Horse chestnut: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Horse chestnut is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. It has long been valued in both official and folk medicine. The plant is included in the composition of medicines, in addition, there is a wide use of it in the home. In this article we will consider the properties of horse chestnut fruits and their effect on the human body. In addition, here you can find recipes for self-application.

Chemical Composition

1. In all the constituent parts of the plant there are useful substances. For example, the flowers contain a large number of flavone glycosides: rutin, kaempfer glycoside, quercetrin. Plus, they are rich in adenine, guanine, adenosine, choline, sugars and acids.
2. Chestnut seeds contain saponins (escin), oxycoumarins (fraxin, esculin), flavonoids, sterols, starch, essential oils, protein, tannins and other organic mineral impurities.
3. Leaves contain flavonoids: spireoside, rutin, quercetin and carotenoids: lutein, violaxanthin.
4. Vitamins of groups A, B and C have been found in tree bark, so it can be used as an immunostimulant and antipyretic.

What it looks like and where it grows

Perennial is a tall, large tree (up to 30 m), belongs to the family Sapindaceae. The crown is dense and spreading, the trunk is wide, dark gray.

At the time of flowering the tree is covered with white or pale pink inflorescences of elongated shape (10-15 cm), including up to 30 small flowers. It begins in early May - end of June, and is short-lived.

Chestnut leaves are folded, up to 25-30 cm long, with petioles up to 25 cm long. They are rough and wrinkled, pointed at the end, wedge-shaped. There are veins on the underside. Color is dark green, sometimes with a touch of reddish cast. Have a pleasant faint odor and astringent taste.

The chestnut has a globular fruit with three pods. The capsule can be up to 6 cm in diameter and is a pale green color. Inside is usually a single large seed. It is smooth and shiny, flattened on the sides, covered with a brown shell and tastes bitter. Ripens in early fall.

Etymology of the name

This is due to the fact that there are more than 20 varieties of chestnut. The name was coined to distinguish the subspecies from those eaten. In addition, they are used as animal feed. And therefore you can meet the second name - horse chestnut.

Some literature indicates that the name appeared because the scars on the shoots of the plant were observed to resemble a horseshoe. It has become established and survives to this day.

Area of distribution

The plant was first found in Northern Greece, so it is considered its homeland. Now it is distributed on the territory of Southern, Eastern and Central Europe. It also occurs in China, Japan and the United States.

In Russia, it can be found in the territory of the Arkhangelsk region, Khabarovsk Krai or Primorye. But the horse chestnut grows here no higher than 2 m and has the appearance of a shrub. It adapts well to the cold and other adverse conditions, so it has taken root in the northern regions of the country, successfully blooms and bears fruit. In the central regions is also found, but is a tree.

Due to its unpretentiousness and bright appearance, it is often used as a decorative plant, so it can be found in city parks, alleys or gardens. It allows you to create beautiful, elegant landscape compositions.

Harvesting and storage

As mentioned above, medicinal components have been found in all parts of the horse chestnut (leaves, fruits, branches, bark and flowers).

Harvesting begins during the flowering period (May-June), this is a favorable time to collect branches and bark, here you can also collect the deciduous cover. The fruits are left until autumn. They can be found under trees or plucked from branches.

The material is dried outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight. A well-ventilated, roofed room is good for this. The air temperature should not exceed 25°C, which you should keep in mind when using an electric dryer.

The raw material can be stored for up to 1 year in a dry place without getting wet. Special paper or cloth bags can help.

How to tell the difference between horse chestnut and edible chestnut

The family Sapindidae includes several varieties of horse chestnut: yellow, common, forest, red and Japanese. If it is not so difficult to distinguish them from each other, then it is necessary to identify the differences with the edible subspecies.

Botanical descriptions make it clear that the horse chestnut and the edible chestnut are different subspecies. Therefore, it is important to understand how they differ.

Composition

Horse chestnut contains little protein and other substances of nutritional value. However, its constituent components have medicinal properties, which allows its use as raw material for medicines. In addition, the edible chestnut belongs to another genus of shrubs.

