Horse Chestnut
Commonly used for
Heart HealthCirculationVaricose Veins
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What is it? / Overview
Escin helps improve venous tone and reduces fluid leakage from capillaries. Clinical evidence suggests horse chestnut can reduce leg swelling, pain, and heaviness associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Standardized seed extract, 16–20% aescin (escin)
Typical dose studied: 300 mg twice daily (~100–150 mg escin/day)
Timing: With meals
Raw horse chestnut seeds are toxic — only use standardized commercial extracts.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Chronic kidney disease (Stage 3, 4, or 5) — NOT on dialysis; Dialysis (Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis); End-stage liver disease / Cirrhosis
Interacts with: Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets; Diabetes medications
Already taking it? Reassess after 8–12 weeks.
Research & references
Pittler MH, Ernst E. (2012). Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database. Diehm C et al. (1996). Horse chestnut vs compression stockings. Lancet. Eberhardt RT, Raffetto JD. (2014). Chronic venous insufficiency. Circulation.
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