  • relieves allergies.
Slime
Action:
  • elimination of inflammation;
  • acceleration of wound healing;
  • promoting mucus excretion.
organic acids
Action:
  • contribute to the biosynthesis of alkaloids, glycosides and amino acids;
  • significantly slow down the putrefactive and fermentation processes in the intestines, thereby ensuring its regular emptying;
  • remove both toxins and toxins from the body;
  • improve the condition of blood vessels;
  • stimulate the formation of red blood cells;
  • normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
Lecithin
Action:
  • activates the course of oxidative processes;
  • provides a complete fat metabolism;
  • improves brain function;
  • normalizes the work of the heart;
  • increases the body's resistance to the negative effects of toxic substances;
  • stimulates the process of bile secretion;
  • participates in the formation of both erythrocytes and hemoglobin.
Globulin
Globulin binds sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone), thereby regulating their biological activity.

Fixed oils
Action:

  • regenerate tissues and cells of the body;
  • relieve inflammation;
  • regulate metabolic processes;
  • eliminate the harmful effects of carcinogens.
The composition of horse chestnut, in addition to the listed components, includes a whole complex of minerals, macro- and microelements, including calcium, iron, nickel, zinc, boron, chromium, barium, selenium, iodine and silver. This unique composition allows the plant to be widely used in the treatment of many diseases and conditions.

Horse chestnut properties

  • Painkiller;
  • hemostatic;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • wound healing;
  • bactericidal;
  • diuretic;
  • venotonic;
  • antithrombotic;
  • antioxidant;
  • decongestant;
  • antitumor;
  • diaphoretic;
  • antipyretic;
  • astringent;
  • anti-sclerotic.

Treatment with horse chestnut

What is useful?

1. Eliminates swelling and inflammation.
2. Slows down blood clotting.
3. Helps reduce blood viscosity.
4. Reduces capillary permeability.
5. Prevents thrombosis.
6. Normalizes acidity gastric juice.
7. Eliminates spasms of blood vessels.
8. Normalizes the secretory function of the gallbladder.
9. Relieves joint pain.
10. Normalizes the work of the heart and liver.
11. Increases the tone of venous vessels.
12. Accelerates blood flow in the veins.
13. Prevents the formation of stasis in the capillaries.
14. Enhances the production of antithrombin in the vascular system.
15. Reduces blood pressure.
16. Expands blood vessels.
17. Removes cholesterol.
18. Improves digestion.
19. Removes salt from the body.
20. Removes harmful substances (toxins, radionuclides).

What does horse chestnut treat?

Preparations, which include horse chestnut, are used in the treatment of such conditions and diseases:
  • malaria;
  • gallbladder disease;
  • diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • increased acidity of gastric juice;
  • diseases of the spleen;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • vasospasm;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • rheumatoid arthritis ;
  • neuralgia;
  • haemorrhoids;
  • whites;
  • endarteritis;
  • ulcers;
  • vein lesions provoked by trauma;
  • radiation sickness;
  • phlebeurysm;
  • radiculitis;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • BPH;
  • prostatitis;
  • hypertension;
  • bleeding of various origins;
  • increased blood clotting;
  • dyspnea;
  • joint pain;
  • venous congestion;
  • thromboembolism;
  • trophic ulcers of the lower leg;
  • muscle inflammation;
  • atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities;
  • salt deposits;
  • arteritis.

horse chestnut flowers

This part of the plant is used for rheumatism as a rub. In addition, horse chestnut flowers are used in the treatment of endarteritis, hemorrhoids, ulcers, radiation sickness, and prostate adenoma.

Leaves

The foliage of the tree is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for uterine bleeding and inflammation of the veins of the extremities.

Fruits (seeds)

The fruits of horse chestnut are indicated for varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, diarrhea. The fruits can be used both fresh (for example, for chronic diarrhea or malaria) and fried (for bleeding). In dry form, chestnut seeds, which are also called nuts, are used as an effective diuretic and diaphoretic for colds.

Bark

The bark of the plant is part of the antipyretic and astringent. In addition, horse chestnut bark is indicated in the treatment of all kinds of rheumatic diseases and neuralgia.

The use of horse chestnut

Tincture

Horse chestnut tincture is used in the treatment of thrombosis, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, prostatitis. In this case, you can use both the pharmacy version of the tincture, which is taken orally 15 drops three times a day before eating, and a self-prepared drug.

So, 10 g of flowers or chestnut fruits peeled from the "shell" are crushed and poured into 100 ml of vodka, then the remedy is placed for infusion for one week in a dark place. During infusion, the tincture must be shaken periodically. The filtered tincture is drunk 30 drops three times a day.

Externally, the tincture is used in the form of rubbing and compresses for rheumatism and sciatica.

