Jaspersen-Schib R, Theus L, Guirguis-Oeschger M, et al. [Serious plant poisonings in Switzerland 1966-1994. Case analysis from the Swiss Toxicology Information Center]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1996;126:1085-98. View abstract.

If your swelling is being caused by heat there are many natural ways you can help cool down your lower limbs, improve poor circulation and help return fluid to your blood vessels, including: 1. Elevate your feet

Horse chestnut soap is a simple and natural recipe that is perfect for those looking to get started making their own homemade soaps. The soap is made with horse chestnut oil, which is known for its therapeutic and healing properties. To make this soap, you will need to heat the oil over a low flame until it melts, then mix it with other natural ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils. Once the soap is poured into molds and allowed to cool, it can be used for a variety of purposes such as bathing, moisturizing, and even treating skin conditions. Horse chestnut soap is a great way to get started on your journey to natural and homemade beauty products.

Horse chestnuts contain lots of flavonoids too, adding to their anti-inflammatory capabilities. How do I take horse chestnut for varicose veins? Diabetic complications can damage the kidneys. In diabetic rats with kidney damage, horse chestnut seed extract reduced inflammation and markers of kidney damage ( blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine). Horse chestnuts were capable of restoring kidney function [ 23]. Antioxidant To really understand how horse chestnut helps with varicose veins, we need to look at how our veins work and what causes varicose veins in the first place. Hardin, J. Human Poisoning from Native and Cultivated Plants. Durham, NC: Duke University Press;1974.Furthermore, the safety of using horse chestnut extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown, and the supplement should, therefore, be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Liver disease: There is one report of liver injury associated with using horse chestnut. If you have a liver condition, it is best to avoid horse chestnut. Raw horse chestnut seed, bark, flower, and leaf contain esculin and are unsafe to use. Signs of esculin poisoning include stomach upset, muscle twitching, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and paralysis. Seek immediate medical attention if you've accidentally consumed raw horse chestnut. As I have mentioned, one of the main causes of swelling is excessive salt, so you need to be mindful of how much you consume in your diet. To limit your chances of swollen ankles and feet it is best to pass on the table salt and look at a low-sodium alternative or reduced salt varieties of foods which are usually high in salt, such as soups, sauces, crisps and smoked meats. Try to avoid eating highly processed foods as these often have a high salt content.

In a tissue study on human leg veins, escin increased the tone of veins (contracting them due to increased PGF-2) [ 3]. CVI affects approximately 6–7 million people in the United States, with more females having the condition than males. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. If a doctor does not treat CVI, it can lead to venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis.

Since horse chestnut can reduce blood clotting, it can interact with drugs that have a similar effect (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, warfarin, and others) and increase the risk of bleeding [ 7]. Heat the oil over low to medium heat (110 – 120 0 F or 40 – 49 0 C) for two hours. If the temperature is too low, it will not infuse properly, and if it gets too hot the oil will burn. You need to monitor it. Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. It is recommended to raise your legs/feet higher than your heart, 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes each – depending on the severity of the swelling. When you go to bed you can also put a pillow under your ankles to help drain the excess fluid. 2. Avoid heat as much as possible

Place the bowl over a pot of water or fill a pot ¼ full of water and place the bowl into the pot on top of a cloth. Idris, S., et al. (2020). Phytochemical, ethanomedicinal and pharmacological applications of escin from Aesculus hippocastanumL .towards future medicine. Other uses not proven with research have included fever, cough, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, enlarged prostate, menstrual cramps, and swelling caused by arthritis, sprains, or bone fractures.

Additional Tips and Considerations

It's important to follow guidelines on how much horse chestnut to take when taking it internally. Taking too much could cause irritation due to the saponin content. Always read manufacturer guidelines, or refer to a herbalist. How long does it take to work? A Vogel is based on one of the core principles of Alfred Vogel - that health requires a holistic approach. A balanced lifestyle, a healthy diet and natural healing products play key roles in maintaining and restoring health.