Aches and pains are something we all deal with now and then, and natural remedies like horse chestnut (called conker in the UK) oil can offer gentle, effective relief. You'll find this being sold in natural health shops, and It’s a great way to soothe sore muscles, reduce swelling, and boost circulation. Whether you’re managing arthritis, varicose veins, or just daily muscle tension, this natural option could make a real difference.
Best of all, it's readily available in nature—all it takes is a little effort to create our own.
The horse chestnut tree itself is a beauty in every season, one I admire as it changes throughout the year.
But they are often overlooked, yet they’re packed with powerful aescin, which has many great uses!
This giant horse chestnut tree here in the village is my favourite—it produces so many chestnuts, and nobody else seems to pick them. Just today, I taught a few ladies in the village how to use them, and they were thankful and amazed.
They’re also fun to pick, especially when shiny and plump.
The great thing about picking around this time is that the buds are also out.
Collecting chestnut buds when they’re just sprouting and very sticky is ideal.
They’re full of resin and nutrients at this stage, often making them great for tinctures and salves.
In the past, the nuts were treated (by boiling and leaching) to reduce toxicity, making them safer for consumption. However, it is not commonly practised today due to the risks involved.
I love using horse chestnuts as an eco-friendlyConker Laundry Detergent . They work incredibly well! I’ve even added them to my shampoo to help strengthen hair, as their natural astringent effect boosts hair roots and helps reduce scalp oiliness.
With my latest collection, I’m planning to make an infused oil. You’d be surprised at just how effective horse chestnut oil can be!
Thanks to its aescin content, horse chestnut improves blood circulation and vein health when applied to the skin. Supporting circulation and strengthening capillary walls help reduce swelling in the legs and ankles, making it a natural remedy for inflammation-related issues like arthritis. This also helps relieve pain associated with poor circulation and swollen veins (varicose veins).
It’s also great for the skin. Its antioxidants, including powerful flavonoids, protect cells from oxidative stress and early ageing while soothing skin conditions like eczema and other irritations.
I find that processing the nuts while they're fresh and moist is more efficient than drying them because aescin is water-soluble. The moisture helps infuse the oil better with the aescin.
I first crush the horse chestnuts into smaller pieces. I mix both nuts and buds to get the full benefits.
Then, pour in the oil. One cup horse chestnut to 2 cups oil.
I prefer a short infusion due to the moisture in extracting the water-soluble aescin; the oil can go rancid with a prolonged infusion.
As the aescin is heat sensitive, I keep the heat low to retain healing properties. I process it in the infuser or dehydrator for 4 hours or in the oven at the lowest setting for 2-4 hours, with no lid to help some moisture evaporate.
Strain.
Pour the strained oil into a sterilized dark glass bottle to prevent oxidation, or keep it in a dark, cool place to preserve its potency.
Label the bottle with the date.
Apply a small amount on the skin, massaging gently. This oil is popular for leg massages to soothe tired muscles and boost circulation.
Do not ingest.
Horse chestnut contains a compound called esculin, which, while beneficial for topical use, is toxic if ingested in excess. Therefore, this infusion is intended for topical use only.
Have a lovely day, everyone!
Mariah 😊🍃