Scientifically Proven Benefits: Circulation

• Horse chestnut has proved to be effective in treating edema and other circulatory disorders.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  The most common use for horse chestnut, and one that is supported through clinical trials, is to aid circulation and treat circulatory disorders that cause leg swelling, as well as accompanying pain, itching, tension and fatigue. Other reports indicate some success in treating varicose veins as well, but those results were not evident in clinical trials.
  
  

Other Reported Benefits

• Horse chestnut may relieve coughs, fever and other ailments.George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Horse chestnut users report relief from several other conditions, such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, fever, cough, enlarged prostrate, eczema, menstrual pain and swelling related to joint conditions such as arthritis and injury. While no clinical trials support these anecdotal claims, horse chestnut contains an ingredient called aescin that is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, and increase vein tone.
  
  

Risks and Warnings

• Do not take horse chestnut if you are pregnant or nursing.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Check with your doctor before taking horse chestnut, particularly if you are on other medications, such as blood thinners. Other conditions that could be exacerbated by horse chestnut include diabetes and digestive, kidney and liver problems. You should not take this herb if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you are allergic to latex, you may also have an allergic reaction to horse chestnut.
  
  

Read the Label

• Read the label and make sure that esculin has been removed from your horse chestnut formulation.Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The active ingredient in horse chestnut seed extract is aescin. Look for a standardized product containing 50mg of aescin, with the ingredient esculin (or aesculin) removed. Remember that any raw substance from the horse chestnut plant---seed, bark, flower and leaf---is very unsafe and can cause severe conditions such as paralysis, vomiting, weakness and even death. If you buy horse chestnut in a suppository formulation, be aware that you could experience itching and inflammation). Individual side effects may vary, but the research supports safe use for up to three consecutive months. No research has been conducted on its long-term safety.