MEDICINAL PLANTS

The chestnut belongs to the family of hipocastanáceas, comprising no more than 20 species that are characteristic of warm temperate countries of Asia and America. This tree is native to Greece, home to many wild mountains of the country. History tells us that Greece was brought to Turkey and then the plant began to grow in Europe, spreading very rapidly. In Spain we can see widely held in parks and avenues, basically serving a decorative function. It is a large tree, easily recognized by its large leaves and long opposing corner.

FLOWERING

The tree blooms in April in temperate coasts of the country, and May or June in the most high. The fruit ripens in late summer or autumn. Typically seen in certain residential areas where this beautiful tree abounds how children, upon leaving school, have fun with real battles with chestnuts, though some bad times tend to stand out because the prongs of the fruit, although they are soft, they hurt when used as projectiles.

APPLICATIONS

In the bark of young branches are substances called esculin and esculetin, a bitter taste. It also contains tannins, saponins and various elements such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus. The esculetin esculin and give the plant venotómicas properties, which increase capillary resistance. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and controls the permeability of the vessels, thus exerting a major effort antiedematous. Also has an excellent vasoconstrictor action, painful hemorrhoids used against it not only relieves pain but gradually reduces its volume. Is also very useful to reduce the diameter of varicose veins and phlebitis. Folk medicine has used the nuts in the healing of persistent diarrhea in dysentery, and even formerly well against malaria. In external applications has been used to wash wounds and chilblains. But it is completely non-toxic plant. Some of its compounds can be toxic if used incorrectly. Seeds can be confused with the brown and may result, after ingestion, pictures of gastroenteritis, mydriasis and sleepiness, so it is advisable to use under medical supervision.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. They are used between 30-40 g. Of bark per quart of water, being able to take up half a liter per day split into 2 or 3 shots.
Tincture. Prepared from fresh chestnuts, take 3 times a day.
Fluid extract stabilized. 10 to 35 drops three times daily.
Lavados. From a decoction of the bark to 5%, local washes can be performed.
Ointments. With 20% extract, local application on the hemorrhoids.
Suppositories with 20-30 mg of dry extract.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Hipocastanaceas
HABITAT: Avenues and parks, ornamental tree
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Bark, pericarp and seeds
CASTILIAN: Castaño
CATALAN: Castanyer bord

USES

Fort antiedematous, Moderate Venotonic, Moderate inflammatory.