Horse chestnut extract is an oft-overlooked natural supplement. In this article, we discuss what horse chestnut extract is, and then discuss the benefits which you could gain from supplementing with this relatively unknown natural remedy.
What Is Horse Chestnut Extract?
Horse chestnut extract is a supplement made from the seeds of a tree with the same name. Scientifically known as Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut tree is native to different parts of southeastern Europe. These seeds have a bitter taste, and are actually toxic when consumed raw. However, the extract of horse chestnut seeds has historically been used as a multifaceted remedy for gastrointestinal issues, fever, and other minor ailments.
The Benefits of Horse Chestnut Extract
Various benefits are attributed to horse chestnut extract supplements. Some of these are backed by scientific study, while others are heralded from long-standing anecdotal use. Here are some conditions that can benefit from a person’s use of horse chestnut extract:
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Studies show that horse chestnut extract could be an effective short-term treatment for CVI. CVI is a venous condition wherein the valves in a person’s veins don’t function properly, causing blood to pool in the veins in the legs or arms. Horse chestnut extract has vasoprotective properties which could improve the tone of veins and help them to pump blood more effectively and thus alleviate pooling. This could also diminish the discoloration, swelling, and pain associated with CVI.
Treating varicose veins might also be achieved by supplementing with horse chestnut extract. Once again, this is due to this extract’s ability to support healthy blood flow. Studies have demonstrated the effective use of horse chestnut extract for treating varicose veins, and the swelling and pain that can accompany them.
Antioxidants in horse chestnut extract could meaningfully contribute to your health. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides are two of the antioxidants in horse chestnut extract. These antioxidants are known to help reduce the long-term risk of disease.
Male fertility, in some cases, could be helped by horse chestnut extract. Male infertility sometimes occurs as the result of varicocele, which is a condition of blocked or enlarged veins surrounding the testes. Studies show that escin, an antioxidant contained in horse chestnut extract, can have a significant benefit on infertility associated with varicocele. It does so by improving vascular health in the testes.
Wound healing could potentially be supported by horse chestnut extract. This is due to its ability to support the work of fibroblasts, which are essential cells responsible for wound healing.
Hemorrhoids: Horse chestnut extract could help reduce the irritation and rectal bleedingassociated with hemorrhoids. This is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of horse chestnut extract.
Horse chestnut extract could help treat various medical issues associated with vascular health, and provide antioxidant help to the body as well. Keep in mind that it is not a replacement for medical treatment where necessary. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for the first time.