horse chestnut

The use of horse chestnut in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Horse chestnut is also known as Aesculus hippocastanum, Cellu-Var, Variclear, Reparil, Varicare, Varicosin, VeinAway, Venastat, and others.

Horse chestnut has been used topically to cosmetically improve the appearance of varicose veins. It has also been promoted for relief of swelling or inflammation of joints, tendons, and muscles and hemorrhoids. Horse chestnut has been used orally to improve symptoms of fatigue, and pain, nighttime cramping, itching and swelling in the legs.

Horse chestnut has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of horse chestnut may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Horse chestnut may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.