Glasser Massage & Lymphedema Services, LLC

NLN Newsletter                                                       April-June 1997

Natural Health News 

UPDATE AND A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT THE USE OF HORSECHESTNUT HERB  by Diana Brady, Holistic Nutritionist       In the Oct-Dec, 1996 issue of the NLN Newsletter, I reported on the use of an herb, horsechestnut, in the treatment of lymphedema. The article was based upon clinical research performed at the Department of Internal Medicine in Germany, and clinical use of horsechestnut at the Ultimate Health Center, in North Carolina.

Response to that article has been overwhelming! There is a great deal of interest in using an herbal remedy to control the symptoms of lymphedema. However, there also has been a lot of concern about the potential toxicity of this herb; many of you have written and called the NLN and the Ultimate Health Center with questions about this. At least one patient reported an adverse reaction to the herb. Following are some basic guidelines for safe and effective use of the horsechestnut herb resulting from further in-depth exploration of this product. Individuals embarking on an herbal or natural health program are highly advised to consult with and be monitored by a qualified healthcare provider familiar with the chosen program.

After much research and many contradictory answers, I have gathered some concrete information about horsechestnut herb. First of all, horsechestnut has been taken internally for varicose veins, and other problems for hundreds of years in Europe and since the 1860's in the United States. It's mechanism of action for strengthening veins, improving circulation and reducing inflammation is well documented. However, there are cautions about the toxicity of the horsechestnut seed and or/nut, and documented cases of problems, particularly in children.

A variety of well respected sources of information credit (or blame) different parts of the herb for its potential toxicity. Some sources claim that it is outer casing of the seed, called the pod, that is toxic 1. Some say it is the bark. One source claimed that all parts of the plant were toxic, yet at the same time,  noted the herb's effectiveness in treating heart circulatory problems 2. Others claim there are no toxic effects at all 3. Several sources claim that it is only the dosage on an individual basis that can be toxic 4, which makes the most sense to me, and in relation to reported incidences of adverse reaction. Needless to say, it is very confusing to sort through the conflicting data.

It is important to note there were no side effects mentioned, nor were any problems reported with the 240 patients participating in the Germany study. Side effects noted at Ultimate Health involved a few cases of mild nausea which resolved when the patient took the herb in capsule form or with food. Nevertheless, it is prudent and wise to approach horsechestnut as you would any other potent remedy.

Horsechestnut herb should be administered based upon the needs and circumstances of the individual by a qualified health care practitioner ONLY!! The herb should be viewed as having the potential for toxicity when not administered in the correct dosage and not monitored on an individual basis. However, the German studies, as well as hundreds of years of use, prove that horsechestnut can be taken safely when taken responsibly, in the recommended dosage.

Again, please consult and work with a qualified health care practitioner, trained herbalist or naturopath before trying the horsechestnut herb.

A recent update from Peter W. Glasser, MLDT, LMT of the Ultimate Health Center reports continued success with the herbal treatment. He has received calls from people all over the country who have started using horsechestnut as prescribed, and have seen improvements in skin softening and decreased edema. Results and success levels have varied from individual to individual, but all noticed improvements in their lymphedema.

In addition to the oral horsechestnut, Mr. Glasser has started using an external ointment of horsechestnut, combined with mullein and lobelia. Results are preliminary, but promising. He has also discovered a company in Germany that manufactures tablets, gel and a bath solution. Mr. Glasser is currently in the process of obtaining and testing these products at Ultimate Health Center.

REFERENCES

1. Ody,  Penelope. The Complete Medical Herbal. Dorling Kindersley. 1993; 181.

2. Leung, Albert Y, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. Wiley-Interscience publication.
pp 304-306

3. American Botanical Council, 1984. The Herbalist, 1996. Let's Live, 1990.

4. Hoffman, David L. Herbal Phytotherapy and the Elderly. MNIMH, Healthy.net (www). 1997;1-5.