People in Europe use horse chestnut for spider veins and varicose veins, says integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil, who goes on to note that these conditions are more common in women than in men. The clinical evidence collected on horse chestnut suggests that it may be beneficial for a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, in which the veins in the legs can't pump enough blood back to the heart. However, we don't know if horse chestnut is of benefit to specific varicosities.
About Varicose & Spider Veins
Varicose veins affect up to 60 percent of people in the U.S., mostly women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Once veins begin to weaken, this can effect the blood flow back to the heart. The veins become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins typically present on the legs and feet and look like bulging, blue-tinged cords. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins that form closer to the skin's surface. Varicose veins may simply be a cosmetic problem for many people, but some experience inflammation, blood clots and ulcers on the skin. The result may be achy, sore legs, with swelling in the feet and legs after standing for a long period of time.
About Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut--Aesculus hippocastanum--is also called Spanish chestnut and buckeye, although it's not the same tree as the California or Ohio buckeye. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that the extract from the tree's bark, seeds, leaves and flowers has been in use for centuries as a natural treatment. Horse chestnut's modern application is to address symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, but it's also been used for hemorrhoids.
Properties & Preparations
The active constituent in horse chestnut is aescin, which tones the walls of the veins and encourages better circulation, explains the University of Michigan Health System. This property makes horse chestnut a choice treatment for chronic venous insufficiency in Europe, as well as varicose veins, albeit to a lesser degree. Aescin is also an anti-inflammatory. The health system indicates that in Europe people use topical preparations, which are rubbed on after a bad sprain. The most widely used form of horse chestnut is a standardized extract that contains between 16 and 20 percent aescin.
What Evidence Tells Us
According to the University of Michigan Health System and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, there's fairly good evidence to suggest that horse chestnut is helpful for chronic venous insufficiency. The cancer center indicates no evidence to indicate it's beneficial for varicose veins. No mention is made of horse chestnut's benefits to treat spider veins, specifically.
Safe Use
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not consider horse chestnut a safe herb, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Avoid using it if you have liver or kidney problems or if you take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin, as horse chestnut may increase your risk for bleeding. Varicose veins and spider veins could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, cautions the University of Michigan Health System. Please talk to your doctor before using horse chestnut to address your health concerns.
