Horse chestnut is a tree sung by poets, a symbol of Kiev and used in the heraldry of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Ukraine. There are several legends about the origin of the name “horse”. According to one version, the Turks were brought to Central Europe by the Turks as feed for horses, as he was nutritious and healed them from coughing. No less surprising are the medicinal properties and contraindications of horse chestnut for people.
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Horse chestnut: medicinal properties
In the XVIII-XIX centuries. horse chestnut bark was used in Europe as an analogue of the cinchona bark.
Bark powder was treated:
- malaria
- fever
- dysentery.
The life doctor of the Prussian king, the famous German clinician Christoph Wilhelm Gufeland (XVII century) recommended the use of chestnut bark not only as an anti-febrile drug, but also for the treatment of hemorrhoids, female diseases, chronic diarrhea.
Catholic priest Sebastian Kneipp, famous for his hydrotherapy technique, used the fruits and flowers of chestnut in the treatment of:
- varicose veins;
- liver disease;
- gastrointestinal pathologies;
- gynecological diseases;
- colds;
- sciatica;
- rheumatism.
In the middle of the 20th century, in Germany, the production of drugs for blood thinning, vascular strengthening, and thrombosis prophylaxis was put on an industrial basis.
The healing properties of horse chestnut are used not only in medicine.
Today on the basis of chestnut produce therapeutic cosmetics for:
- skin rejuvenation;
- strengthening and hair growth;
- treatment of seborrhea, acne, dandruff;
- normalization of the function of the sebaceous glands;
- narrowing of enlarged pores and smoothing of the skin relief;
- UV protection.
The ability of horse chestnut active substances to stimulate blood supply to tissues, remove excess fluid and metabolic products from the body, and activate the destruction of body fat is used to create anti-cellulite products.
The pharmaceutical industry produces the following horse chestnut preparations:
- Aescusan;
- Venostazine;
- Vasotonin;
- Deskusan;
- Venogal;
- Exosulfide.
At the end of the 20th century, another medicinal property of chestnut was discovered. Its extract changes the chemistry of the blood and, inter alia, affects the metabolism of cholesterol.
Flowers
Horse chestnut flowers are harvested in May. Preparations are prepared both from fresh raw materials and from dried.
They contain:
- quercetrin and isocvercitrin;
- quercetin;
- 3-glucoside and 3 kaempferol arabinoside;
- tannins;
- choline;
- routine;
- derivatives of purine (adenosine, adenine, guanine).
Thanks to the bioactive substance quercetrin, chestnut flowers are used in the treatment of neoplasms - malignant and benign. The infusion of flowers is used to treat leukemia, a brain tumor.
Plant flowers have the following properties:
- antitumor;
- P-vitamin
- antioxidant;
- antispasmodic;
- diuretic;
- anti-allergenic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antihypertensive;
- angioprotective;
- venotonic.
Quercetrin and its isomer isocvercitrin determined the use of juice and infusion of flowers for the treatment of:
- jade;
- hypertension
- rheumatism;
- scarlet fever;
- some infectious diseases;
- malignant diseases - to inhibit the growth and metastasis of a cancerous tumor.
Kempferol in its medicinal properties is very similar to quercetrin. But his angioprotective and venotonic effects are more pronounced.
Domestic scientists investigated the effect of baths with alcohol tincture of fruits and flowers of horse chestnut on the condition of young people who are actively involved in sports.
It turned out that the bath from the chestnut flowers:
- increase the functional reserves of the cardiovascular system;
- improve mental functions:
- reduce anxiety;
- increase emotional stability;
- increase resistance to stress.
Flowers and other parts of the plant contain substances similar to steroids, acting as biological stimulants and normalizing hormonal balance. They determine the activity of chestnut preparations in the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases. Infusion of dried flowers is used in the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy, prostate adenoma.
