Who knows for sure where the name horse chestnut came from? For certain, it is different from the chestnut most people know about and have roasted on an open fire for generations during the Christmas holidays.
The horse chestnut comes from an altogether different tree. The horse chestnut is bitter not sweet and even come from different nut families. The only connection is in its name, and its similar form of seeds or nuts.
The horse chestnut's scientific name is Aesculus hippocastanum. It grows naturally in the mountain valleys. In most cities, the tree is chiefly grown for ornamental purposes along roads and avenues. When the trees are in bloom in the spring, they contribute to stunning scenic views. But this fast-grow tree needs plenty of space to flourish.
The horse chestnut tree can grow up to 30 meters in height, in spring and autumn it is covered with striking candles of blooms. The shady horse chestnut tree produces prickly fruits containing one to three large chestnut seeds, or "nuts". Those who believe in superstitions suggest that carrying these seeds in your pocket will ward off rheumatism.
The extract made of these seeds known as horse chestnut herb drops is used in medicine.
The fruits of the horse chestnut trees are used in a child's game "conkers". Therefore, sometimes people call the chestnut seeds as "conkers".
Conkers, unlike the seeds of the sweet chestnut, are poisonous and can cause vomiting and paralysis. But with the proper preparation, crushing and bleaching with water or boiling, horse chestnuts can be used as fodder. "Conkers" are eaten by deer and cattle but not pigs.
The chestnuts should be gathered when they fall in September.
The trees when grown in an open space can reach up to 30 meters, their arching branches of which are turned up at the ends to give a gorgeous appearance. It is one of the largest flowering trees of the temperate world. The cool pleasant shade under the chestnut trees attracted German brewers so much that they started planting the trees near their beer cellars. And the beer gardens were placed near the trees.
The wood of the tree is very light, weak, and of little economic timber value. Because of its properties -- it was light and soft and easy to shape - the wood was used in the past to make artificial limbs. Horse chestnut wood is still used today in carpentry, woodenware, and other similar purposes.
The extract of the horse chestnut has been used medicinally the appearance of varicose veins - the unwanted blue veins seen on the legs of the elderly. The extract has been used for many years orally as a natural tonic, to improve the fatigue, pains, nighttime cramping, itching and swelling in the legs.
There are many opinions of the beneficial use of the horse chestnut, chestnut extract, and horse chestnut herb drops, but the most promising use supported by science is the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. It is a proven fact that the horse chestnut is a leading herb for healthy circulation in the leg veins and healthy blood vessel tone. Products made from the nut, such as horse chestnut herb drops, help people around the world.
The horse chestnut contains the similar important ingredients to Venastat. Horse Chestnut Seed Extract has been tested through many medical experiments which proved it to be safe and beneficial herb that is prescribed for many purposes nowadays. Horse chestnut herb drops made of chestnut seeds affect flexibility and firmness of vein walls, it is ideal for supporting the weakened vein system. Moreover, the non-existence of health risk of the preparation has been proved, too.
In some countries, the use of herbs has become a way of life for many citizens. The horse chestnut is an example of a natural remedy that can be applies to many ailments.