Aesculus

Horse Chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum

This remedy is best suited to people who are very low, depressed, and irritable with poor concentration. They may lose their temper easily, tending to brood afterward.

The remedy is given primarily for treating hemorrhoids, especially when the rectum feels dry and uncomfortable, as though it is full of small sticks, or when the hemorrhoids are internal and associated with constipation and pain in the lower back. Often the anus feels hot, dry, and itchy. Lumpy stools may occur, with stabbing, tearing, or splinter like pains in the anus. Distension in the bowels may develop, with colicky pain and foul-smelling gas. There may be varicose veins, and a feeling of congestion and tenderness in the liver. The hemorrhoids may be associated with pains and chills in the spine, and a dull, constant backache that makes bending down or rising after sitting difficult, and walking almost impossible.

In addition, the remedy is given for a dry, rough, burning throat accompanied by sneezing and profuse catarrh.

The common name is thought to originate from the traditional Turkish custom of feeding the nuts to horses as an antidote to flatulence.

The fresh, ripe, peeled, and finely chopped horse chestnuts are macerated in alcohol.

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