Edible chestnut - the benefits and harms and everything about it. Useful properties of horse chestnut

Chestnut is a beautiful tree during flowering and a wonderful craft material for children. But not only this plant from the genus of the Beech family is famous for this, the benefits of chestnut for the body are also known. Chestnut is very fond of warmth, and can not stand drought or overly moist soils. Therefore, it grows in the wild where it is comfortable for it to grow. There are hundreds of plant species, the fruits of chestnuts for some people are not at all a tasty morsel, but in vain. There are a lot of useful substances in the fruits, which we hasten to tell you about.

What is the use of chestnuts, how many calories and vitamins does it contain, in what form should chestnuts be eaten and how to properly prepare the fruits? All the health benefits of chestnuts and possible harm in our material right now.

Where did the chestnut come from and where does it grow?

The chestnut during flowering is very beautiful, its inflorescences are white-pink candles, and the leaves are somewhat reminiscent of an open palm. A very powerful wood from a tree (reminiscent of oak bark in properties), it is valuable and is used for making furniture, as well as a source of tannin in tanning leather products.

No less attractive are the seeds (fruits) - the nuts, called chestnuts, hidden inside the prickly shell, have a brown color and a smooth surface. Just do not rush to eat raw chestnuts, it is dangerous to health. They must first be properly prepared, and of course you need to know which type is more useful.

It is believed that France is the birthplace of trees, because the French cannot imagine their diet without baked and roasted chestnuts. And according to legend, the Greeks brought it to Russia. But nevertheless, chestnut grows in many parts of the world: the Mediterranean, East Asia, the Atlantic coast of the USA, in some regions of Russia, Ukraine. In Ukraine (it was once imported from Hungary) it is mostly an ornament of the capital, but it also grows in other cities. The horse chestnut leaf has long been the coat of arms of the capital of the country, and still flaunts on the packaging of the delicious "Kyiv Cake".

The culture gives fruits from September to March, the most fruitful month for chestnuts is December. The most common species in Europe are horse chestnut (stomach) and sowing (Castanea) or real. It is the latter that is eaten, although horse chestnuts, the benefits and harms of which in their raw form are debatable, hostesses have adapted to close them in jars for the winter. It turns out a very tasty delicacy, useful in every sense. In the process of canning, the fruits give up their poisons, and the beneficial substances in them are preserved.

And the most expensive nuts are grown in Sicily - sweet chestnuts. Also in France and Spain. Unfortunately, black soil is not entirely suitable for growing real chestnut, but it can be purchased in stores. Horse chestnut as an external remedy has found application in traditional and folk medicine.

The benefits of chestnut, composition and calorie content

The beneficial properties of chestnut are not counted, and nutritional value is due to the presence of protein (about 4 g per 100 grams), carbohydrates (42 grams) and fats. The last in them is the smallest amount of only 2 grams, when compared with nuts (50 grams less). Therefore, they are used in the diet of vegetarians, the presence of protein and carbohydrates make it an indispensable product for athletes.

Edible chestnuts, the benefits of which are great, are famous for the presence of starch - 60% of the entire composition of the fruit, and the same amount of liquid in it. Sometimes people like to compare these special fruits with potatoes and rice, because a serving of chestnuts can energize you for the whole day. In addition, chestnuts help with fluid loss due to their electrolytic abilities. 100 grams of dried or fried fruits contain from 200 to 300 kcal, in stewed fruits, only 130 per 100 grams.

The fruits are rich in phosphorus, vitamin C (43 mg), lecithin. The US Institute of Medicine found that chestnut "nuts" are beneficial for the thyroid gland and the whole body, because they contain 15% folic acid, 27% vitamin B6 and 48% "ascorbic acid".

Edible chestnuts are an excellent remedy for the treatment of asthenia in the elderly or children weakened after physical and intellectual stress. The main thing in the process of consumption is to observe moderation and possible contraindications (at the end of the article). For medicinal purposes, not only fruits are used, but also bark, flowers, leaves. Chestnut is a source of fiber ((8 g), satisfies the needs of a person for a day by 20%), calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper.

And chestnut is one of the few products that, during processing (thermal), retains all its minerals and vitamins in the same composition.

Application in cooking

In the culinary field, the chestnut is called differently both as a “vegetable” and a delicacy, but few people know that in ancient times it was the product of poor people. Now they have learned to cook chestnuts in any way: boil in sugar, bake separately and with meat dishes, fry with mushrooms, grill, combine with legumes. Their taste is especially appreciated in China, Japan, Korea, the Mediterranean.

