Horse Chestnuts Cut & Sifted

[ 1089 ]
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$4.66 
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$10.12 

Horse chestnut is so-called because of the erroneous belief that eating the nuts relieved chest congestion in horses. In truth, however, horse chestnuts contain a compound called esculin that is toxic to horses, although deer and other animals appear to be able to neutralize this substance and eat the nuts without consequence.

Due to safety concerns, horse chestnuts are generally used to make infusions, balms and ointments for topical use only.

contains known allergen: tree nuts


kosher certificate information

a.
quick look

information at a glance

approximate cups to one pound5
origineurope
active compoundsFlavonoids, Coumarins, Triterpenoid saponins, Aescin.
plant part usedseeds, bark, leaves
processingcut & sifted
contains known allergen
tree nuts

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tipsStore in an airtight container away from bright light, heat and humidity.
appearance & aromaWoody chunks with bark attached. No significant aroma.

c.
uses

try something new

cosmeticDecoct to make salves, ointments and other topical products.
safetyMay cause allergic skin reactions in some people. Do not apply topical preparations to open skin. Avoid during pregnancy.

some recommendations

other products to love

[ arnica flower ]

[ tip: Combine horse chesnut with oil infused with arnica flowers when making topical ointments and salves.  ~ from Monterey Bay Herb Company ]

Combine with oil infused with arnica flowers when making topical ointments and salves.

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[ muslin bag ]

[ tip: Use a muslin bag to make a decoction of horse chesnut.  ~ from Monterey Bay Herb Company ]

Use a muslin bag to make a decoction of horse chesnut.

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d.
flavor profile

cut & sifted
horse chestnut

Not for culinary use due to potential toxicity from a coumarin glucoside called esculin.

e.
formulas & recipes

cut & sifted
horse chestnut

coming soon

f.
what else you should know

cut & sifted
horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is a member of the maple or soapberry family that is native to southeastern Europe and cultivated elsewhere to provide shade in parks and along sidewalks. The tree is also known as the conker tree and buckeye, although it shouldn’t be confused with either California buckeye or Ohio buckeye, which are unrelated. In addition, despite its common name, horse chestnut “conkers” or nuts are poisonous to horses.

Historically, and currently in Europe, horse chestnut is used to counter venous insufficiency and inflammation. Horse chestnut extract, prepared from the conkers, is also found in Bach flower remedies. The conkers contain a number of active compounds, including quercetrin, scopoletin and aesculetin, as well as the plant sterols sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol.


Description: Horse chestnut is a tree that grows as tall as 80 feet high. It is native to Asia and the woods in the Balkans. Both the bark and the seeds are harvested from the trees in the fall.

Safety: If you have liver or kidney disease, you should not use horse chestnut. Horse chestnut can be toxic if taken internally. Do not put lotion or gel on broken skin. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised: 
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor,
especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.