The horse chestnut tree produces white flowers and spiny green seeds that were fed to horses to reduce gas. Its seeds and bark have been used for medicinal purposes, including treating varicose veins and improving circulation. However, ingesting the whole seeds or drinking tea made from the leaves can be poisonous.
Aesculus hippocastanum is the botanical name for the horse chestnut. This large flowering tree produces attractive white flowers each spring, followed by spiny green seeds. The tree is believed to have received its name from the common practice of feeding the nuts to horses, which was done in an effort to reduce the occurrence of gas. The previously crushed and leached chestnuts can also be boiled and fed to cattle and sheep.
In addition to this practice, Aesculus hippocastanum has a long history of medicinal use. Both the seeds and the bark contain compounds that are said to help strengthen weak veins and reduce fluid buildup. Horse chestnut has been a common folk remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins for centuries. The seeds have also been used to improve circulation. Also, the leaves of the tree have become a decoction for the treatment of coughs.
Horse chestnut remedies were popular among North American Indians. Some tribes prepared tobacco from the tree, which was used to relieve cough and cold symptoms. Aesculus hippocastanum was also considered useful for relieving chest pains.
While it may seem questionable, some believed that simply carrying horse chestnuts could prevent rheumatism. Whether this was true or not, there were some cultures that used Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract in order to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism. Ointments containing horse chestnut extract were also considered an effective remedy against wrinkles.
In general, the bark and seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum were collected during the autumn. The bark of the tree was removed and allowed to dry, sometimes until spring, at which time a tea could be made. Horse chestnut seeds are typically soaked in lime juice before being shelled, crushed, and then leached in water to obtain the seed oil. This practice was intended to ensure that their toxicity levels were reduced. If not sufficiently treated, the high tannin content of the seed can be toxic.
Those who ingest the whole seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum may experience severe gastrointestinal problems accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which is different from the seed extract. Drinking tea made from horse chestnut leaves is also discouraged, as it can also be poisonous. Additional symptoms of poisoning may include salivation, headache, seizures, circulatory or respiratory failure, and possibly death. People with nut allergies may develop itching, with or without a rash, as well as dizziness and shortness of breath.
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