Traditionally in France, pieces of Banon cheese are wrapped in chestnut leaves, essential oils and tannins give a special piquant taste and aroma to the desired product. Roasted chestnuts are often cooked on coals, the benefits of which are also great. They also make chestnut honey, which has a bittersweet taste, and dry fruits are used as a coffee substitute. In Korea, they like to serve a sweet Yaksik dish for the New Year, which is made from rice, chestnuts, pine nuts, honey, and sesame oil.

Roasted chestnuts are also processed, and they make excellent flour as an ingredient for making bread, rolls and other flour products. The high-energy product is highly valued and contains a lot of carbohydrates and protein. So boldly diversify your diet and go into the details of cooking chestnuts, because it is so tasty and healthy!

The benefits of "horse" chestnut and edible (real)

Edible, sowing or real chestnut, which is basically the same thing - a great invigorating agent and a product that literally relieves depression and fatigue. It should be remembered that horse chestnut and edible trees are cultivated throughout the world and often grow in close proximity to each other. Therefore, you need to be careful if you find a fruit under a tree and eat it raw. You can get poisoned, and even die, especially for children who tend to pick up interesting objects and put them in their mouths to try. Chestnuts are considered energy drinks, so the people have long made beads and bracelets from them, protecting from the evil eye, relieving human fatigue.

Fights cancers

The presence of vitamin C in large quantities in the "nut" makes the latter the champion in the production of antioxidants in the body. It is these elements that cleanse the human body of free radicals, toxins that can cause cancer. Chestnuts are a kind of detox for your body, cleansing from poisons, and a chestnut diet at the same time helps to increase immunity and completely cleanse yourself of "garbage".

Benefits of chestnut fruit for bones

The health of our teeth and bones depends on the correct ratio of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus in the body. The last two elements are the most basic, and magnesium forms a special protective film on the teeth - hard enamel. Teeth are the strongest bones in the body and it is chestnuts that can improve their condition. For example, using a mixture of honey, chestnut puree and cheese can not only strengthen the enamel, but also your immunity.

Chestnut - tonic for muscles and veins

It is called a venotonic because it “knows how” to thin the blood, that is, it will help people with blood clots and rapid clotting to establish hematopoietic processes and reduce blood clotting. Chestnut will also help people suffering from varicose veins, hemorrhoids. It is enough to eat gruel from chestnut pulp and honey, mixed in equal parts, before breakfast and dinner.

Rubbing with chestnut or its decoction can be used externally, therapeutic massage, combined with the useful composition of the fruit, relieves fatigue from the legs, and also helps to soothe pain in rheumatic manifestations, arthritis and arthrosis.

Strengthens blood vessels and heart

Chestnut fruits are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and B12. It is these vitamins that can increase the elasticity of blood vessels, relieve heart ailments and reduce the risk of strokes.

Components such as folic acid, linoleic and potassium increase blood flow to the brain, which improves memory, strengthens the nervous system. Chestnuts are also recommended to be consumed in moderation by pregnant women to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects.

Diarrhea remedy

Michael Murray, in his book Encyclopedia of Healing, wrote about the presence of healthy fats in chestnuts, or rather the minimum amount. The 12% fat content of "nuts" makes them a low-fat product containing beneficial fatty acids, including linoleic .

In addition, eating chestnuts or taking a decoction, you can get rid of diarrhea. Since the product contains tannin, which literally has an astringent effect, the same thing will happen in the intestines. You will get rid of diarrhea as soon as possible if you drink about 2 glasses a day of this infusion, no more.

It is known that it can alleviate the condition even with dysentery, but you should be wary of experimenting on children, since the decoction can also have a toxic effect on the baby's fragile body.

Promotes weight loss

Since the fruits contain half of the daily fiber intake per day, the conclusion is clear: chestnut nuts are good and bad for digestion. Chestnuts improve digestion (if not overeating) of food most correctly without causing diarrhea. Such a fibrous diet will lower blood cholesterol levels by limiting absorption by the intestines.

Usually, fiber cannot help the body if there is not enough fluid in it. But the chestnut also wins in this, there is just enough liquid in it to remove all toxins, while removing inflammation in the intestines and not contributing to the appearance of various disorders.

The advantage of consuming chestnuts is that, like hazelnuts and almonds, they contain a record low amount of gluten, which means that the product does not contain gluten and can be safely used in gluten-free diets with wheat allergies. The low glycemic index allows chestnuts to be used in the fight against diabetes.

People who should not consume excessive amounts of sweet and fatty will definitely appreciate a properly prepared dish of edible chestnuts. Scientists from the University of Missouri have found that chestnuts, the benefits and harms of which have been studied enough, can help lower blood sugar levels or slowly increase them without affecting health and well-being.