Important: Horse chestnut is not consumed as food! You can tell it by its bitter aftertaste.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

There are several easily noticeable distinguishing features. This can also be understood when comparing the botanical description, let's break down the features in more detail:

1. Tree height. The trunk length of the horse chestnut reaches 25-30 m (but there are also dwarf species - up to 10 m). Representatives of edible are much higher and can be up to 50 m.
2. The foliage cover of trees with edible fruits consists of oval-shaped leaves. The length of the plate is 20-25 cm, width - 7 cm, the leaves are arranged on short petioles.
3. Flowering period. Horse chestnut flowers are bell-shaped, up to 2 cm in size, gathered in pyramidal inflorescences. Edible representatives open spike-like. In addition, their flowering begins later - in mid-summer.
4. Fruits. The nut-like shell of the horse chestnut cracks at maturity, and you can clearly see that it holds only one seed. The edible chestnut yields 1 to 3 flattened nuts.
5. A significant difference also becomes the coating of the seed box. The horse chestnut is lettuce colored and has short spines. The fruits of the edible chestnut are covered with a brown needle-like shell.

Therapeutic properties of the horse chestnut

The high content of useful components for the human body determines the wide use of chestnut in pharmacology. It is used as a venoprotective, venotonizing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. Plus, it helps improve circulation and liquefies venous and arterial blood, is used as a tissue growth stimulant and wound healing agent.

Horse chestnut is also valued for its ability to help in the following cases:

• Voluminous venous blood flow;
• abnormalities of the heart and vascular system;
• Open wounds on the surface of the body;
• the need for anesthesia;
• increased swelling;
• nervous system disorders;
• stomach and intestinal problems;
• The occurrence of cramping and spasmodic syndrome.

Pharmaceutical preparations

1. Escusan drops. Help fight stagnation in the legs, the initial stage of varicose veins, ulcers and intestinal hemorrhoids. Effective in the fight against thrombosis and inflammatory processes. How to use according to the instructions: 15-20 drops 3 times a day.
2. Tincture of chestnut. Helps support the body and prevents heart attacks, strokes and heart attacks. Moreover, alleviates symptoms of hemorrhoids and prostatitis.
3. Extract. The extract from the plant is rich in escin. It helps in the fight against hypertension (normalizes blood pressure), edema, high cholesterol plaques, as well as thrombosis and varicose veins.
4. Tablets. Are analogous to a drip system, are easy to use and help maintain the norm. The dosage is set by your doctor because of the individuality of each body. Usually the dose increases gradually - from 1-2 capsules to 3-4 capsules per day.

Drugs based on horse chestnut, in addition to the above, have a positive effect in the following diseases:

• disorders of the gallbladder;
• Pathologies of the spleen (leukemia, malaria, lymphogranulematosis);
• Swelling of the kidneys and heart;
• arthritis, arthrosis, herniated neoplasms;
• osteochondrosis, sciatica, sciatica;
• problems with excretory system;
• pulmonary diseases (whooping cough, bronchitis, tubercle bacillus, pleurisy);
• anemia;
• cancer tumors and radiation.

For women

The tonic effect that the plant has, has led to its wide use in cosmetology.

Washing the extract has a beneficial effect on the health of the skin, increases its elasticity, helps to get rid of acne, black spots and the effects of acne. Plus, it can disinfect the skin and get rid of impurities. The rinse will stimulate cell nutrition and reduce tissue swelling.

Ointments based on horse chestnut, if used continuously for a long time, help in the process of regeneration, give a lifting effect, smooth out wrinkles and scars. It can be concluded that the chestnut has rejuvenating properties, which are achieved through the renewal of the dermis.

Among other things, a wrap with the oil increases the overall tone of the skin, reduces the fat layer and normalizes blood flow.

For men

As mentioned above, the plant has a positive effect in the treatment of prostatitis, adenoma of the prostate and problems with potency. Most often these diseases appear in middle-aged men - over 40 years old, but they also occur in younger people.

With prostatitis affects primarily the excretory system. Chestnut has the effect of reducing tissue inflammation, dilating the urethra and normalizing blood flow. Inflammation is blocked, the frequency of trips to the toilet decreases, and the pain disappears. The prostate gland also gets in order.

Getting rid of blood stagnation and slow circulation, stimulation of blood flow to the genitals activates the movement of lymph, removes toxins from the body and relieves a man from potency problems.

Important! Consultation with a specialist is necessary before using. Unnormal reception can lead to negative consequences.

When pregnant.

The high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates allows the use of chestnuts during pregnancy. However, this is possible only if the compositions are prepared correctly and in a strictly limited amount.

They cope well with any viral infection, so in pregnancy it is useful to use an anti-cold infusion. In addition, you can prepare decoctions against whooping cough or for kidney failure, stomach and intestinal problems. The basis of such solutions should include not only the leaves, but also the bark, branches and flowers.