Tincture of dried flowers and juice with the addition of alcohol is used for grinding with rheumatism, arthritis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Compresses from juice or pulp of flowers help relieve swelling and relieve pain during gout and varicose veins. From the juice of flowers make medicinal microclysters with bleeding of internal hemorrhoid cones.
Leaves
Chestnut leaves are no less healing than flowers.
They contain the same substances, but in addition, other bioactive substances were found:
- spireoside;
- astragaline;
- carotenoids - lutein and violaxanthin.
From dry leaves, drugs are prepared that can normalize:
- water-salt metabolism (treatment of gout, rheumatism, salt deposits);
- secretion of bile;
- digestive system function;
- vascular tone (treatment of vasospasm).
Infusion and decoction of chestnut leaves treat colds, whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis. Leaves are used as a diuretic for edema and diseases of the urinary system.
The leaves also have a calming effect on the nervous system, facilitate falling asleep, and relieve the effects of stress.
Fruit
The chestnut fruits are the most studied by the properties and composition. Their properties were studied by Parkinson. Today, for the complex treatment of Parkinson's disease according to the method of candidate of biological sciences G. Garbuzov a number of herbal remedies are used, including Horse Chestnut Extract.It facilitates the condition of patients, reduces the severity of muscle spasms and stimulates trophic tissue.
The fruits contain:
- bi- and triosides of quercetin and kempferol;
- arthrescin;
- fatty oil;
- starch;
- tannins.
All parts of the plant, including fruits, contain escin, which provides:
- venotonic;
- decongestant;
- antiexudative;
- capillary protective;
- antioxidant effect.
The therapeutic effect of escin is related to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of adrenal hormones, mainly norepinephrine.
Chestnut fruits have reparative properties, so they are included in the treatment of long non-healing wounds, including trophic ulcers. Based on the fruits of chestnut, the drug “Panthenol” was created, which accelerates the healing of ulcers. In folk medicine, weeping wounds, burns, trophic ulcers are sprinkled with powder from crushed dry chestnut fruits.
An innovative drug “L-solution of escinate L-lysine solution” was developed at the Kharkov State Scientific and Technical Center on the basis of saponin escin. The drug was used to treat cerebral edema.
The positive results of using the solution in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis and other neurological, orthopedic and phlebological pathologies, in which there are:
- localized edema;
- violation of venous and arterial microcirculation;
- increased permeability of the vascular wall;
- violation of tissue metabolism.
The use of escin contributes to:
- elimination of edema-pain and edema-inflammatory syndromes;
- normalization of blood circulation and lymph outflow;
- restoration of vascular tone;
- thrombosis deactivation;
- reduction of vascular wall permeability with subsequent elimination of edema and inflammation;
- restoration and regeneration of vascular endothelium;
- correction of metabolic processes (nutrition, oxygen supply, excretion of decay products) in tissues;
- preventing the development of convulsive syndrome.
Previously, in the treatment of these pathologies, a scheme was used with the inclusion of a complex of medications - glucocorticoids and diuretics. The drugs had a large number of side effects. The active substance of the drug - β-escin is well tolerated by patients with severe injuries and diseases of the nervous system and has no side effects.
Esculin contained in fruits has UV-protective properties and is used in sunscreen cosmetics.
The dense brown shell of the fruit contains a large amount of tannins. It along with the bark is used to stop internal and external bleeding. A decoction of the seminal membrane is used for uterine and pulmonary hemorrhage, provided that it does not arise as a result of malignant processes.
An alcoholic infusion of the fruit membrane is used to treat prostatic hyperplasia and adenoma.
Bark
The bark of the trunk and young branches contains:
- glycosides - esculin, fraxin;
- glucose
- escin;
- tannins;
- fatty oil.
A decoction of the bark is used to rinse with dental ailments, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis. It is used to prepare sitz baths for hemorrhoids.
Thanks to tannins, pectin, fatty acids and proteins, preparations from the bark and fruits are used in the treatment of gynecological diseases:
- thrush;
- vulvovaginitis;
- cervical erosion;
- heavy menstruation;
- uterine bleeding;
- inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system.