Horse chestnuts - benefits and harms

Horse chestnut extract is part of many ointments and creams, lotions and tonics. In its raw form, it cannot be consumed, it is poisonous, for some the dose of toxins can be safe and pass without consequences, for others it can be fatal. It is used for external purposes for the prevention of varicose veins, the formation of blood clots, as a rub for pain (when the joints “ache” when the weather changes).

And tinctures or drops, which include the extract, are used to treat heart disease, strengthen blood vessels, with spasms, atherosclerosis, hypertension, with increased blood clotting (reduces viscosity). Now chestnut has found application in orthopedic procedures as a massage tool. You can build a rug on which to lay or stick chestnut kernels and walk barefoot on it - an excellent prevention of foot disorders in children.

Chestnuts - benefits and harms to the body

As well as the benefits of chestnuts, you can also get harm to your own health. First of all, chestnuts should not be consumed in kilograms. But a moderate dosage will promote health. D For people without any special health problems, a dose of up to 500 grams per day, divided into two times, is allowed.

Chestnuts can have the most dangerous consequences on a child's body or people with individual intolerance to chestnuts. Chestnut can be the strongest allergen, so before you start eating fruits and enjoying dishes from them, consult your doctor. In any case, you need to start with a small dose, checking how the body reacts to the new taste. You should also be careful about the consumption of chestnuts if a person suffers from:

• kidney failure
• Asthma and allergic manifestations
• Children and the elderly who have never eaten chestnuts before

Remember, if you suffer from allergies or rashes on the body, you can always replace the chestnut with another nut, don't push your luck and be healthy!

Horse chestnut is valued in traditional and folk medicine due to its beneficial properties. This tree has a wide distribution, grows in forests, park areas, on personal plots. It can reach 30 meters in height, bears fruit up to 30-40 years. In the preparation of various preparations, tinctures and other recipes, not only fruits are valued, but also other components of the plant - flowers, leaves, bark.

Chemical composition

Useful properties of fruits horse chestnut is represented by its chemical composition:

• saponins increase the tone of the veins, improve blood circulation, eliminate edema and activate adrenal hormones;
• glycoside reduces the risk of thrombosis, dilates blood vessels, stabilizes the central nervous system, liquefies and removes sputum from the respiratory tract;
• tannins have an astringent and protective effect;
• vitamin C strengthens the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• vitamin K reduces bleeding, strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• coumarin has a healing effect, increases blood clotting, prevents the development of tumor cells;
• pectin removes toxins and salts from the body, improves the intestinal microflora, prevents the development of atherosclerotic plaques, promotes regeneration;
• carotene protects the body from the effects of carcinogens, improves the state of the cardiovascular system;
• organic acids remove toxins and slags from the body, prevent the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines;
• fatty oils promote tissue regeneration, eliminate inflammation, regulate metabolism;
• flavonoids reduce blood pressure and heart rate, strengthen capillaries, increase bile formation;
• starch is converted into glucose and provides the body with energy.

In addition to fruits, similar beneficial properties have flowers plants. Horse chestnut bark rich in tannins, saponin escin, and glycoside (esculin). have:

• flavonoids - isoquercitrin, quercetin;
• tannins;
• routine;
• spireoside;
• astragalin;
• carotenoids.

From trace elements leaves, flowers and fruits of horse chestnut contain selenium, boron, calcium, chromium, barium, iodine, iron, zinc, nickel.

What are the benefits of horse chestnut?

The chemical composition of fruits and other components of horse chestnut in pharmacology is valued for the following effects:

• anti-inflammatory action;
• antimicrobial;
• bactericidal;
• venotonic;
• wound healing;
• regenerating;
• painkiller;
• astringent;
• diuretic;
• antioxidant;
• decongestant;
• antipyretic;
• antitumor;
• anti-sclerotic.

The pharmacological properties of horse chestnut make its use in demand in traditional and folk medicine. The components of the plant can act as both the main and complementary ingredient in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

What diseases is it used for?

Due to the pharmacological properties of horse chestnut, its components are used in the solution of the following body problems:

• viscosity and increased blood clotting, thrombosis;
• increased permeability of the walls of blood vessels;
• blood flow disorders, including pathology of venous vessels;
• disturbed work of capillaries;
• decreased efficiency of the kidneys and liver;
• inflammatory processes and edema;
• disorders in digestion, production of gastric juice and gallbladder secretion;
• accumulation in the body of salts, toxins, radionuclides;

Preparations and prescriptions based on fruits and other components of horse chestnut are used in the prevention and treatment of the following diseases:

• hypertension, atherosclerosis, other diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• increased blood clotting, venous congestion, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism;
• spasms, trophic ulcers and mechanical damage to blood vessels, endarteritis, anemia;
• hemorrhoids, bleeding of various origins, including uterine;
• pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, pneumonia, shortness of breath, respiratory diseases;
• pathology of the genitourinary system, gallbladder, spleen;
• increased acidity and stomach ulcers, gastritis;
• rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, joint pain, gout;
• neuralgia, diarrhea, leukemia, malaria, menopause, muscle inflammation, prostate adenoma, prostatitis.