In addition, wounds and pustules can be treated during pregnancy. In addition to its disinfecting effect, chestnut will promote rapid healing and regeneration of the skin. Plus, it has antimicrobial and antipyretic effects, so it will do without unnecessary antibiotics.

For weight loss.

The plant promotes the removal of toxins from the body and the rapid breakdown of the fat layer, so it is often used by those who want to lose weight. It speeds up the metabolism and restores the water balance in the body.

You can use both infusions and decoctions, as well as wraps. It is not superfluous to use chestnut bark scrub, but it should be used with caution and first applied to a small area of the skin to detect a reaction (may cause irritation).

People who are overweight often suffer from leg swelling. Decoction of chestnut will help to remove excess fluid and improve the excretory system, so the weight will go faster.

Horse chestnut in folk medicine

The use of horse chestnut is not limited to pharmacology. Wide range of its use at home according to recipes of folk medicine. With its help, you can fight on their own:

• with increased blood clotting;
• diabetes;
• vascular disease and heart failure;
• thrombosis;
• high blood cholesterol;
• digestive system disorders.

In addition, chestnut at home use eliminates edema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis and maxillary sinusitis. Let's consider these diseases in more detail.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease. There are many reasons for the increase in blood sugar levels. Few people know, but horse chestnut has a positive effect on the course of the disease and even relieves its symptoms. This manifests itself in the following:

• Restoring the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
• Reducing the level of sugar and cholesterol plaques in the blood;
• Improvement of metabolic processes in the body;
• normalization of the blood.

Diabetics are advised to take chestnut as follows: boil a teaspoon of leaves in a glass of boiling water for 20 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool and infuse for about half an hour, and then strain. This decoction should be washed over wounds and lesions.

In the case of second-degree diabetes billet is subjected to a different treatment: 100 g of tree bark pour 1 liter of vodka. Insist the liquid in a dark place for 14 days. Dosage of intake: 10 drops 3 times a day before meals.

Warning: do not be frightened by the large amount of sugars in the composition. They are absolutely harmless, as they do not affect the process of insulin synthesis. On the contrary, they have a beneficial effect on the work of the pancreas.

When hemorrhoids

Healing decoction for hemorrhoidal inflammation can be prepared as follows: Boil 3 tablespoons of tree bark in 1 liter of water for 15-20 minutes. Time of infusion - 8-10 hours (you can leave it overnight). Strain the liquid to use as a compress and sitting baths. The procedure should be repeated after each emptying of the bowels.

Another working option - microclysters. They are prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon of crushed dry bark in a glass of boiled water. Cover it with a towel to keep warm and leave it for 3 hours. Filter the cooled potion, after which it becomes suitable for an enema (30-50 ml).

Drops of fresh chestnut juice are consumed orally up to 30 drops before each meal (3 times a day). This helps to strengthen blood vessels and eliminate inflammation.

You can take baths with herbal pharmacy collection, which includes chestnut. Such a mixture is not difficult to prepare at home, will need: chestnut rind (3 parts), dried chamomile (3), sage (2), oak bark (5). Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the mass in 1 liter of boiling water and boil over high heat. Decoction left overnight (time to infuse - 12-14 hours). Baths take no longer than 15 minutes. The course of treatment includes 10 baths at intervals of 2-3 days (ie, the duration of therapy - 1 month).

With varicose veins

From this disease affects the vast majority of the population, mostly women. It does not manifest itself only with age, it can be provoked by lifting weights, a stable working position - sitting or standing, uncomfortable shoes. Unfortunately, varicose veins are very difficult to treat. To help in the fight against the disease comes horse chestnut, it can alleviate the symptoms up to its complete elimination. The plant is able not only to prevent the appearance of varicose veins, but also to stop it.

Recipe: pour the bark of the chestnut tree with 1 liter of vodka. Insist the mixture for 14 days. Use twice a day (morning and evening), inside 15-20 drops. The positive effect will be noticeable after 2-3 months of receiving.

Attention: You need to make sure that the time between the first and second use is not less than 12 hours.

In addition, varicose veins can be treated by applying pharmacy creams and ointments that include horse chestnut.

For prostatitis

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of the plant has a beneficial effect on the work of the human prostate gland. Pain will disappear, the excretory system will begin to function normally, the feeling of bladder tightness will go away, and the number of trips to the toilet will be drastically reduced. Erectile function will also be restored.

