There are many uses of horse chestnut. Make your own chestnut tincture at home

Horse chestnut, also known as the buckeye (Aesculus hippocastanum), is used to treat a wide range of ailments and if you wish to make your own tincture, well, now is time of the year to collect the most effective component of the tree that you need – the flowers. They smell wonderful and they will leave an orange mark on your nose if you are too curious… With a little effort you can collect enough flowers to make tincture that will last you for the entire winter.

And why should you use chestnut flowers? Tincture from chestnut flowers helps the circulatory system and have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It also works well against swelling, against chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs and it also helps with calf cramps and varicose veins.

Chestnut tincture can be used externally and internally

The main active substances are saponins, flavonoids and coumarins and their effect is further enhanced if used in the form of a tincture. When used internally (drops), it has anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes elasticity of vascular walls therefore helping people with more serious cardiovascular problems (however, as with any supplement, always consult your doctor first). External application helps against varicose veins and soothes sore joints and muscles.

Photo: Pixabay

Chestnut tincture – recipe

Ingredients:

• A handful of dried chestnut flowers (you can dry them in a few days)
• 1 litre of vodka

Preparation:

Crush a handful of dried chestnut flowers, put them in a glass, and pour vodka over it. Let it rest for 14 days but shake the glass at least every other day. When done, strain the tincture through a fine cloth and store in smaller dark glass bottles to prevent oxidation. When you open the bottle use it within one month.

Our tip:

You can strengthen the effects of the tincture if you add 10 crushed unripe chestnuts, harvested in July. Or you may dry the flowers but saturate them in alcohol at the beginning of the summer holidays together with the green chestnut.

How to use the tincture

Depending on the problem, we recommend 10-20 drops per day. Internal use is not for pregnant women and people with kidney problems and that includes children under the age of 18 either.

Preview photo: Pixabay