Horse chestnut components are mainly used in the treatment of leg diseases, especially varicose veins. Often, these ingredients in various forms are used for hemorrhoids and other similar pathologies. However, the range of application of horse chestnut is much wider, which makes it a popular product in traditional and folk medicine.

Medications

Among traditional medicine preparations based on horse chestnut, there are:

• "Aescusan" - a group of angioprotectors, represented by tablets, dragees, drops, ointments and gels, is used to strengthen the walls of blood vessels in venous insufficiency, improves blood flow;
• creams based on horse chestnut or its extract - a large group of products intended for the treatment of varicose veins, reduces leg fatigue, swelling and pain;
• horse chestnut ointments are used to strengthen blood vessels in varicose veins, reduce swelling and inflammation, reduce fatigue and muscle cramps;
• the gel is used for the prevention and treatment of venous diseases of the legs, promotes recovery processes;
• gel-balm based on horse chestnut and leech extract - the remedy is also used for venous insufficiency, has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect, improves blood circulation.

In addition to traditional medicines, horse chestnut components are also used in folk recipes.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, horse chestnut is used mainly in the form of tinctures and decoctions. For their preparation, any components of the plant are used - fruits, their peel, flowers, tree bark, leaves.

Each ingredient is collected at the certain time when the concentration of nutrients in it reaches its highest value:

• horse chestnut bark is harvested in spring from trees that are three years old, dried and stored in a ventilated room for no longer than a year;
• tree flowers are harvested during the flowering period in May-June, after harvesting the inflorescences are laid out in the sun, then dried in the shade;
• leaves are harvested from May to September, they are also stored for no longer than a year;
• horse chestnut fruits ripen in August-September, for drying the kernels are separated from the peel, the latter can also be used in tinctures and other recipes.

The resulting raw materials can be further used for the preparation of preventive and therapeutic traditional medicine. During the collection process, attention is paid to the appearance and quality of the ingredients - they should not be affected by pests or diseases.

flower juice

In the treatment of varicose veins, juice from horse chestnut flowers is often used. For cooking, you need fresh inflorescences, they are crushed with a blender, and then the juice is squeezed out.

The agent is taken in 25-30 drops, diluted in 1 tbsp. l. water. The course of treatment is twice a day for 3-4 weeks. Internal use also helps with inflammation of hemorrhoids. External use relieves joint pain and gout.

Fresh juice of horse chestnut flowers is effective for varicose veins, regular use relieves symptoms within a month.

Ointment

To prepare the ointment, take 5 fruits of horse chestnut or 5 tbsp. l. dried flowers. Raw materials are poured with half a liter of vegetable oil and boiled in a water bath for an hour. After cooling, the product is filtered.

The tool is used for application to areas with inflamed vessels, used 2-3 times a day.

To prepare a special ointment for varicose veins, a similar recipe is used. 5 st. l. dried horse chestnut flowers mixed with 2 tbsp. l. sage, 4 tbsp. l. chamomile and 1 tbsp. l. potato starch.

200 g of chicken fat are added to the resulting mass, the mixture is heated for three hours in a water bath. After that, the mixture is infused for 12 hours, then boiled again. In the future, the ointment is filtered and used for application to problem areas.

Butter

As anti-cellulite agent many people use horse chestnut oil. For its preparation:

• 100 g of crushed horse chestnut and basil are poured into a glass of olive oil;
• means insist from 10 days;
• the resulting mixture is filtered, a few drops of grapefruit oil are added.

The tool can be used for manual and hardware anti-cellulite massage. It also helps with swelling and varicose veins. If necessary, an oil extract can also be made on the basis of other vegetable oils. The finished product can also be purchased at a pharmacy.

Alcohol tincture of flowers

To prepare an alcohol tincture from horse chestnut flowers, you will need 10 grams of crushed raw materials. They are poured with 100 ml of vodka and infused for a week in a dark place, shaking occasionally.

The resulting tincture is taken 15-30 drops three times a day. The tool is used as a medicine for hemorrhoids, thrombosis, varicose veins, prostatitis. When applied externally, the tincture helps with sciatica, gout, rheumatic and arthritic pains.