Infusion

1 tsp crushed bark of the plant is poured with two glasses of chilled, but necessarily boiled water, after which the mixture is thawed for 8 hours, filtered and drunk in 2 tbsp. four times a day for diseases of the kidneys, gallbladder, intestines and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Decoction

5 g of flowers and the same amount of plant bark are crushed and placed in an enamel bowl, after which 200 ml of boiling water is poured. Next, the mixture is boiled over low heat for half an hour, carefully filtered through a triple layer of gauze. The resulting broth is brought to the original volume with boiled water, and taken in the first two days, 1 tbsp. once a day, while in the following days (provided that the remedy is well tolerated), the dose increases to three tablespoons per day (1 tablespoon three times a day). The course of treatment for inflammation of the veins of the extremities is from two to eight weeks, while for hemorrhoids - from one to four weeks. This recipe will help to cope with leukemia, shortness of breath, rheumatism.

flower juice

Juice prepared from fresh horse chestnut flowers is taken in 25-30 drops, which are diluted in a tablespoon of water. Such juice is drunk twice a day for varicose veins, as well as swelling of hemorrhoidal cones. The effect of taking the juice will not be visible immediately, but after 3-4 weeks: for example, hemorrhoidal pain will gradually subside, while the bumps themselves will dissolve (unless, of course, the disease is started).

Extract (extract)

Horse chestnut extract contains a large amount of escin, a substance by which edema is eliminated and leg fatigue is relieved during the treatment of varicose veins. In addition, the extract contains other saponins that protect capillaries from damage, eliminate inflammation and increase vein tone. Horse chestnut extract promotes normalization blood pressure and regulates the content of cholesterol directly in the blood, due to which it is widely used in the treatment of hypertension, thrombophlebitis and atherosclerosis.

Drops

Horse chestnut is produced in the form of a hydroalcoholic extract called Aescusan, which affects the body as follows:
  • reduces capillary permeability;
  • repeatedly increases the tone of venous vessels;
  • eliminates foci of inflammation;
  • prevents the formation of blood clots.
The drug, prescribed 15-20 drops three times a day, is indicated for the treatment of congestion and dilatation of the veins of the lower extremities, hemorrhoids and leg ulcers.

horse chestnut tablets

Esflazid tablets are an analogue of Escusan drops. The tablet form of horse chestnut preparations is convenient to use, as one capsule is taken one to two times a day for the first few days of treatment, while in subsequent days the dose is increased to three to four capsules per day. The duration of the course of treatment with Esflazid ranges from two weeks up to two to three months.

Horse chestnut oil

Oil action:
  • elimination of leg fatigue;
  • relieving muscle tension;
  • improvement of blood circulation;
  • soothing and toning the skin;
  • improvement of complexion;
  • exfoliation of the old (dead) layer of cells;
  • increase skin elasticity;
  • reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer;
  • stimulating the removal of toxins and toxins, which contributes to weight loss;
  • relieves puffiness and puffiness of the eyelids;
  • tightens and visibly smoothes wrinkles.
Oil properties:
  • decongestant;
  • tonic;
  • rejuvenating;
  • astringent;
  • soothing;
  • cleansing.
Indications for the use of horse chestnut oil:
1. Persons with an increased subcutaneous fat layer, that is, having a second chin or a modified oval face.
2. Patients suffering from varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and hemorrhoids.
3. Persons whose skin is prone to irritation.

The oil is applied with massaging movements on the lower limbs. In this case, the application of the agent is carried out in the direction of the vessels, that is, from the feet and to the knees.

The skin of the face is rubbed with oil twice a day.

Cream with horse chestnut

Action cream with horse chestnut:
  • contributing to the restoration of the structure of the skin;
  • strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
  • prevention of the development of varicose veins;
  • maintaining skin tone.
Pharmacy cream with horse chestnut will return lightness to the legs and give a feeling of comfort, making the skin of the legs smooth and soft.

You can also prepare a cream at home, for which 10 g of chopped chestnuts are mixed with olive oil until a homogeneous mass is obtained. This cream is applied to problem areas of the skin two to three times a day, and stored for no longer than two weeks in the refrigerator.

Ointment based on horse chestnut

Ointment based on horse chestnut quickly relieves inflammation and eliminates venous diseases, soothes the skin and relieves puffiness. To prepare it, grind 5 chestnuts or 5 tbsp. horse chestnut flowers. The resulting mass is poured with half a liter of vegetable oil, boiled in a water bath for an hour, cooled and filtered. The ointment is applied to the diseased areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.

Contraindications

Before using preparations based on horse chestnut, it is necessary without fail ) are absent on the fetus.

Important! In rare cases, and only as prescribed by a doctor, it is possible to take horse chestnut for edema of the lower extremities (but only in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the absence of nephropathy).

Horse chestnut recipes

Tincture for arthritis and rheumatism

50 g of well-chopped chestnut fruits are infused for two hours in half a liter of vodka. The resulting remedy rubs the diseased joints.

Tincture for arthrosis

The fruits of chestnuts, cut into four parts, are filled with a glass container, which is filled to the top with vodka. The container is closed with a lid. The remedy is infused for three weeks in a dark place. Tincture is moistened with cotton cloth, which is applied to the sore spot as a compress.

