Horse Chestnut









Horse Chestnut


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Horse chestnut has been used for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other problems with circulation. It has also been used to help reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
How does it work?
The components of horse chestnut appear to reduce the loss of blood and other fluids from small veins. They may also reduce fluid accumulation and swelling by preventing reactions that result in swelling and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Topical:
  • For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Use a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in gently.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Note: This product is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an unsafe herb.Use is strongly cautioned. Discuss with healthcare provider before use.
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications or natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Use with caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have diabetes. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugars.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk to healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Stomach bleeding or ulceration. Watch stool for dark, tarry black color. Talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Blood in stool and toilet bowl.
  • Vomiting blood.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Seed, flower, leaf
Dosage forms
Oral, topical
Drug interactions
Aspirin, aspirin-containing products, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, others)
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
Brand Names: