Horse chestnut is primarily used for its effects on the peripheral vascular system. The tree is grown primarily for ornamental purposes today, and can be found throughout towns and parks in the temperate regions of the United States. The tree itself produces copious amounts of its ‘fruit,’ which resembles small, prickly brown eggs. Within the fruit are the seeds, or nuts, which possess medicinal value.

As early as the 1800’s, European physicians discovered the use of seed extracts derived from the horse chestnut tree; being used for treating disorders characterized by insufficient veins and poor circulation. The use of horse chestnut is stilly highly regarded in Europe, where German physicians have made it the 3rd most prescribed herbal medicine.