Infusion for warts

To prepare the infusion, an enameled bucket is half filled with horse chestnut leaves (flowers and crushed fruits can be used together with the leaves) and filled to the brim with boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused for 12 hours, after which you can take baths in the infusion, the temperature of which should be 38 - 40 degrees. Baths are taken no longer than 20 minutes. The course of treatment is 7 - 8 baths taken every other day.

Decoction with menopause

15 g of ripe chestnut skin should be poured with a glass of water. Next, the mixture is boiled for a quarter of an hour and infused for another hour and a half. This decoction is shown to be washed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Infusion for leukemia (leukemia)

8 tbsp dry horse chestnut flowers pour a liter of water, bring to a boil, then leave for one night in a warm place. The filtered infusion is drunk during the day in small sips.

Decoction for radiation sickness

6 tbsp dry flowers of the plant pour 1.5 liters of water, boil for 2 - 3 minutes, and then leave for another 8 hours. Strained infusion should be drunk during the day.

Ointment for neuralgia

Horse chestnut fruits, previously cleaned and crushed to a powdery state, are mixed in equal amounts with camphor oil, as well as melted lard (during heating, all components of the drug are mixed). After cooling, the ointment is applied in a thin layer on gauze, after which it is applied to the diseased area.

Tincture for gout

40 g of dried chestnut flowers are poured with a liter of medical alcohol and infused, stirring occasionally, for 7 days. A strained tincture is moistened with a bandage, which is applied to the affected areas (it is advisable to resort to using this recipe at the final stage of the attack).

Tincture for prostatitis

Pour a glass of flowers or peeled chopped horse chestnut fruits with a liter of vodka and leave to infuse in a dark place for one month. Strained tincture is taken 10 drops four times a day. The remedy is accepted during the month in which the drug treatment prostatitis. Then a month break is shown, after which the course is repeated to consolidate the result.

"Chestnut kvass"

Cut the horse chestnut fruits (25 pieces) into two halves, put them in a gauze bag, in which a small load in the form of a stone is also placed. The gauze bag is placed in a three- or five-liter jar, and filled with 2.5 liters of chilled boiled water. Then a glass of sugar and the same amount of whey are added to the mixture (for lack of whey, sour cream can be used).

Important! The gauze bag should be at the bottom of the jar, which is covered with a triple layer of gauze on top and placed in a warm and necessarily dark place for further fermentation. After two weeks, kvass can be consumed two glasses a day for one month.

After the kvass is filtered and filtered, the remaining chestnuts are again filled with water, to which a glass of sugar per three liters of water is added. Such a "secondary" kvass is ready for use a day after the starter culture. In this simple way, kvass is prepared from one serving of chestnuts for several months. But it is still recommended to add three to four new fruits to the starter every two weeks.

Kvass from horse chestnut fruits has a very pleasant taste and useful properties. So, this drink, which perfectly quenches thirst, helps to effectively cleanse the body of radionuclides, as well as heavy metals. In addition, such kvass restores the epithelium of the mucous membrane of both the stomach and intestines in a short time, not to mention providing the body with many mineral elements and vitamins that improve health.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist. Chestnut will put you on your feet - in the truest sense of the word

Traditional medicine has long used horse chestnut in the treatment of many diseases, including hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, bleeding, varicose veins, etc. But also official medicine does not lag behind the unofficial, including this plant in the composition of many medicines. Let's talk about what properties horse chestnut has won its place in the pharmacopeia, how to properly take and prepare preparations from this plant, which has a wide range of effects on the human body. In addition, this article will provide recipes for remedies that will help get rid of diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, etc.


Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown, which is formed by large, complex, opposite leaves with long petioles, five- or seven-fingered, stipules are absent. An adult plant reaches an average of 25 m in height. May is the time of tree flowering. Bell-shaped, bisexual, irregular flowers may be white or pale pink in color, the petals are fringed along the edge. The flowers are collected in erect large cone-shaped inflorescences with a double flower cover.


Fruits ripen from September to October - three-winged boxes with spikes, round in shape. Each box contains one, less often two seeds - flattened, shiny, dark brown with a gray spot. Horse chestnut in the wild grows in deciduous forests, it is specially grown in parks, squares middle lane the European part of the CIS countries, in the Caucasus, in Central Asia.

Useful properties of horse chestnut

For medicinal purposes, flowers, seeds, bark, leaves are used. Flowers and leaves are harvested in May: carefully cut and dried, constantly turning over and covering from direct sunlight. Seeds begin to be harvested in early September, dried for two to four weeks, scattered in a thin layer. Spring time is suitable for harvesting the bark, it is removed from the branches after pruning trees. The bark cut into pieces is dried under a canopy or in well-ventilated areas.

