Is Horse Chestnut compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Horse Chestnut?

Horse Chestnut

July 16, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

The seeds, bark and leaves are used. It contains Aescin and esculin (see specific info), with a vasoprotector effect and devoid of toxicity at normal doses.

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.

Side effects are rare and mild.
The Commission E of German Ministry of Health does not contraindicate the use of seed extract during infancy.

Given its lack of toxicity at normal doses, a moderate consumption during lactation would pose a very low risk.

For topical preparations, do not apply it on the chest or thoroughly clean it up before breastfeeding.


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Horse Chestnut since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Aesculus castanea
  • Spanish Chestnut

Writings

  • Aesculus hippocastanum (Latin, botanical name)
  • Hippocastani semen (Latin, botanical name)
  • Конский Каштан (Cyrillic)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Zając M, Wiśniewski M, Sein Anand J. [Intoxication by powdered seeds of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) used nasally as snuff - a case report]. Przegl Lek. 2014Abstract
  2. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012Abstract
  3. Methlie CB, Schjøtt J. [Horse chestnut--remedy for chronic venous insufficiency]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2009Abstract
  4. EMA. Hippocastani semen. Community Herbal Monograph. 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004Abstract
  6. Siebert U, Brach M, Sroczynski G, Berla K. Efficacy, routine effectiveness, and safety of horsechestnut seed extract in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and large observational studies. Int Angiol. 2002Abstract
  7. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)