For treatment joints and myositis also use an alcohol tincture based on horse chestnut flowers. Preparation - 40 g of dried inflorescences are poured with a liter of medical alcohol. Keep sealed for a week, then filter. The tincture is used to rub the joints and muscles for pain.

Fruit tincture of alcohol

Horse chestnut tincture can be prepared according to the same recipe and proportions as the remedy using flowers. Another recipe suggests cutting the fruit into quarters and filling a glass container with them.

To obtain a tincture, the container is filled to the brim with vodka and tightly sealed. Insist in a dark place for three weeks. The tincture is used for compresses arthrosis, arthritis and rheumatism.

Another Alcohol Tincture Recipe Can Help for Healing prostatitis. To prepare the medicine, horse chestnut fruits and flowers are mixed in equal proportions. The resulting mixture is poured with vodka in a ratio of 1:10.

The tincture is corked in a glass jar, placed for a month in a dark place. Take 15 drops 4 times a day, the duration of the course is determined individually. From gout alcohol tincture helps according to the following recipe:

• 50 g of crushed horse chestnut flowers are poured into 800 ml of alcohol;
• the solution is placed in a dark place, insisted for 10 days;
• filter, moisten gauze and use as a compress, applying to the affected area.

Decoction of flowers

To prepare a decoction of horse chestnut flowers, mix 5 g of inflorescences and bark. Raw materials in an enamel bowl are poured with 200 ml of boiled water, then boiled over low heat for half an hour. Tsedat through a triple layer of gauze.

The resulting broth in the first two days take 1 tbsp. l. once a day, then gradually increase consumption to 2-3 tbsp. l. The course of treatment depends on the disease - with varicose veins, the decoction is taken up to 8 weeks, with hemorrhoids - up to a month.

A decoction can be used to relieve uterine bleeding, douching with whites and to relieve inflammation of the prostate.

At radiation sickness use a different recipe: 20 g of crushed flowers are poured into 300 ml of water and brought to a boil. After that, the broth is infused for 10 hours, filtered. It is necessary to take 100 ml three times a day.

Infusion of flowers

Making an infusion of horse chestnut flowers helps with blood disorders and brain tumors. The recipe is simple - 1 tbsp. l. dried inflorescences pour a glass of water and heat almost to a boil.

The product is left to infuse for 6 hours, then filtered and left in the refrigerator for storage. Take a quarter cup several times a day, but not more than a liter. The course of treatment is three weeks, followed by a two-week break.

Fruit decoction

Based on horse chestnut fruit decoctions are not prepared. The kernels are used mainly in tinctures and infusions. For decoction, the peel of ripe fruits is often used.

To prepare 15 grams of raw materials, pour a glass of water, boil for 15 minutes and insist for an hour and a half. The decoction obtained is used for menopause for morning and evening washing. The tool allows you to relieve itching and dryness.

Extract

Horse chestnut extract is rich in saponins, especially escin. The tool is used to eliminate venous stasis and inflammation. It also helps strengthen capillaries and protect them from damage.

Horse chestnut extract is also used in the treatment pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Helps to normalize blood pressure, is used in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis, as well as in the treatment of thrombophlebitis.

At home, chestnut extract is not prepared; for use, it is bought in a pharmacy ready-made.

leaf application

Horse chestnut leaves are used:

• in the preparation of medicinal preparations for the normalization of water and salt balance, as well as for the treatment of rheumatism and gout;
• for the preparation of decoctions and infusions - the leaves help with colds, improve the condition of the respiratory tract, are used in the treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma, tracheitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis;
• as a prophylactic - the leaves calm the nervous system, normalize sleep, relieve stress and nervous tension.

Traditional medicine does not offer a clear recipe for making decoctions or infusions from horse chestnut leaves. The tool is used as needed at the rate of 1-2 tbsp. l. to a glass of water.

To prepare a decoction, the mixture is steamed in a water bath; for infusion, it is poured with boiling water and insisted for one to several hours. In the preparation of tincture, the period increases to several days, the raw material is poured with vodka and kept in a dark place.

Water infusion from the bark

For the preparation of water infusion, take the dried bark of horse chestnut. 1 tsp crushed raw materials are poured with two glasses of boiled cooled water, insisted for 8 hours. Strained means take 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.

An aqueous infusion of horse chestnut bark helps with diseases of the gallbladder, kidneys, intestines, as well as inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Contraindications for use

Horse chestnut has certain contraindications for use. plant components not used in the following cases:

• low blood clotting;
• severe pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
• hypotension;
• pregnancy;
• irregular menstruation;
• individual intolerance.

Among side effects allocate:

• allergic reaction;
• nausea, heartburn;
• constipation, flatulence.