For treatment, you need to have chestnut seed capsule shells and walnut shells. They will be the main ingredients for the tincture. They are dried and crushed, after which they will be ready for further action: 1 tablespoon of the mixture is poured 100 ml of pure alcohol. The liquid is covered with a lid and put away in a dark place, where it stays for 14 days. After 2 weeks, it is filtered. The resulting tincture is ready to use: take it in 10 drops 2 times a day before meals (for 10 days).

The positive effect is manifested by the elimination of swelling of the human excretory system, which is due to the components that make up the plant.

For maxillary sinusitis

To treat maxillary sinusitis, as a rule, it is advised to use unripe fruits. In view of the possible absence of such, the use of ripe frozen nuts is allowed. They are poured steep boiling water and leave for a few hours. After that, the core is peeled from the skin and cut into small bars - turundas. They are inserted into the nasal passages, where they contribute to the expulsion of purulent stasis.

Warning: This method can provoke severe itching in the nasal cavity and sneezing. Turundas are made for 5-7 days, using new chestnut candles every day. They help to quickly get rid of the disease, as they have a pronounced effect.

Nasal irrigation with chestnut tincture is also good for clearing pus from the sinuses. To do this, repeat the above steps (before cutting into slices) and grate the fruit. Pour the mass with warm water and insist about one day. Twice a day wash the nasal cavity for one week. The tincture can serve as a preventive measure.

Very popular method of inhalation with the addition of essential fatty chestnut oils. To do this, breathe over hot water with oil for about 10-15 minutes. Can be done for 10-12 days.

Warning: Inhalation is allowed only in the absence of large accumulations of pus and high body temperature. This method improves the discharge of mucus and acts as an anti-inflammatory measure. Cold inhalations can also be done.

A mixture of vegetable oil and grated horse chestnut seed is used to massage the sinuses (1-2 times up to 10 minutes).

In thrombophlebitis

The true enemy of this disease is chestnut. In conjunction with other pharmacy herbs, you can achieve a more rapid effect, but in the absence of such a possibility, it will cope on its own.

In the course of thrombophlebitis, it is necessary to take into account some features of the preparations:

1. Flowers and leaves, subsequently included in the mixture, should be plucked as early as spring (the period of the beginning of flowering), then they will contain a greater number of useful components.
2. Harvesting of fruits and bark is carried out later - in late autumn.
3. For the infusion fit all the constituent parts of the plant.

Recipe for infusion: 2 tablespoons of crushed fruits poured 0.5 liters of vodka. The liquid insist 10-12 days, then take 5-10 drops 4 times a day.

Preparation of compresses: grated fruit combined with an alcoholic solution in a ratio of 1:3 or 50 ml of chestnut oil is combined with a liter of warm boiled water. Both are suitable for treatment. A gauze is soaked in the infusion and applied to the affected areas of the body. The top of the cloth is wrapped in clingfilm to keep warm.

Dried tree bark is crushed, take 1 teaspoon and pour a glass of water. Boiled composition insist about an hour. Drink 100-150 ml after a meal, 2 times a day. Duration of therapy - 1 month.

Extracts and ointments also have a rapid healing effect. To do this, nuts are added to alcohol (in the proportion of 1:10) and left for 20 days. The resulting infusion is rubbed into the skin until the desired result is achieved.

In hypertension

The extract from the tree bark is rich in escin and saponins. They help in getting rid of edema of the body, varicose veins, improve the condition of the capillary system, increase the tone of the veins. Tincture of the bark and fruit helps eliminate the symptoms of hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

The most rapid positive effect can be seen when using an infusion of the brown skins of the fruit: 50 g of peels pour 0.5 liters of vodka. The liquid is infused (stirred and strained) for two weeks. Such a composition allows to fight with the growths on the arterial walls, pain relieves the processes involving the veins, removes swelling and dilates the patency of the vessels.

At the beginning of the complex of procedures (1 week) 25 drops are mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and drunk 3 times a day. Then during another 4 weeks the number of times increased to 4.

Decoction of the bark and flowers is also able to have a beneficial effect on the disease: 1 teaspoon of bark and 1 teaspoon of petals grind and pour a glass of boiling water. The composition is boiled for 30 minutes over low heat. Dosing: The first two days, take a couple of teaspoons once a day. Then the number of intakes increased to 3.

