Below you will find details on the herb or plant selected on the previous page. Please read and research carefully before attempting to make any homemade remedies using medicinal plants, as some have contraindications, may not be suitable for certain groups of people, or may be inappropriate for specific health conditions. Feel free to reach out—we’ll advise as best we can.

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Aesculus Hippocastanum / Horse Chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum—commonly known as Horse-chestnut—is a large, majestic deciduous tree native to the Balkan Peninsula, ​​widely planted ornamentally in temperate areas. It has broad palmate leaves (5–7 leaflets), showy white/pinkish flower spikes in spring, and spiny green fruits (conkers) in autumn containing 1–2 large, shiny brown seeds. These seeds look like edible chestnuts but are toxic raw due to esculin (removed in extracts). In herbal tradition, horse-chestnut seeds support circulation and venous health. Standardised seed extracts, rich in aescin (escin), provide anti-inflammatory, vein-toning, and anti-edema benefits. Only the seeds are used medicinally—not raw nuts, leaves, bark, or flowers.

The most popular uses of horse-chestnut are for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Horse-chestnut seed extract is one of the most studied and traditionally used remedies for poor vein function (chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI). It helps reduce leg swelling, pain, heaviness, itching, fatigue, and fluid retention. It strengthens vein walls, improves tone, reduces leakage, and promotes better blood return. Many people find it a gentle, natural alternative for supporting leg circulation compared to some conventional options.

Some ideas for usage:

Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins

Standardized Seed Extract (Capsules/Tablets)
Most common and evidence-backed form. Take 300 mg twice daily (total 600 mg/day), standardized to 16–20% aescin (providing ~100–150 mg aescin daily). Use for 8–12 weeks or as guided.

Tincture
Alcohol-based extract; 20–40 drops in water 2–3 times daily (consult a professional for strength/dosage).

Topical Gel/Cream/Ointment
2% aescin products applied 3–4 times daily to legs for localized swelling, varicose veins, or bruising.

Haemorrhoids

Horse-chestnut has been traditionally used to ease discomfort, swelling, and inflammation in haemorrhoids due to its venotonic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Preparations
Oral standardized extract (90–150 mg aescin daily).
Topical ointment or gel applied directly for soothing relief.

Other Traditional & Supportive Uses

Horse-chestnut can also be used for minor swelling/bruising after injury or surgery (topical aescin). Leg cramps, restless legs, or tired/heavy legs (oral/topical).

Historical folk uses
Rheumatism, arthritis pain, coughs/fever (leaves), diarrhoea, or as a general tonic (but modern use focuses on venous issues).

Tinctures - Alcohol

Basic Horse Chestnut Alcohol Tincture (Folk Method)

Important Safety Note
Horse-chestnut seed extract (properly standardized and esculin-free) is generally well-tolerated short-term (up to 12 weeks), but raw seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, or unprocessed material are toxic and unsafe orally (can cause severe poisoning). Side effects may include stomach upset, dizziness, headache, itching, or nausea. Avoid if you have bleeding disorders, kidney/liver issues, or are on blood thinners/anticoagulants (may increase bleeding risk). Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children without expert supervision.

Ingredients
Dried horse-chestnut seeds (pre-processed/escin-standardized and esculin-removed if possible; never use raw/fresh conkers straight from the tree).
High-proof alcohol: vodka 40–50% ABV (standard) or higher-proof grain alcohol (for stronger extraction).
Clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid (e.g., Mason jar).
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Dark glass dropper bottles (amber or cobalt) for storage.

Steps
1. Crush or chop the dried seeds; fill jar loosely — about 1/3 – 1/2 full (dried material is concentrated).
2. Pour alcohol over seeds until fully submerged + 1–2 inches extra liquid (herbs should float freely).
3. Seal tightly; store in cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily or regularly.
4. Strain through cheesecloth, pressing solids firmly to extract maximum liquid; bottle in dark glass. Label with date, contents, and "Horse Chestnut Tincture – external use only unless professionally guided."

Storage
Cool, dark place → shelf life 5+ years (alcohol preserves well if sealed).

Dosage
(traditional/general guidelines — professional supervision required).

Internal
(if using properly prepared/escin-standardized extract): 
Typically 20–40 drops (~0.5–1 ml) in water, 2–3 x daily; or equivalent to 0.5–3 ml total daily in divided doses (often standardized to provide 50–150 mg aescin/day in studies). Start low; use for short periods (e.g., 8–12 weeks).

Topical/external
Dilute in water or carrier oil; apply sparingly to affected areas (e.g., varicose veins, bruising).

Tinctures - Glycerin

Basic Horse Chestnut Glycerine Tincture (Alcohol-Free / Glycerite – Folk Method)

Ingredients
Food-grade vegetable glycerine (non-GMO, preferably palm- or soy-derived; available at health stores or online).
Distilled water (to dilute glycerine for better extraction of water-soluble compounds).
Clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid (e.g., Mason jar).
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Dark glass dropper bottles (amber or cobalt) for storage.

Steps
1. Crush or chop the dried seeds; fill jar loosely — about 1/3 – 1/2 full (dried material is concentrated).
2. Prepare glycerine mixture: Mix 3 parts vegetable glycerine to 1 part distilled water (e.g., 3 cups glycerine + 1 cup water).
3. Pour the glycerine mix over the seeds until fully submerged + 1–2 inches extra liquid (material should float freely).
4. Seal tightly; store in cool, dark place for 4–8 weeks, shaking daily or regularly. Top off with more glycerine/water mix if seeds rise above the liquid.
5. Strain through cheesecloth, pressing solids firmly to extract maximum liquid; bottle in dark glass. Label with date, contents, and "Horse Chestnut Glycerite – external use only unless professionally guided."

Storage
Cool, dark place → shelf life 2–5 years (shorter than alcohol tinctures; make smaller batches if possible).

Dosage
(traditional/general guidelines — professional supervision required).

Internal
(if using properly prepared/escin-standardized extract):
Typically 1/2 – 1 tsp (~2.5–5 ml or 1–2 dropperfuls) in water/juice/tea, 2–3 x daily; start low to assess tolerance. Often used short-term (e.g., 8–12 weeks).

Topical/external
Apply undiluted or diluted in water/carrier for affected areas (e.g., varicose veins, swelling, bruising).

Notes
Glycerites are milder-tasting and alcohol-free (suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol), but extraction is generally less potent than alcohol tinctures for some compounds. Always consult a herbalist, doctor, or pharmacist before therapeutic use — due to potential side effects (digestive issues, itching, headache), interactions, and contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, bleeding disorders, kidney/liver issues.

DISCLAIMER

We firmly believe herbs are among the most effective and natural ways to support the body’s healing—gifts from God’s wise design for our wellbeing, often gentler and more harmonious than many pharmaceutical options. However, herbs are potent and individual responses vary, so it is essential to consult your doctor (GP), qualified healthcare specialist, pharmacist, or registered medical herbalist before using any herb—especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a health condition. Your health decisions are your own responsibility; this information is shared for educational purposes only.