When applied externally, irritation may occur. In this case, the use of horse chestnut and preparations based on it is stopped. When lactating about the use of horse chestnut, consult a doctor.

Chestnut-based medicines should also be carefully used for gastric ulcers and significant cardiac pathologies.

In addition to the above, there are contraindications to the use of alcohol tincture based on flowers and fruits of horse chestnut:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 16 years;
• atonic constipation;
• hypoacid acute gastritis.

In the matter of a long course of treatment with horse chestnut tincture, consultation with a specialist is necessary. It is also recommended to check the level of blood prothrombin during the use of this drug.

The chestnut plant, which gives fruits that are suitable for human consumption, is popularly called by the people. In another way, it is called noble. What chestnuts are edible? These are the species that can be found only in the south of Europe, in the countries of Asia, North America. In our country, such a tree is not found. It grows here only, however, it is unsuitable for human consumption.

The noble properties of which are used in French cooking are a national product in this European country.

The fruits of these trees are baked. Often this happens right on the street, especially before there is a holiday that is dedicated to the chestnut. In terms of taste, the fruits of this tree are a neutral product. Use edible chestnut nuts for salads and snacks, as well as desserts. They are included in the composition of recipes for a variety of pastries. Chestnut fruits are also added to soups. Raw chestnuts resemble nuts in their taste, and baked - potatoes.

The benefit lies in its rich chemical composition. The fruits of the plant contain a large amount of starch. They contain fiber, sugars, mineral components, vitamin A and a B complex, as well as ascorbic acid. The edible chestnut is low in fat. However, it is high in protein and carbohydrates. In this regard, chestnut nuts are a highly nutritious product. The mineral elements that are part of the edible fruits of the plant are represented by potassium and iron, phosphorus and sodium, copper and calcium, magnesium and some other substances.

The benefits of edible chestnut are most evident in its leaves. This part of the plant is rich in pectins and tannins, glycosides and vitamins B and K. Infusions, as well as decoctions prepared from edible chestnut leaves, are often used by folk healers as a hemostatic agent. Dry nuts also find their use. A decoction prepared from them is used to treat respiratory diseases. To obtain a medicinal drug, crushed dry raw materials in the amount of fifty grams are poured with a liter of water. The mixture is boiled for half an hour. After cooling, the broth is filtered and used to wash the nasopharynx. This remedy, made from fresh nuts, helps with whooping cough.

When used externally, the decoction is an excellent drug that saves from skin diseases that are pustular in nature. It helps with furunculosis. The benefits of edible chestnut are also manifested when using an alcohol infusion made from its fruits. relieves intestinal disorders and cystitis.

In folk medicine, the benefits of edible chestnut have long been known. Therefore, it is used to get rid of many pathologies. In particular, its use allows you to expand the narrowed arteries. The healing plant accelerates blood flow in the body and strengthens the walls of capillaries. Fruits and chestnut bark help in eliminating gastrointestinal problems. They are able to remove puffiness associated with kidney pathologies. An alcoholic tincture of dried flowers is an excellent remedy for catarrh of the bladder and chronic dysentery. A decoction of chestnut fruits is used to treat wounds and burns.

Often found in large and small cities. It pleases the eye during flowering, fills the air with a wonderful aroma. But not many people know how chestnut is useful. It turns out that it is often used both in traditional medicine and in the production of medicines and cosmetics.

Horse chestnut. Beneficial features

Chestnut seeds - brown shiny nuts, contain high concentrations such as potassium, calcium, zinc, iodine, as well as some vitamins, oils, and there are a lot of pectins, flavonoids and carotenoids in the leaves.

On the basis of this plant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic drugs are made. Useful substances of horse chestnut are able to thin the blood, prevent blood clots, improve blood flow.

In cosmetology, the components that make up this plant take care of problem skin, playing the role of an antiseptic. And the lymphatic drainage qualities of chestnut are good in the fight against cellulite.

Procurement of raw materials

Traditional medicine knows many recipes using the healing properties of the plant. How to save what chestnut is useful for? It is advisable to prepare the ingredients for these recipes in May, when there is an active movement of juice in the plant.

The flowers are separated from the inflorescence and spread evenly on the surface, leaving in the sun for one day. In the future, the complete drying of the product should take place in a well-ventilated area. Leaves without petioles are dried in the same way. If everything is done correctly, it does not lose its original color and does not break at the fold. Young branches (3-4 years old) are used for harvesting the bark. The crushed raw materials are dried under a canopy. The seeds of the plant, which fell off on their own, retain their useful qualities throughout the year.

