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Horse chestnut (Aesculus)

Venous insufficiency · Leg swelling
Tier 3 — Trending

What it is

One of the best-studied herbal treatments for chronic venous insufficiency. A Cochrane review confirmed aescin-standardised extract reduces leg swelling and pain vs placebo. Works by reducing capillary permeability and improving venous tone. Raw horse chestnuts are toxic — only standardised extracts should be used. Avoid with blood thinners.

Efficacy
3/5
Safety
3/5
Research
3/5
Onset
2/5
Cost
3/5
Drug-int.
3/5

Dose

300 mg twice daily standardised to 50 mg aescin; raw seeds are toxic and must never be eaten

Time of day & tips

Take with food. Only use standardised extracts — never eat raw horse chestnuts. Avoid with blood thinners. Elevate legs and stay hydrated alongside supplementation.

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