Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
also known as horse chestnut seed extract
Strong (chronic venous insufficiency)
Seed of a large European tree — not the edible chestnut despite the shared name. Standardized horse chestnut seed extract is one of the best-studied herbs for leg circulation, with evidence solid enough to earn approval from European regulators for chronic venous insufficiency.
- Eases the heavy, achy, swollen legs of chronic venous insufficiency
- Reduces leg swelling and the visible appearance of varicose veins
- Strengthens vein walls and reduces capillary leakage
- Anti-inflammatory action specific to blood vessel walls
- Approved by Germany's Commission E for chronic venous insufficiency
- Effects build over several weeks of consistent use
Always use standardized extracts (typically 16–20% aescin) — raw seeds, leaves, bark, and unprocessed extracts contain a toxic compound called esculin
Use caution with blood thinners — horse chestnut has mild anticoagulant action
May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes medication
Skip with kidney or liver disease
Skip during pregnancy and nursing
Stop two weeks before surgery
Children and pets should not eat raw horse chestnut seeds — they are poisonous
You might also explore