Application

How to make the most of that chestnut? Massage with the fruits of reflex points reduces pain in rheumatism. It is enough to periodically squeeze them in your hand. And if you press on the chestnut attached to the chest between the nipples, you can get rid of the beginning cough.

Vodka tincture from the seeds of the plant is used as a rub for sciatica. Chestnuts ground in a meat grinder with the addition of white or blue clay are applied for a couple of hours to problem areas with joint pain and gout.

Flowers can be insisted on vegetable oil and used as rubbing against sciatica and polyarthritis. And compresses from a hot decoction of buds are applied to swollen joints after a dislocation - this is what chestnut is useful for.

Baths from the decoction of the plant are beneficial for osteochondrosis, neuralgic diseases, skin itching syndrome. Poultices based on fresh or dried leaves help with skin dermatitis.

Contraindications

There are many benefits of chestnut, but there are still reasons why taking this remedy can be harmful. If preparations made on its basis are used orally, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure and take a blood test for the level of prothrombin. Such drugs should be abandoned during pregnancy and lactation, if the menstrual cycle is disturbed, as well as with gastritis. In addition, in diseases of the kidneys and liver, chestnut treatment is performed only under special medical supervision.

Chestnuts, the benefits and harms of which have been known to people for a long time, are used not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine. About 30 species of this representative of the flora grow in nature, the fruits and other parts of the plant of 2 types of chestnuts are most widely used by people: horse and noble.

The benefits and harms of noble chestnut

Chestnuts are well known not only as sources of medicinal raw materials. Trees have a very aesthetic appearance, so they are widely used for urban greening. Flowering plants are very beautiful. In addition, these are magnificent honey plants. Chestnut honey is highly valued for its exquisite taste, amazing aroma and pronounced healing properties. The durable wood of these trees has long been used in carpentry and for the manufacture of barrels. Sweetish edible fruits are exported by some Mediterranean countries.

The fruits are mainly used in cooking. Chestnut nuts, the benefits and harms of which are determined by their chemical composition, are a delicacy for many gourmets. They contain a large amount of potassium and copper, so they are useful for heart failure. A rather high content of iron and phosphorus improves the condition with anemia. Compared to other nuts, chestnuts hold the record for the presence of vitamins C, PP, A, B. Due to their low fat content (up to 5%) and a fairly high content of proteins and carbohydrates, fruits are highly valued by those who watch their weight. You can satisfy your hunger by eating only 3-4 fried fruits. The high content of vegetable protein in chestnuts makes them an indispensable product, along with legumes, for many vegetarians.

How are chestnuts eaten? There are many ways to use fruits in cooking:

• the powder is used to make coffee;
• ground fruits are used in the preparation of marzipan and chocolate;
• edible chestnuts are added to the side dish for meat;
• nuts are stuffed with game;
• roasted chestnuts are added to soups;
• from them you can make pasta for sandwiches;
• they are just roasted for the Christmas holidays.

For those who do not know whether chestnuts can be eaten raw, we answer: you can eat raw. But, like all nuts, roasted is still tastier.

It is believed that the use of noble chestnut nuts improves mood, helps fight chronic fatigue and stress. In addition, the fruits normalize metabolism, restore the composition of cartilage and bone tissue, have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart, circulatory system and kidneys, relieve swelling and have a slight analgesic effect. Chestnut vegetable oils improve skin condition and restore hair structure.

Since the fruits are very satisfying, it is difficult to overeat them, but abuse can lead to bloating and constipation even in a healthy person. Allergy sufferers should also not get carried away with them, since nuts can provoke an exacerbation of allergies. You can not often eat the fruits of the noble chestnut and people with reduced blood clotting and low blood pressure.

How to distinguish an edible chestnut from a horse chestnut?

Be careful not to confuse noble and horse chestnuts. The nuts of these trees are really outwardly similar. But the trees themselves are very different from each other. The edible chestnut belongs to the Beech family and grows mainly in Mediterranean countries. Horse is a separate family of Horse chestnuts, its distribution area covers the northern countries. His inflorescences look like openwork candles, the stem of the inflorescence is located vertically upwards. And at the edible inflorescence they are collected in long earrings. Compound horse chestnut leaves look like an open palm, 1 leaf consists of 5-7 plates. The edible leaves are simple, with small sharp teeth, up to 30 cm long.

The fruits of both trees are covered with a fleshy shell. The green tuberous shell of horse fruit looks like an underwater mine. And the edible shell is brown in color with small spikes. Ripe fruits fall out of the shell. Walnut chestnut has a smooth, shiny brown surface with a light matte spot on one side.

