Herbs
Horse chestnut
Also called: aescin, aesculus
Seed extract used for veins.
- Why people take it
- Varicose veins, leg swelling.
- What the evidence says
- Some evidence for chronic venous insufficiency.
- How it is usually taken
- Standardised seed extract, usually 300 mg twice a day (50 mg aescin); raw seeds are poisonous.
- Be careful
- Raw seeds, bark and leaves are poisonous; use standardised extracts only.
- Medicines it can interact with
- May add to blood thinners and lower sugar.
Other herbs
Common questions
What is Horse chestnut?
Seed extract used for veins.
Why do people take Horse chestnut?
Varicose veins, leg swelling.
Does Horse chestnut work?
Some evidence for chronic venous insufficiency.
How much Horse chestnut do people take?
Standardised seed extract, usually 300 mg twice a day (50 mg aescin); raw seeds are poisonous.
Is Horse chestnut safe?
Raw seeds, bark and leaves are poisonous; use standardised extracts only.
Does Horse chestnut interact with medicines?
May add to blood thinners and lower sugar.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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