Horse Chestnut
- Aesculus hippocastanum L.
- Aesculus Chinensis
- Hippocasanaceae
- Sapindaceae
- Horse Chestnut family
Common Names
 T'ien-shih-li
(Chinese name)
Parts Usually Used
Nuts, leaves, flowers, bark
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Grows
to 100 ft. in height. Has 5-7 toothed leaflets
per leaf; up to 12 inches long; without stalks. Buds
are large and very sticky. Broken twigs do not have foul-smelling
odor as the Ohio Buckeye has. Flowers are white (mottled red and yellow);
flowering in May. Fruits are spiny or warty; produced in September-October.
Where Found
Planted in towns, horsechestnut is naturalized in the United States.
Medicinal Properties
Tonic, stimulant, narcotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nutritive,
febrifuge, expectorant
Biochemical Information
The seeds contain various saponins including aescine, tannins, flavones,
purines, starch, sugar, albumin, and a fatty oil.
The bark contains coumarins, glycoside, resin and pigment.
Legends, Myths and Stories
The name is derived from a famous Taoist priest, Chang T'ien-shih,
who lived in Ts'ing-ch'en.
Because of the high tannin content in horse-chestnuts, they must
be shelled, crushed and leached overnight in cold water before they
can be used. They are then strained and boiled for half an hour. The
meal from the nuts is dried and used as medicine for humans or fodder
for animals.
The green outer casing of the fruit is poisonous and narcotic but
the toxic principles appear to be neutralized by preroasting.
Another chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) is also called horse-chestnut.
It is not the horse-chestnut reported on here.
Uses
Horse-chestnut leaves have marked narcotic tendencies, and a cupful
of standard infusion will ensure deep, calm sleep. It should not,
however, be taken too often despite the tonic properties it also enjoys.
Essence of horse-chestnut is rich in vitamin K and therefore
valuable in treating all circulatory disorders. People suffering from
poor circulation, piles,
varicose veins, and chilblains
may be helped with medical supervision.
Pealed roasted nuts were brewed for diarrhea,
prostate ailments. In Europe, preparations of the seeds are believed
to prevent thrombosis, rheumatism,
neuralgia, burns,
thought to help weak veins and arteries. Also used in bronchitis,
swollen prostate, gastritis and gastroenteritis. Leaf tea is a tonic;
used for fevers, colds,
malaria, dysentery;
externally, for lupus and skin ulcers.
A fluid extract from the fruit protects against sunburn.
A related species: California buckeye (Aesculus californica)
was reported to cause abortions in cattle. Although considered poisonous
unless fully ripened and properly leached, it was used by the local
Native Americans as a remedy for rheumatic
aches and toothaches.
Formulas or Dosages
The bark is boiled using 1 oz. to 1 pint
of water. Not more than a tbsp. is given 3 or 4
times daily. The fruit is usually made into a liquid extract
or tincture of which 5-20 drops are given 3 or
4 times daily.
To make external applications: mix 1/2 tsp. of
horse-chestnut powder in 16 oz. water. Apply the mixture
gently to varicose veins or hemorrhoids. Do not rub hard; this could
cause further irritation.
Nutrient Content
Rich in vitamin K
How Sold
Commercial preparation for external use can be found readily in Europe,
but difficult to find in the United States.
Warning
This herb is potentially fatal. Could cause death or other serious
consequences. Although horse-chestnut has been found to be safe and
helpful for some people under the guidance and care of trained clinicians,
we do not recommend its use for self-diagnosis and treatment.
Toxic symptoms include gastroenteritis, enlarged pupils, drowsiness,
and flushing of the skin. Outer husks are poisonous. All parts can
be toxic. Fatalities have been reported. Seeds (nuts) contain 30%-60%
starch, but can be used as a foodstuff only after the toxins
have been removed.
Professional care is essential with this herb.
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