The taste of these 2 fruits are very different from each other. The bitter taste of horsetail makes it suitable only as an additive to livestock feed. By the way, since ancient times, the Turks fattened horses, exhausted in long campaigns, with chestnuts. At the same time, the horses recovered their strength very quickly. Hence the name.

The benefits and harms of horse chestnut

What is chestnut good for? Although horse chestnuts are not edible, they have a rich chemical composition. Horse chestnut, the benefits and harms of which are determined by biologically active substances, have been used to treat various diseases for a very long time. In the Mediterranean countries, fruits and bark have been used since the Middle Ages in the treatment of fever, amoebic dysentery and malaria. Nut powder was applied to varicose ulcers. With gout, it was recommended to take baths with a decoction of chestnuts.

In Germany, already in the 18th century, a decoction of the bark was used for prolonged diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and uterine bleeding. Sebastian Kneipp, a German priest who devoted his whole life to developing simple and affordable healing methods for everyone, advised using horse chestnut for thrombophlebitis, to cleanse the liver and gastrointestinal tract, for inflammation of the female genital organs, colds, sciatica, rheumatic pains.

After many years of research, the alcoholic tincture of the plant entered the official medicine of European countries in 1866. Since that time, it has been sold in pharmacies for the treatment of chronic inflammation of the intestines, gout and hemorrhoids. Since the end of the 19th century in France, horse chestnut has been used by doctors to treat varicose veins, prostatitis and prostate adenoma. In the middle of the 20th century, mass production of preparations containing fruit extracts and used in vein dilatation began in Germany. In modern pharmaceuticals, plant extracts are included in the following preparations:

• Reparil-gel;
• Aescusan;
• Yeskuvi;
• Esaven-gel;
• Avenol etc.

The pharmaceutical effect of drugs is due primarily to the content of bioactive compounds in almost all parts of the plant. In the course of scientific research, it was found that escin, which is present in the bark and fruits, has a vasoconstrictive effect, it relieves inflammation and swelling. The sedative effect of drugs is used for pathologies of the nervous system (hypochondria, hysteria). Such drugs are highly effective in the treatment of radiation sickness, as they actively cleanse the blood of radionuclides and toxins.

Chestnut, whose beneficial properties are expressed in anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, analgesic, anticonvulsant, wound healing, hemostatic, astringent, bactericidal action, has found wide application in folk medicine in many countries of the world.

For the treatment of varicose veins on the legs and hemorrhoidal bumps, freshly squeezed juice of the flowers of the plant is taken inside. 30 drops of juice should be dripped into 1 tbsp. l. and top up with water. Take 2 times a day.

Flower juice can be preserved. To do this, it is diluted in half with water, brought to a boil and rolled into jars. At the reception use 30-40 g of juice.

A decoction of the green seed coat has a pronounced hemostatic effect. Therefore, it is used for uterine and intestinal bleeding not associated with oncological processes.

With leukemia, an infusion of horse chestnut flowers can be an excellent additional means of restoring blood composition. For its preparation 1 tbsp. l. flowers pour 1 glass of cold water, bring to a boil and insist 8 hours. Infusion use 1 tbsp. l. every 15-20 minutes. Up to 1 liter of infusion is drunk per day in this way. The course of treatment is 2 cycles of 20 days with a break of 10 days.
The same infusion and the same treatment regimen is used for brain tumors.

The shiny brown shell of chestnuts is used in the preparation of a remedy for the treatment of prostatitis. To do this, the seed peel is ground into powder and diluted in vodka in a ratio of 1:10, i.e. for a bottle of vodka (0.5 l) you need to take 50 g of powder. Insist for 1 month. Take 20 drops 5-6 minutes before meals. Treatment is also course. 20 days of drug use alternate with 10 days of rest.

A decoction of horse chestnut leaves is prescribed for rheumatism and gout, cholecystitis, vasospasm, inflammation and intestinal atony. The effectiveness of a decoction of the leaves for inflammation of the bronchi and pulmonary tuberculosis has been proven. A decoction of the bark and leaves is especially useful for smokers.

The components are harvested in the spring, immediately after the flowering of the tree. The bark is best collected from young thin twigs. Raw materials are dried in a shady, well-ventilated area.

The rich content of useful mineral components and bioactive substances in extracts from horse chestnut flowers has determined them as a valuable component of many cosmetic products. They neutralize the action of free radicals, slow down aging, tone capillary walls, increase blood microcirculation and have a calming effect. Therefore, drugs can be used for itchy dermatitis.

Precautionary measures

The benefits of chestnuts for human health are expressed in the numerous recipes of traditional medicine. However, precautions must be taken when using drugs.

Although the fruits are considered slightly toxic, they are not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

In all cases, funds can be taken only after consultation with your doctor.