The seeds contain coumarin glycosides such as esculin, fraxin, escin. There are tannins, starch. The presence of fatty oil, triterpene saponin escin was revealed. The bark is rich in escin, tannins. In addition to esculin and fraxin, it contains vitamin C and thiamine. Horse chestnut leaves are endowed with glycosides, pectins and carotenoids. Flowers can saturate the human body with flavonoids. The effect of mucus, tannins and pectin substances is also useful.

The use of horse chestnut

Traditional medicine has accumulated rich experience in the use of horse chestnut, official medicine also widely uses the beneficial properties of this medicinal plant. Due to low toxicity and useful esculin, fraxin and excine, pharmacological properties Plants have an excellent effect on the body in many ailments. Alcoholic tinctures of seeds and flowers are popular. Chestnut relieves inflammation and swelling.

As a result of the action of horse chestnut, blood clotting slows down, so it is incredibly effective in thrombosis, it affects the decrease in capillary permeability. Esculin stimulates the production of a substance that prevents the formation of blood clots. A decoction of the bark effectively helps with malaria, diarrhea, diseases of the spleen, normalizes the acidity of gastric juice, ideal for treatment uterine bleeding, removes spasms of blood vessels, copes with violations of the secretory function of the gallbladder. Chestnut bark can also be used to treat acute bronchitis. From the flowers of the horse chestnut, a wonderful tincture is obtained, used for rubbing with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, with sciatica. A tincture of flowers on vodka or a decoction is a real elixir for disorders of the heart and liver. Gastritis, pulmonary tuberculosis, anemia and shortness of breath are well cured.

Taking 20 to 30 drops of fresh juice of chestnut flowers per 1 tablespoon of water 2 times a day, you can eliminate the stagnation of venous blood with varicose veins, hemorrhoids and trophic ulcers. In the fight against atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities, the effect of juice cannot be overestimated.

I drink an infusion of chestnut flowers every spring in a course of 2-3 weeks (actually, while the chestnut tree is blooming, since I prefer to use fresh raw materials) and I advise it to everyone, because this infusion has a rejuvenating effect. It greatly improves immunity, has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, resolving and soothing effects. Flower infusion cleanses the human body of salts of heavy metals and radionuclides. And of course, it is an excellent venotonic.

So many qualities, but in one infusion, wonderful.

Of course, flowers can be dried and harvested for future use, traditional medicine advises drinking such a remedy a couple of times a year. So it turns out, in the spring from fresh flowers (May), and in the fall (November) from dry raw materials.

Treatment with infusion of horse chestnut flowers

A decoction of chestnut flowers is prepared as follows: 50 g of flowers are poured with boiling water (250 g), infused for 2-3 hours, drink half a glass in the morning and evening. (50 g of this fresh raw material, approximately, is to pick flowers from half a brush of a medium-sized flowering chestnut, as for already dried flowers, they are lighter and need to be taken smaller - 1 - 1.5 tablespoons of crushed chestnut flowers per glass).

Sometimes flowers insist on a water bath, that is, the same amount chestnut color after pouring boiling water over low heat, keep in a water bath for 20 minutes. And then they insist. The solution is more concentrated, and you need to drink it in a third of a glass.

Chestnut blossom tincture

A tincture is also prepared from chestnut flowers. It is used in the treatment varicose veins veins of the lower extremities, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis.

For 100 grams of dried flowers, take a liter of alcohol or good vodka. Insist for 10-14 days in a dark, dry place. Take 25 drops (slightly less than a teaspoon) three times a day before meals for a month. In advanced cases, the tincture is drunk for 2 months, then a break for a month and the course is repeated again.

The tincture also helps with arthritis, rheumatic pains.

Juice is still squeezed out of chestnut flowers, grinding only the flowers themselves without “candle columns” in a meat grinder, they are also mixed with alcohol (as if medicinal raw materials are preserved in this way). Used mainly for varicose veins in all its manifestations.

Recipe for sinusitis from chestnut fruits

From a fresh chestnut (you can also take an already lain one, but first soak it in water for a day), “candles” (turundas) are cut out for insertion into the nasal passages. For security purposes (still in the nose foreign body potentially dangerous), the edge is stitched with a thread to make it easier to remove the candle after the procedure. A chestnut candle can be pricked with a toothpick, again for easier extraction from the nasal passages).

Insert alternately into one of the nostrils, while from the other, when you lie down, mucus will abundantly stand out and purulent discharge. Keep it short for 5-7 minutes, as sometimes a rather strong burning sensation from the candle can be felt. After the procedure, lubricate the nostril with castor or chamomile oil.

Usually 5-6 procedures are enough to improve the condition.

As always, I warn you, everything is individual, for someone the treatment of sinusitis with chestnut will end in a cure, and someone can get a burn of the mucosa if the time of the procedure is not observed. If it burns strongly, then I recommend reducing the time - set for 3-4 minutes.


Recipe for prostate adenoma

The peel removed from dry fruits is ground into powder. Measure out 25 gr. Pour half a bottle of vodka, insist for a month. Use 10-15 drops twice a day for 20 days. Then a 10-day break, then the course is repeated.