With atherosclerosis.

Folk medicine has long used the flowers, fruits and shells to treat this disease. They are subjected to treatment and are included in creams, compresses, lotions, decoctions and infusions. This is due to the presence of escine and triterpenesaponin, which, in turn, contribute to:

• Strengthening and increasing the elasticity of vascular walls;
• thinning of the blood;
• reduction of edema;
• lowering blood pressure;
• Pain relief of the extremities.

Suitable for use in the initial stages of the disease, but the therapy must be prescribed by the attending physician, as there is a range of contraindications.

Vodka tincture allows you to get rid of cholesterol plaques and promotes the expansion of blood vessels. Five chestnut fruits pour 100 ml of vodka (half a glass). Sustained for two weeks, then take 3 times a day for 10-15 drops diluted in a teaspoon of water. The duration of treatment - 10 days.

The second effective remedy - decoction of the fruit. Pour two nuts with a glass of clean water and boil for about 30 minutes. Use 1 tablespoon for the first 3 days, and then double the amount and drink for another 7 days. Thus, the course length is 10 days.

Equally effective is an ointment based on the infusion. To do this, the prepared tincture is mixed with ordinary lanolin cream and rubbed into the legs before bedtime.

Types of healing compositions

To prepare healing compositions in folk medicine, all the constituent parts of the plant are used. Each of them contains a large concentration of substances that have a healing effect on the body. In this regard, the following therapeutic forms are made: decoctions, infusions, ointments, juice, tea, creams and oil. Let's consider some of them in more detail.

Infusion .

The components of infusions can be all parts of the tree (from stem bark to seed capsules), they are poured with cold or boiled water, depending on the recipe. Infusion cooled and left for some time, then decanted and take 2-3 tablespoons daily (depending on indications).

Such means are useful in the treatment of liver and kidney failure, disorders of the gall bladder, inflammation of various kinds. In addition, they can be the basis for compresses, lotions and bandages.

Tincture .

Tincture is prepared by pouring the components in alcohol or vodka and insisting in a dark cool place for 10-14 days. Suitable for the leaves, fruits, seed box peel, stem bark.

An example of a recipe: 3 spoonfuls of dried seed casing pour 0.5 liters of alcohol and leave to simmer for 14 days. Once the tincture is ready, it is applied to bothering joints or rubbed on the skin.

Next example: Pre-crushed chestnut kernels (50 g) are placed in 250 ml of vodka. Leave in the refrigerator for 14 days (Note: It is necessary to shake the jar daily). Strain the ready liquid is used for one month, 15-20 drops three times a day. It is good in the treatment of dilated veins and arteriosclerosis.

Recipe: grind the grains together with the skin in a meat grinder and pour into a glass container. The mass of the mixture - 300 g. It is poured 1 liter of vodka and insist a week. It helps to get rid of the symptoms of sciatica, thrombophlebitis, cramps and inflammation of the muscle tissue.

Decoction

Most often the decoction is made from the bark and petals. Raw materials, poured water, boiled for about half an hour, then strained and diluted with warm pure liquid. Take a decoction of 1 tablespoon per day, gradually increasing to 100 ml at a time.

It helps with disorders of the stomach and intestines, digestive system disorders, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, so it is often prescribed for gynecological inflammation and in urology. Decoction can be the basis for mouthwash in diseases of the gums and teeth, stomatitis and flus.

Recipe: 1 teaspoon of bark soaked in warm water (2 cups or 400 ml). Insist for days in a dark place at room temperature. Drink 200 ml per day. The remedy helps in the treatment of neuralgic pathologies, emotional instability and loss of strength.

Tea .

The drink is brewed twice a day with meals. It can be purchased at the drugstore alone or in herbal gatherings. Its taste is neutral, without pronounced bitterness. The main thing in the use - consistency. The course is from 3 to 4 weeks.

You can also make your own: 1 teaspoon of leaves and flowers pour a glass of boiling water. You can add ginger or honey if desired. Tea is good for restoring strength, normal functioning of the kidneys and liver, strengthens the immune system.

Ointment

External use is no less effective, so chestnut can often be found in the components of ointments and creams. They are prepared on the basis of nuts or petals, the fact is that it is there that fatty oils are most strongly concentrated.

5 chestnuts and 5 spoonfuls of inflorescences are crushed and mixed with vegetable (and preferably olive) oil for structuring, the dosage is 0.5 liters. The mass is whipped to a homogeneous consistency and boiled in a water bath. Used as an anti-edematous, tonic and soothing agent.

