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If you are
one of the 40 million Americans that have varicose veins, the herb horse
chestnut may make you say “Giddiup.” This is because the extract from
this tree’s seeds has been shown to alleviate many of the symptoms associated
with this condition.
To
gain further appreciation of its health benefits, it is possible to study
horse chestnut (as well as other herbs, nutrients and foods) through the
lens of herbal astrology. Through this periscope, we can further
crack the nut as to why this botanical remedy may serve to protect health
and well-being.
Horse
Chestnut is Linked to Jupiter
Jupiter,
the planet that rules Sagittarius and co-rules Pisces, governs horse chestnut.
Jupiter signifies the growth and expansion necessary for seeking challenges
that will provide understanding and learning. This understanding may be
accomplished through travels on the Earth, in
one’s thoughts (Sagittarius) or through voyages into more emotional and
otherworldly spaces (Pisces).
In
medical astrology, Jupiter rules the growth and expansion of the body,
as well as the liver and the arterial portion of the circulatory system.
Jupiter is thought to play an important role in enhancing the flow of
the vital force throughout the body.
There
are many correspondences between horse chestnut and Jupiter. Horse chestnut
is primarily used for improving the integrity of the veins in the legs,
the region of the body that is associated with Jupiter, since the legs
begin at the hips (ruled by Sagittarius) and end at the feet (ruled by
Pisces). Additionally, as the image associated with Sagittarius is a centaur,
there is a relationship between horse chestnut and this symbol, which
is half horse and half man.
Jupiter
and Varicose Veins
Varicose
veins are a common vein disorder, and are four times more likely to affect
women than men. Normally, blood is sent to the legs through the Jupiter-ruled
arteries, and then is pumped smoothly back through the veins to the heart.
Varicose veins, a condition of chronic venous insufficiency, occurs when
the valves in the leg veins that control blood flow begin to weaken. The
veins then begin to stretch, causing the blood to pool in the legs. While
some people with varicose veins often do not experience any symptoms aside
from cosmetic disturbances, others may experience aching legs, itchy skin
and swelling in their ankles and feet.
While
heredity and hormones play an important role in the development of varicose
veins, being overweight is also a contributing factor. Not surprisingly,
Jupiter is associated with the accumulation of extra body weight due to
its promotion of growth and expansion.
Horse
Chestnut and Varicose Veins
Numerous
double blind, placebo-controlled human studies have shown horse chestnut
to be effective in the alleviation of symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
and varicose veins. Results have demonstrated that supplementation with
horse chestnut has helped to relieve the associated swelling, itching
and aching that oftentimes accompanies these conditions.
Horse
chestnut exerts these effects through its anti-inflammatory and vascular
tightening actions. Researchers believe that it exerts these beneficial
actions through its ability to inhibit enzymes that destroy blood vessels’
structural framework. It also seems to improve the tone of the veins by
enhancing the ability of the veins to contract and pump blood back to
the heart.
How
to Use Horse Chestnut
Horse
chestnut is generally available in capsule or tincture form. The ingredient
in horse chestnut that is believed to exert its beneficial effects is
called aescin (or escin). Therefore, it is usually recommended to use
a horse chestnut extract that has been standardized for aescin content.
According to the Commission E Monographs, the standard level of aescin
content should be 16-21 percent. A daily dose of 100 milligrams aescin
is recognized by the Commission for use with chronic venous insufficiency.
Horse chestnut is also available in a topical gel that can be applied
directly to the affected areas.
While
side effects caused by horse chestnut are rare, there have been infrequent
reports of nausea and stomach complaints that have occurred after supplementation.
Additionally, people who are allergic to chestnut tree pollen may also
be allergic to horse chestnut. Since it is believed that the unprocessed
seeds may be poisonous, many health experts advise that people do not
create their own at-home horse chestnut preparations.
It
is important to always consult a licensed healthcare provider if you are
thinking of using horse chestnut or other dietary supplements to treat
any health condition. Additionally, you should tell your healthcare provider
about all of the dietary supplements that you are taking so that s/he
can evaluate any potential drug-supplement interactions.
Editor’s
note: The health information given in this article is not meant as a substitute
for care from a qualified physician. This information is given for educational
purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. StarIQ.com
is not responsible for any mishaps that occur as a result of using this
information.
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