Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
Origin
Southeast Europe
History
Geographic Information
Family
Sapindaceae
Plantings on Campus
- E. Library ()
Horse Chestnut
Uses
The nuts of the horsechestnut are used in the English children\'s game \"conkers\".
During the two World Wars, horsechestnuts were used as a source of starch that could be fermented into acetone.
The nuts contain the saponin aescin, which is used for the treatment of varicose veins, edema and sprains. The buds are also used in Bach Flower Remedies.
The seeds can be used to whiten flax and hemp, as well as to wash linens.
Images
Horse Chestnut Tree, September 9, 2007
Horse Chestnut Leaf, September 9, 2007
Horse Chestnut bud, May 11, 2008