Douching and rinsing with a decoction of the tree bark helps:
- normalization of natural microflora (with dysbiosis) and death of pathogenic (including fungi);
- rapid healing and restoration of mucous membranes;
- protects tissues from the penetration of pathological microorganisms into cells;
- elimination of pain and inflammation.
Water infusion is used in therapy:
- diarrhea and gastrointestinal diseases;
- inflammatory processes of the oropharynx and skin;
- halitosis (bad breath);
- fever
- catarrh of the mucous membrane of the nose and bronchi;
- hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
- alopecia and early baldness.
Horse chestnut in folk medicine is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, powder, ointments, rectal and vaginal suppositories. All forms can be easily prepared at home from fresh or dry raw materials.
The use of horse chestnut
In order for the medicine to be effective and safe, the raw material from which it is prepared must meet certain requirements. Be:
- collected in an ecologically clean area;
- cleaned of dirt, dust, impurities of rough parts;
- not be damaged by insects, fungi or plant diseases;
- properly dried.
Properly dried raw materials have an expiration date - fruits no more than 2 years, bark - no more than 1 year, leaves and flowers 0.5-1 year.
Tincture
Horse chestnut tincture is prepared on alcohol or vodka from flowers (fresh or dry), and from crushed fruits or the outer dense shell of the fruit.
Chestnut flowers tincture for external use is prepared according to the following recipe:
- 20 g of fresh flowers or 40 g of dried flowers;
- ½ liter of alcohol.
Insist in a dark place for a week. Strain, squeeze out the raw materials. Use for rubbing with pain and inflammation of the joints, radiculitis, gout, rheumatism.
The tincture of the fruit shells is prepared for internal use. To get the medicine you need:
- 50 g of brown fruit peel, powdered;
- ½ liter of alcohol (40% or 70%).
Pour powder and insist in case of use:
- 40% alcohol –30 days;
- 70% alcohol - 14 days.
In the treatment of prostatitis or prostate adenoma, tincture is taken in 10 drops (alcohol) or 20 drops (vodka) tincture twice a day (15 minutes before lunch and dinner). The course of treatment is 20 days. Then take a break for 10 days and repeat the course until complete cure.
Tincture of chestnut fruits. For her take:
- 50 g of dried chopped fruit;
- 0.5 l of vodka.
Insist 3 weeks, periodically shaking the container. Use infusion both externally and internally.
Extract
Horse chestnut extract is sold at the pharmacy. At home, the extraction of active substances can be done either with alcohol (vodka) or by maceration. The first method is described above. In the case of preparation by maceration, the raw material is poured with boiled water or boiling water and insisted.
Fresh flower extract is prepared as follows:
- 1 tbsp. l flowers;
- 1 cup boiled cold water.
Pour raw materials with water and bring to a boil. Set aside and insist under the lid for 8 hours. Strain the extract. With leukemia, cerebral edema, varicose veins, drink 1 tbsp. l A day you need to drink 1 liter of infusion. The course of treatment is 20 days. Within 10 days, take a break and repeat the course.
Dry flower extract is prepared in a similar way:
- 6 tbsp. l dry flowers;
- 1 liter of boiled cold water.
Pour raw materials with water and bring to a boil. Set aside and insist under the lid for 10 hours. In the treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy, internal bleeding or hemoptysis, drink the entire infusion during the day for several sips every hour.
Juice from the flowers.
Fresh raw materials are crushed and squeezed juice. It is stored in the refrigerator or canned by adding vodka (40%) 1 part to 2 parts of juice.
Accepted for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, 30 drops of fresh juice per 1 tbsp. l water or 30-40 ml of canned. The drug is consumed 3 times a day before meals.
Decoction
A decoction is also prepared from all parts of the plant:
A decoction of bark for external use. Take:
- 50 g of bark of young branches;
- 1 liter of water.