Prescription for uterine fibroids

Roast chestnut fruits, preferably in two or three doses, so that the fruits are fried, but not burned. Then grind in a coffee grinder. For treatment, a teaspoon of powder without a top is taken, diluted in a glass of boiling water. Drink this decoction a day, dividing the contents of the glass into three doses). Take a long time. Every month take a week break in treatment.

Fried fruits are also good for uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding (but only fried!)

Fresh fruits help with malaria and chronic dyspepsia (diarrhea)

Warning

In case of an overdose, it begins to reduce the fingers and toes, then be sure to reduce the dosage!

Everyone knows that horse chestnut effectively helps against varicose veins. But the color of this plant is able to eliminate not only vascular diseases. Traditional healers always prepare chestnut flowers for the future - the medicinal properties of the phyto-raw materials in question allow solving other problems of the body, as well as preventing premature aging skin.

For general strengthening of the body and the protective forces of immunity , cardiac activity, prevention of colds and viral diseases it is recommended to drink a course of medicine made from fresh inflorescences. For this you need:

  1. Rinse the flowers thoroughly under running water, grind into a pulp using a blender or meat grinder.
  2. Squeeze the resulting mass and drain the juice.
  3. Filter the liquid through gauze or cotton cloth.

This product should be stored in a glass container, preferably opaque and refrigerated. It is recommended to take the medicine 35 drops three times a day, regardless of when you eat.

This traditional medicine effectively soothes nervous system, normalizes blood pressure and heart rate, strengthens capillaries and blood vessels, rejuvenates the body. Moreover, the beneficial medicinal properties of chestnut flowers stimulate the production of immune cells, which protect against penetration into the mucous membranes of viruses and bacteria. The completed course of therapy at the end of May is an excellent prevention of influenza and SARS, since the action of active biological substances plants persist until the end of winter.

Useful healing properties of dried chestnut flowers

If desired, you can prepare medicinal raw materials for long-term storage:

  1. Spread freshly picked inflorescences on parchment or clean paper under the sun's rays in one layer.
  2. Leave to dry for 3-4 days until the flowers become brittle and crumbly.
  3. Put the raw materials in a paper bag, store in a dark place at medium room temperature.

In the future, it is useful to prepare vitamin tea or a decoction from dried flowers, which is recommended to drink during the day, especially when inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

You can also make an alcohol tincture that has a long shelf life:

  1. Wash the fresh flowers and knead them with your hands so that they release the juice.
  2. Fold the mass into a glass jar and pour vodka in a ratio of 1:10.
  3. Insist 20 days in the refrigerator, under a closed lid.
  4. Shake and filter the solution, pour into another container.

The resulting tincture can be used both externally and internally.

In the first case, the area with varicose veins is rubbed with medicine, applied in the form of compresses to sore joints or skin lesions.

Orally, alcohol tincture is applied 30 drops 3 times a day, a course of 2 weeks.

horse chestnut tincture

Recipe number 1: vodka or diluted 50% alcohol and dry raw chestnut (1:10) must be mixed and insisted for 20 days, shaking occasionally. It is recommended to take the remedy 40 drops 3-4 times a day.

Recipe number 2: Pour 50 g of chopped chestnuts with 500 ml of vodka. After 5-7 days, the tincture must be filtered and you can take it orally 5-10 drops before meals 3-4 times a day. This tincture is suitable for the treatment of hemorrhoids, varicose veins.

Recipe number 3: skip the mature grains in a meat grinder along with the peel, pour into a glass container. For 1 liter of infusion, you will need 300 g of twisted chestnut fruits filled with vodka. It is necessary to insist the composition in a dark place for 7 days. It is good to treat sciatica, thrombophlebitis, muscle inflammation and salt deposition with this remedy.

Recipe number 4: 20 g of chestnut flowers should be poured into 500 ml of vodka, infused for 14 days and used 2 times a day for rubbing diseased joints.

horse chestnut fruit


The healing properties of chestnut fruits have long been known. The shiny dark brown seed is popular among the Japanese, Italians and French, and is used as a valuable product in cooking. Chestnut fruit can be baked, fried, stewed. Common horse chestnut is edible and extremely healthy. It contains fats, proteins, starch, carotene, vitamins. As a result of taking decoctions and tinctures prepared from chestnut fruits, human body receives saponins, baringtogenol, coumarins. Of the flavonoids in chestnut, there are spiriosides and triosides.

Unripe fruits are endowed with malic, citric and lactic acids, lecithin, calcium, and iron. They contain globulin and vitamin C. The fleshy nuclei of a medicinal plant have many useful substances, such as zinc, chromium, barium, selenium, nickel, silver, iodine, and boron. The fruits of this wonderful tree give people an energy boost. There are many ways to use this gift of nature. If you just carry 2-3 chestnut fruits in your pocket, then pain in articular rheumatism decreases. You can make applications from ground chestnut kernels with the addition of clay, a warming mass can relieve inflammation of the joints.

