The horse chestnut is a medicinal tree. Its bark used to be prescribed as an antipyretic, while it also has antiseptic and astringent properties. Since the end of the 19th century, chestnuts have been regarded as one of the best venous tonics of our flora. In the 19th century, a paste was made for the hands with ground almonds and chestnuts. When triturated in water, they produce a lather and have a cleansing action.
Horse chestnut contains escin - a molecule that improves blood circulation. It is used in products with a draining action and helps to relieve water retention.