The crushed raw materials are poured with water and brought to a boil, cooked over low heat for 30 minutes. The broth is added to the basin so that the water is at room temperature. This bath is used for hemorrhoids, thrush. A decoction is used to wash trophic ulcers.
Decoction of the outer shell of seeds. To prepare it take:
- 15 g of shells;
- 250 ml of water.
The raw materials are crushed, filled with water and boiled for 10-15 minutes. The broth is used for douching with gynecological diseases and uterine bleeding. The procedure is performed twice a day.
A decoction of the leaves is prepared as follows:
- 1 tbsp. l leaves;
- 0.5 l of water.
The leaves are poured with water, brought to a boil and boiled for 15 minutes. Filter the broth and drink 100 ml before meals with gout, salt deposition, rheumatism, stagnation of bile, vasospasm, bronchitis, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal diseases. Hot leaf decoction in Moldova is used to protect the skin from sunburn and treat dermatological diseases.
Ointment
The ointment is prepared in different ways - any greasy base is selected (fat, oil, petroleum jelly, lanolin) and various components are added to enhance effectiveness.
So, for example, according to the recipe take:
- 5 shredded chestnut fruits;
- 5 tbsp fresh flowers;
- 0.5 l of pork lard;
- 20 g of beeswax.
In a water bath, dissolve the lard, add the fruits and flowers of the chestnut and stirring, bring to a boil. Dip the wax into the hot mass. When the wax has melted, strain the ointment in a clean, dry dish. Keep refrigerated.
Oil
Using a similar technology, oil is prepared based on the fruits or flowers of horse chestnut. For its preparation, take 5 shredded fruits or 5 tbsp. l chestnut flowers and pour ½ liter of unrefined vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, linseed or any other). The mixture is placed in a water bath and brought to a boil, reducing the heat, simmer for 60 minutes. The cooled oil is filtered and applied externally for massage, masks for strengthening hair or applications.
Horse Chestnut Recipes
The simplest horse chestnut remedy is powder. It is obtained by grinding dry fruits. Powders sprinkle burns, trophic ulcers.
Another unusual remedy is “coffee” made from chestnuts. The fruits are cut into pieces and fry in a dry pan until brown. Cool and grind into powder. The resulting "coffee" is used to make a drink (1 tsp. Per 1 cup of boiling water). Drink 1/3 cup before meals 3 times a day. Coffee cures uterine fibroids, cleanses the blood, removes toxins and excess fluid, promotes weight loss. “Coffee” powder is added to the paste. It strengthens the gums, prevents their bleeding.
On the juice of chestnut flowers, you can prepare a face mask for rosacea - a vascular mesh on the face. For this, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of juice mixed with 1 tsp. olive oil (you can take oil from the fruits of chestnut) and add so much starch to get a mixture of consistency similar to thick sour cream. Apply the mask to a clean face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with a little warm water, do not wipe the face, but get wet.
Another version of therapeutic kvass B.V. Bolotova.
To prepare it take:
- 15-20 chestnut fruits, peeled from brown peel and cut in half;
- 1 tbsp. Sahara;
- ½ tbsp serum;
- 3 l water.
Insist kvass for 14 days. It removes toxins and radionuclides, cleanses the blood, replenishes the body with iodine.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that chestnut preparations are a natural remedy, they have contraindications for use. Since the substances of chestnut thin the blood and change its biochemical properties, the chestnut cannot be used in case of blood coagulation. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use chestnut during pregnancy, so as not to disrupt the fetal blood supply mechanism.
Chestnut cannot be used for hypotensive patients, since its preparations lower both systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure.
Chestnut reduces the acidity of gastric juice, so it is not recommended for use in gastritis with low acidity.
Phytoestrogens in chestnut preparations can disrupt the hormonal balance, therefore they are not recommended for use in violation of the monthly cycle.
