Chestnut

The common horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a large, broadly oval, picturesque deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall.

It is characterized by its large, palm-shaped leaves with five to seven finger-like leaflets that turn yellow in the fall. Also striking are the white spike-like inflorescences that appear in May, as well as the spiny fruits, which contain one to three shiny seeds (chestnuts).

Horse chestnut can be used to treat venous conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, and heavy legs; the active ingredient aescin in the seeds strengthens the blood vessel walls and has a decongestant effect.