Horse
Chestnut Heals Varicose Veins, But Is It Also A Natural
Hemorrhoid Cure?
Horse chestnut, which is also known as Aesculus hippocastanum and Venastat®, is an herb that strengthens and tones veins and alleviates swelling in the legs.
After
many years of testing throughout Europe, there is strong
scientific evidence that horse chestnut seed extract is an effective
treatment for varicose veins. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins found in
the anus and the rectum. So, can we conclude that horse chestnut is an
effective natural
hemorrhoid cure? Not necessarily. There is no comparable
testing of horse chestnut as a natural hemorrhoid cure.However, the authors of Herbal Supplements-Drug Interactions (Lam, Huang, and Hall, 2006) write that horse chestnut seeds were being used in France to treat hemorrhoids successfully as early as 1896 (p. 226). Europeans have long applied horse chestnut topically and ingested it to prevent and treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
So, even though it has not been FDA-approved in this country, there does seem to be a long history of safe use for hemorrhoid treatment throughout Europe.
European studies on horse chestnut found that it increased blood flow in veins and strengthened connective tissue. Aescin, a major ingredient of horse chestnut, is the key. It strengthens venal walls, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.
The following doses (containing 50-75 mg aescin) have been tested for safety (but not by the FDA) in adults, ages 18 and older:
- 300 mg every 12 hours, for up to 12 weeks
- 600 mg of chestnut seed extract per day
Risks Associated with Using Horse Chestnut as a Natural Hemorrhoid Cure
Don't consume raw horse chestnuts. The seeds, flowers, leaves, and bark contain a poisonous ingredient, esculin. This highly toxic form of horse chestnuts can lead to poisoning and death.Watch out for these symptoms of horse chestnut poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Confusion and coordination problems
- Muscle twitching
When properly processed, horse chestnut seed extract contains little or no esculin. Only take high-quality, or a standardized grade, horse chestnut seed extract purchased from a reputable health supplements supplier. Then, read the directions on the label and follow them. Don't exceed the recommended dosage.
The most common form is horse chestnut seed extract standardized at 16-20% aescin. Many who have used it successfully as a natural hemorrhoid cure recommend taking horse chestnut capsules containing 50-300 mg of aescin two to three times daily. Some also apply creams containing horse chestnut seed extract as a topical natural hemorrhoid cure.
Because there are so many precautions associated with taking horse chestnut seed extract, it's a very good idea to discuss whether you should use it with your healthcare provider. Even the properly processed and standardized extract can result in side effects, such as itching or nausea. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include dizziness, trouble breathing, a rash, or swelling.
Pregnancy, Breast-Feeding, or Children and Horse Chestnut
One word: Don't.Don't use horse chestnut if you're pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant.
Don't use horse chestnut if you're breast-feeding.
Don't give horse chestnut to children, or anyone under 18.
Two More Strong Precautions About Taking Horse Chestnut
Based on animal studies, horse chestnut seed extract may lower your blood sugar. If you suffer from diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other low-blood-sugar related conditions, don't take horse chestnut without the supervision of a qualified healthcare providerHorse chestnut has also been associated with liver and kidney toxicity. If you suffer from any kind of blood disorder, or are prone to bleeding, don't take this herb without the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Horse chestnut may increase the risk of bleeding. Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other known blood thinners while using horse chestnut. These drugs may increase the risk of bleeding while using horse chestnut.
More horse chestnut resources:
Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and J. D. Phillipson. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
Brinker, F. J. 1998. Herb Contraindications And Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Diehm, C., Trampisch H. J., Lange S., and C. Schmidt. 1996. Comparison of leg compression stocking and oral horse-chestnut seed extract therapy in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Lancet 347:292-4.
Diehm, C., Vollbrecht D., Amendt K., and H. U. Comberg. 1992. Medical edema protection-clinical benefit in patients with chronic deep vein in competence. A placebo controlled double-blind study. Vasa 21:188-92.
Fetrow, C. W., and J. R. Avila. 1999. Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Philadelphia: Springhouse.
Lam, Y. W. F., Shiew-Mei H., and S. D. Hall, eds. 2006. Herbal Supplements-Drug Interactions: Scientific and Regulatory Perspectives (Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences)
. New York:
Taylor & Francis Group. Meschino, J. P., D.C., M.S. Horsechestnut Seed (Aesculus Hippocastanum): A Proven Natural Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=50151.
Morrison, D. 2001. Boehringer-Ingelheim Product Information Venastat™.
Pittler, M. H., and E. Ernst. 1998. Horse-chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. A criteria-based systematic review. Archives of Dermatology 134:1356-60.
Schulz, V., Hansel R., and V. E. Tyler. 1998. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine, 3rd ed. Berlin: Springer.
Tyler, V. 1994. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutical Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton: Pharmaceutical Press.
Learn about one natural hemorrhoid cure that promises results within 48 hours.
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Horse chestnut
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