Cream .

The cream is excellent for regenerating and toning the skin due to the lymphatic drainage properties. In addition, it fights varicose veins and diseases of the joints and bones.

It can be made at home using a fatty substance: sour cream, cream or olive oil (you can use esters if you want). These ingredients are mixed with crushed chestnut and stored in the refrigerator for several months.

Oil

The product is made at home by hand-pressing, after which it is strained of impurities. Horse chestnut oil is full of beneficial acids, antioxidants, vitamins groups A, B, C, glucose and flavonoids, so it is very valuable.

Juice from the inflorescence

Fresh flowers are ground in a meat grinder. Of the resulting mass through gauze squeeze all the liquid. Drink the juice by 1 tablespoon after each meal (no more than 3 times a day). He is rich in phytoncides and glycosides.

Juice is good for hemorrhoids and varicose veins, plus it has analgesic properties, so it can be taken with menstrual pain or joint problems.

The solution .

The preparation process is very similar to the preparation of tinctures: pour the crushed fruits with vodka (in the proportion of 1 cup per 1 liter). The potion is left for 2 weeks, and then filtered. This form is rubbed on joints and bothersome venous networks. It is also suitable for internal administration, if diluted 1:1 with water.

Cosmetic Applications

Chestnut is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Below will be the main range of forms in which the extract of horse chestnut and their effects on the human body.

1. Helium shampoos for feet. Helping to combat fatigue, heaviness and swelling.
2. Facial cream with anti-aging effect. Establishes blood flow and metabolic processes in cells.
3. Creams for the skin around the eyes. They remove bags and dark circles under eyes, nourish skin and hide wrinkles, increase general look and elasticity of skin.
4. Anticuperosis products. They get rid of redness and shrink capillary networks.
5. Anti-cellulite complexes. Promotes the outflow of fluid from soft tissues and corrects the appearance of the skin.

Horse chestnut for hair and skin treatment
The effect of horse chestnut on the hair follicles and skin can be singled out as a separate item. It is often found as an ingredient in gels, shampoos and skin scrubs. Masks and scalp cleansers make hair beautiful, strong and shiny, and protect it from breakage and loss. Scalp loses excess greasiness, fills with essential moisture and gets rid of dandruff. Chestnut nourishes the skin and hair follicles, filling them with vitamins and tightening the pores.

Thus, in hair care, the plant improves circulation of the scalp, compensates for the lack of moisture, strengthens the bulbs, thereby preventing hair loss. The appearance of the hair is improved: a healthy shine appears, growth is accelerated, inflammation and dandruff disappear.

In skin care products promote microcirculation of the skin, eliminate inflammation, improve complexion and help to get rid of edema. They stimulate cell regeneration, which heals wounds and eliminates fine wrinkles. The elasticity and firmness of the skin is noticeably improved.

Can we eat horse chestnut?

This is the first time that we must talk about this question. Eating roasted chestnuts is quite popular, so many of us have pondered how to cook them ourselves. But there is no need to rush with this.

Important! Horse chestnut fruits are absolutely unfit for food, they have a bitter taste and can be harmful because of the toxic substances included in the composition. The use of the nut is unsafe and can lead to food poisoning and even irreversible consequences, up to and including death.

How to distinguish edible from poisonous varieties has been described above, let's consolidate the main points:

1. The horse chestnut has one nut in the shell, it is large, their shell is lettuce colored, with many short prickles.
2. An edible chestnut can have from 1 to 3 nuts, in addition, they are much smaller than a horse chestnut. The shell is covered with long maroon needles.

Contraindications and side effects

Unfortunately, like all preparations, healing compositions from this plant have a number of contraindications, and therefore they should not be taken, in case of

• poor blood clotting;
• Ulcers in the stomach and duodenum;
• Gastritis with reduced acidity;
• Individual intolerance and the presence of allergic reactions.

Chestnut can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, as it acts as a tool that can cause constipation. Therefore, it is good to use it for diarrhea, but you should not do it for the opposite problem.

On top of that, alcohol-based tincture is forbidden to consume:

• chronic exacerbated gastritis or colitis;
• Renal and hepatic insufficiency;
• high degree of hypertension.

Pregnant and nursing women are also contraindicated in the use of tincture, but they can use ointments, creams and decoctions.

Photo of horse chestnut