Article content
Horse chestnut, commonly seen in city parks, is known mainly as an ornamental plant whose fruits are often used for children’s games. Many people, however, do not realize that this tree also has strong medicinal properties. Marie has been collecting these fruits for several years to make effective natural tinctures that help relieve leg pain, varicose veins and other health problems.
Pain relief from a horse chestnut tincture
According to Marie, horse chestnut is an excellent remedy for easing pain associated with varicose veins. Her recipe for making the tincture is simple but effective:
- The chestnuts are collected, peeled and chopped.
- They are then placed in an alcohol solution (preferably ethanol) and left to macerate for at least a month, ideally two.
- After this period the liquid is strained and used for external applications.
This natural preparation can be used for compresses – a cotton pad soaked in the tincture is applied to the painful area. This method relieves not only vein pain but also reduces swelling.
Medicinal effects of horse chestnut
Horse chestnut contains a range of medicinal substances that are beneficial to our health. Among the most effective components is escin, which constricts varicose veins, strengthens their walls and improves circulation. This flavonoid also has anti-inflammatory effects, speeds up blood flow and helps prevent blood stagnation in the veins.
Other significant components of the horse chestnut include:
- Coumarins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Saponins and glycosides, which improve blood flow and help with inflammation.
- Tresols, which strengthen blood vessel walls and reduce their permeability.
This natural remedy is used not only for varicose veins but also for hemorrhoids, venous thrombosis, swelling and muscle pain. Many horse chestnut-based products are available in pharmacies, such as ointments, gels, drops or tablets. However, Marie recommends trying the natural tincture that you can easily prepare at home.
History and tradition of the horse chestnut
Horse chestnut was first planted in European parks as early as the mid-16th century, however its medicinal properties were recognized only at the end of the 19th century. At that time, superstitions began to spread that the three fruits of the chestnut protect against infectious diseases. Today horse chestnut is increasingly used in herbal medicine, not only to treat varicose veins but also to treat burns, muscle pain and inflammations.
How to prepare a horse chestnut tincture?
Preparing a horse chestnut tincture is very simple. Here is the guide:
- Collect fresh chestnut fruits, peel them and crush them.
- Place 15–20 pieces of crushed fruits into half a liter of alcohol.
- Let this mixture macerate for at least 1 month, ideally 2 months.
- After this time, strain the tincture and store it in a dark place.
You can use the tincture for compresses or apply it to painful areas of the body.
