Horse Chestnut Extract – 60 Veg Caps

Horse chestnut seed was traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia and conditions of venous congestion, particularly with dull, aching pain and fullness. Other major uses include rectal complaints and reflex conditions attributed to rectal involvement (including headache, spasmodic asthma, dizziness, disturbed digestion). Research now suggests the herb as a suitable remedy for lower limb circulatory disorders such as varicose veins.

Potential applications:  Prophylactic use to decrease the incidence of deep vein thrombosis following surgery (DVT). Useful for economy class syndrome (long haul airline travel). Venous insufficiency (especially varicose veins, haemorrhoids), rheumatism, neuralgia and disease states associated with inflammatory congestion e.g. leg ulceration. Also beneficial in disorders of local tissue oedema such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Bell’s palsy, dysmenorrhoea, intervertebral disc lesions, soft tissue injuries, swelling and minor surgery.

Known contraindications: Should not be applied to broken or ulcerated skin.

Interactions:  As with all saponin-containing herbs, oral use may cause irritation of the gastric mucous membranes and reflux in a few cases. No known drug interactions.

Useful links:  Although effective in isolation, horse chestnut may be used along with other vascular protective agents such as grapeseed/pycnogenol, antioxidants, flax seed oil, quercetin, ester C and hawthorn berry.