A HERBALIST’S VIEW
HORSE CHESTNUT
Aesculus hippocastanum

Extracts from the fruits of this tree (popularly known as ‘conkers’) are used by herbalists to treat conditions of the veins and blood capillaries, including varicose veins, phlebitis, piles, varicose ulcers and localised oedema (water retention).  The fruits contain a variety of saponins, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides (including rutin) and B vitamins. ‘Horse’ in the plant’s name may be used to imply that it is not fit for human consumption (unlike the Sweet Chestnut Castanea vesca) and indeed the dosage must be carefully regulated because the constituent saponins can be toxic in excess. External treatments for the same conditions include creams, compresses, lotions and ointments made from conker extract and applied to the skin of the affected area.

According to a radio programme I once heard (notes mislaid), the Forestry Commission (now Forest Enterprise) export many tons of conkers to mainland Europe where their medicinal use is more widespread. This is confirmed by Richard Mabey in his Flora Britannica, which also mentions German research showing aescin (one of those saponins) to be an effective external treatment for sprains and bruises.

Caroline Wheeler

© 2004   Suffolk Naturalists' Society

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