Fruit tincture: chestnut fruits cut into four parts should be placed in a jar, filled with vodka, filled to the top, tightly closed and insisted in the sun for three days, then 40 days at room temperature indoors. The resulting remedy is recommended to rub the joints, apply it to diseased veins.

Chestnut seeds are an excellent diuretic and hemostatic agent for hemoptysis and nosebleeds. A decoction of dried chestnuts acts as a diaphoretic for colds.

horse chestnut extract

Horse chestnut extract contains escin, which relieves swelling and fatigue of the legs in the treatment of varicose veins. The agent contains triterpensaponins, is characterized by capillary protective activity and has an anti-inflammatory effect, increases the tone of the veins. The extract normalizes blood pressure, regulates cholesterol levels in the blood.

horse chestnut leaves

Chestnut leaves differ in the content of glycosides, pectin and tannins, vitamin K. They are used in folk medicine as a raw material for the preparation of decoctions and infusions for internal bleeding. Horse chestnut leaves are harvested from May to September. They are dried, laying out a thin layer in attics or under a canopy. The finished raw material should have a green color and a pleasant smell.

Infusion of horse chestnut bark : You will need 1 teaspoon of crushed bark to 2 cups (400 ml) of chilled boiled water. The composition should be insisted for 8 hours, then strain and take 2 tablespoons 4 times a day.

Infusion of bark for external use: you need to take 50 g of bark per 1 liter of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes and leave for 8 hours, and then strain. The resulting remedy is sitz cool baths with hemorrhoidal bleeding within 15 minutes after a bowel movement.

Infusion of chestnut fruits or flowers: take 50 g of raw materials per 0.5 l of vodka, insist for two to three weeks, take 3-4 times a day, 30-40 drops each.

A decoction of the peel of the fruit: it will require 5 g of the peel per glass (200 ml) of boiling water, boil the composition for 15 minutes, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

horse chestnut flowers


With a therapeutic purpose, horse chestnut flowers are used for many diseases, this is an ideal raw material for the preparation of tinctures and decoctions. Chestnut flowers have unique properties that allow you to achieve excellent results in endarteritis, hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, vein lesions caused by various injuries. Horse chestnut flowers are useful for radiation sickness. Tinctures and decoctions can be used to treat adenoma and prostatitis. The ability of substances contained in flowers to restore the amount of protein in the blood structure favors recovery from fibrocystic mastopathy, brain tumors.

Infusion of chestnut flowers: 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and 200 g of water should be brought to a boil, leave for 6-8 hours. Take the remedy in sips throughout the day. It is necessary to drink from 1 to 1.5 liters per day.

Cream with horse chestnut

Cream with chestnut helps to restore the structure of the skin and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, exhibits the properties of a lymphatic drainage agent. It is a good prevention of varicose veins and serves to maintain skin tone. At home, creams can be prepared based on fatty oils, for example, on cream, or olive oil, and essential oils, infusions. All components of the cream are mixed, such a mixture can be stored for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Ointment based on horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is a real miracle of nature, it is one of the most beautiful trees that gives coolness in summer and cures all kinds of ailments. From its fruits, flowers and leaves, many different remedies can be prepared. Lubricating sore spots on the skin with a special ointment with horse chestnut, you can quickly remove inflammation and eliminate venous diseases.

Ointment recipe: it is necessary to grind 5 pieces of chestnuts or 5 tablespoons of chestnut flowers, pour 0.5 liters of vegetable oil, boil in a water bath for 1 hour, cool and strain.

The most effective drugs that are prepared from brown skins of horse chestnut fruit.


Tincture . To get the right extract, you need to take 50 grams of chopped chestnut skins and pour 0.5 liters of vodka. After you need to withstand the tincture for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. At the end of the period, the tincture is filtered.

Action alcohol tincture from the skins of chestnut fruits: removal of inflammation and edema, reduction of blood viscosity, normalization of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the blood, strengthening of the walls of blood vessels, reduction of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries and in the liver, as well as reduction of pain in the veins and joints.

Application: take the tincture inside first, 30 drops per 30 ml of water, half an hour before meals, 3 times a day. After a week, take the tincture 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months. It is also recommended to rub the tincture into the inflamed veins with gentle, light massaging movements 2-3 times a day. Or apply compresses soaked in tincture on painful places for 1.5-2 hours daily in the evening.

To do this, it is necessary to dilute the tincture with water in a ratio of 1: 1. The complex use of tincture will speed up recovery.

A decoction of the leaves and fruits of chestnut. Take 1 teaspoon of chopped raw materials (grind the fruits together with the skin), pour 200 ml of hot water and boil in a water bath in a closed enameled or glass container for half an hour. Strain hot, squeeze the raw material and add water to the previous volume.

Application: take 1 tablespoon during the first week, 1 time per day, the second week, 1 tablespoon 2 times a day, the third week, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. Then continue taking the remedy 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon after meals. The course of treatment is from 2 to 12 weeks. You can also make lotions and compresses externally.

Chestnut tea for cough.

A teaspoon of dry chestnut leaves and a glass of boiling water. Mix. Leave for fifteen minutes. You can add a teaspoon of honey to tea.

A decoction of horse chestnut flowers and leaves: To prepare a decoction, take 1 tablespoon of dried, crushed horse chestnut flowers and leaves and pour the mixture with 2 cups of boiling water. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, cool, strain, squeeze the raw material and add liquid to the broth to the original volume.

Application: take the drug 30 ml 3 times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2 months.

It is recommended to drink a decoction of flowers and leaves for atherosclerosis, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, cirrhosis of the liver, coronary disease heart, fatty hepatitis. Lotions, compresses and rubbing of this medicine will enhance the therapeutic effect and speed up recovery.

Juice from chestnut flowers . Take fresh horse chestnut flowers and run them through a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice through cheesecloth and drink 1 tablespoon 3 times a day after meals. Recommended for inflammation of hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.

Solution for gout joints. Prepare an alcohol extract from crushed fruits along with the skin: 1 cup of fruits per 1 liter of vodka, leave for 2 weeks. Strain the tincture and dilute with water before use 1:1.

Take orally 3 times a day after meals, 2 tablespoons and rub 3 times a day with a solution of sore joints. The course of treatment is 1 month, 2 weeks off, 1 month of taking medication, 2 weeks off. Repeat for 1 year.

For heart pain and arthritis relieves tincture of 2 parts of chestnut flowers and 1 part of vodka. Infuse the mixture for 15 days and take 5 drops 2-3 times a day between main meals. The tincture is stored in the refrigerator. With joint pain, rubbing with a tincture prepared from 20 grams of dried flowers and 0.5 liters of vodka is carried out (infuse for 14 days).

Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree that can be found on the territory of park areas in Russia. All parts of it are used for medicinal purposes. The benefits and harms of horse chestnut are determined by the degree of influence on the human body.

Description of horse chestnut

Horse chestnut has a second name - the stomach, the genus of these plants belongs to the Sapondaceae family. It is endowed with a peculiar epithet due to the fact that the fruits, with their color and brilliance, are similar to the shade of a bay horse's mane. Nuts are inedible, but they contain substances that are used as raw materials for pharmaceuticals. The tree can grow up to 25 m, it has large leaves with long petioles. Dense foliage contributes to the formation of a branched crown. Acorn begins to bloom in late spring or early summer, its flowers are pink-white, they contain up to 75% sucrose.

Nuts ripen after flowering, they are a seed box in which 1 - 2 nut-like seeds are located. Suitable for wood temperate climate deep, moist, mineral-rich soil. The genus includes several species that can be found in North America, the southwestern part of Europe, and central Russia. The chestnut is used as an ornamental tree. In addition, nuts, flowers and bark are common in the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine and cosmetology.

Benefits of horse chestnut

The history of the use of beneficial medicinal properties begins in 1896, when an unknown physician from France applied a medicine prepared from horse chestnut fruits on himself. Since then, the properties of the stomach began to be used as a medicinal raw material.

The main actions that the plant has:

  • helps to strengthen blood vessels;
  • has a venotonic property;
  • prevents the formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques;
  • has analgesic and anticonvulsant effect.

flowers

  • activates regenerative tissue processes;
  • contributes to the stabilization of pressure;
  • is beneficial as a substance that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood;
  • has the ability to heal wounds, relieve swelling.

Leaves

These healing properties horse chestnut is used to treat varicose veins and trophic ulcers on the limbs, with vasospasm and venous stasis.

A decoction based on the leaves enhances the diuretic effect, it useful property suitable for reducing swelling varying degrees gravity.

The anti-inflammatory properties of decoctions are used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In addition, the composition has a calming property, is able to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety.

Fruit

The fruits of the stomach are harvested in early autumn, and then crushed. Medicines are prepared on the basis of this raw material. Chestnuts contain essential oils, tannins, and an increased amount of starch. These compounds have several effects on the state of the body:

  • decongestant;
  • antioxidant;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • astringent.

They are used to treat inflammation of the articular type, arthritis, salt deposits, bruises, burns, trophic ulcers. Oils and ointments are suitable for relieving fatigue at the end of the day, help minimize the effects of bruises, and have an analgesic effect.

Bark

The harvesting of the bark is carried out in the fall, at this time the maximum amount of useful substances is concentrated in it. The bark contains escin, tannins, glycosides, essential fatty oils. On the basis of the bark, decoctions, infusions are prepared, it is added to the ointment as a dry ingredient. Medicinal properties, which horse chestnut peel possesses, are applicable in the preparation of medicines effective in the treatment of dental infections, the removal of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, gynecological diseases, and the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Benefit or harm from taking medicines based on horse chestnut for the body depend on the method of preparation and the expected effect. After treatment, the bark helps to strengthen the body's defenses, has the ability to act as an antibacterial agent, relieve inflammation and swelling, and promote the regenerative process of the upper layers of the epidermis.

The use of horse chestnut in folk medicine

The fruits, flowers and bark of the horse chestnut have medicinal properties that are actively used in folk medicine. All parts of the tree are suitable for the preparation of decoctions, infusions and ointments. They are used to treat:

  • phlebeurysm;
  • inflammation of the respiratory system;
  • vascular diseases;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • inflammation of the joints and ligaments.

Horse chestnut tincture

The infusion is prepared on the basis of crushed tree bark. 1 tsp raw materials pour 2 tbsp. cold water, insist 8 hours, then filter and take 2 tbsp. l. 4 times daily.

The properties of horse chestnut infusion are applicable for the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and inflammation of the larynx.

Infusions can be the basis for lotions, compresses and wet dressings.

Horse chestnut decoction

This dosage form is prepared from an equal amount of crushed dried flowers and bark. Raw materials are poured with water, boiled for 30 minutes, then filtered, diluted with warm water, take 1 tbsp. l. daily. The volume is increased gradually, by the end of the week it is adjusted to 100 ml per 1 dose.

The decoction is used to treat digestive diseases, relieve pain syndromes in diseases of the joints, and is also used to treat gynecological and urological diseases.

Decoctions are suitable for rinsing with stomatitis, gingivitis, bleeding gums.

Extract (extract) of horse chestnut

Dried flowers and nuts are mixed with vodka in a ratio of 1:10. The mixture is hermetically sealed in a jar, stored in a dry, dark place. Take 10 drops 3-4 times a day. The healing properties of horse chestnut have unconditional benefits for the health of men. Extracts help in the treatment of prostatitis, hemorrhoids, gout.

flower juice

The benefits of preparing medicines based on horse chestnut flowers are evaluated by the degree of health effects and the exclusion of possible harm.

The liquid obtained from inflorescences by pressing is rich in natural beneficial phytoncides and glycosides. The maximum benefit from the intake is achieved by using freshly squeezed juice. It is taken 25 to 30 drops daily to relieve joint, hemorrhoidal or menstrual pain.

Information! The juice from the flowers is very bitter to taste, so it is recommended to dilute it with warm water before taking it.

Horse chestnut ointment

The benefits of horse chestnut fruits are used in the preparation of a variety of external products.

The ointment is prepared on the basis of the fruits or inflorescences of horse chestnut, because they contain an increased amount of healthy fatty oils. Raw materials are crushed, vegetable or olive oil for structuring. The mixture is thoroughly beaten until smooth.

The disadvantage of self-prepared ointment is its short storage. In the refrigerator, horse chestnut ointment retains its beneficial healing properties for 2 weeks. The ointment helps to relieve inflammation, has the ability to reduce swelling.

Horse chestnut oil

Home cooking is associated with the peculiarities of the technological process. From the chestnuts harvested in the summer, the oil is obtained after manual pressing. To do this, you need to use special tools. The resulting product should be purified from impurities. Horse chestnut oil is rich in acids, antioxidants, flavonoids and glycosides of natural origin. It provides several useful action on the body:

  • decongestant;
  • tonic;
  • regenerating;
  • soothing.

Horse chestnut in official medicine

Official medicine uses the raw materials of the stomach for the preparation of effective medicines.

Horse chestnut in cosmetology

Medicinal properties are beneficial in the manufacture of drugs in home cosmetology. This is due to the healing effect on the skin of the face or head.

To relieve inflammation on the skin of the face, to whiten and remove age spots use homemade ointments.

Hair rinse useful decoctions based on flowers and fruits. This helps to strengthen the hair follicle, relieves irritation and itching on the scalp.

A positive effect on blood circulation is used to prevent and relieve symptoms of cellulite. To do this, apply a cream or oil under a plastic wrap. This is one of the options for home wraps.

Harm and contraindications to the use of horse chestnut

It should not be forgotten that stomach nuts are inedible, they can be harmful due to the presence of substances that cause indigestion.

  1. Infusions, decoctions, drops are not taken during pregnancy because of the possible harm in the form of increasing the tone of the uterus, provoking unwanted contractions.
  2. Internal funds are not taken for complicated diseases of the kidneys and liver. Substances of the composition can cause harm in the form of a negative effect on the activity of these organs.
  3. Ointments, oils, creams are contraindicated in the presence of allergic reactions. Possible harm may lead to negative consequences.

Is it possible to use horse chestnut during pregnancy

Reception of infusions and decoctions inside is contraindicated. External agents, on the contrary, are prescribed during pregnancy as a means to help get rid of varicose veins. In women during the period of bearing a child, edema of the extremities becomes a concomitant symptom: in order to relieve muscle tension and reduce the manifestations of swelling, daily foot massage with homemade cream is recommended.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of horse chestnut are determined by the ability dosage forms prepared on the basis of parts of the tree, affect the state of human health. Medicinal properties can affect the principle of activity circulatory system, relieve inflammation and swelling, prevent venous congestion.