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T'ien-Shih-Li | | Name : | T'ien-Shih-Li | | Synonyms : | T'ien-shih-li(Chinese name)
| | Parts Used : | Nuts, leaves, flowers, bark | | Habitat : | Planted in towns, horsechestnut is naturalized in the United States. | | Description : | Growsto 100 ft. in height. Has 5-7 toothed leafletsper leaf; up to 12 inches long; without stalks. Budsare large and very sticky. Broken twigs do not have foul-smellingodor as the Ohio Buckeye has. Flowers are white (mottled red and yellow);flowering in May. Fruits are spiny or warty; produced in September-October. | | Constituents : | The seeds contain various saponins including aescine, tannins, flavones,purines, starch, sugar, albumin, and a fatty oil.
The bark contains coumarins, glycoside, resin and pigment.
Tonic, stimulant, narcotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nutritive,febrifuge, expectorant | | Uses : | Horse-chestnut leaves have marked narcotic tendencies, and a cupfulof standard infusion will ensure deep, calm sleep. It should not,however, be taken too often despite the tonic properties it also enjoys.Essence of horse-chestnut is rich in vitamin K and thereforevaluable in treating all circulatory disorders. People suffering frompoor circulation, piles,varicose veins, and chilblainsmay be helped with medical supervision.
Pealed roasted nuts were brewed for diarrhea,prostate ailments. In Europe, preparations of the seeds are believedto prevent thrombosis, rheumatism,neuralgia, burns,thought to help weak veins and arteries. Also used in bronchitis,swollen prostate, gastritis and gastroenteritis. Leaf tea is a tonic;used for fevers, colds,malaria, dysentery;externally, for lupus and skin ulcers.A fluid extract from the fruit protects against sunburn.
A related species: California buckeye (Aesculus californica)was reported to cause abortions in cattle. Although considered poisonousunless fully ripened and properly leached, it was used by the localNative Americans as a remedy for rheumaticaches and toothaches. | | Dosage : | The bark is boiled using 1 oz. to 1 pintof water. Not more than a tbsp. is given 3 or 4times daily. The fruit is usually made into a liquid extractor tincture of which 5-20 drops are given 3 or4 times daily.
To make external applications: mix 1/2 tsp. ofhorse-chestnut powder in 16 oz. water. Apply the mixturegently to varicose veins or hemorrhoids. Do not rub hard; this couldcause further irritation. | | Safety : | This herb is potentially fatal. Could cause death or other seriousconsequences. Although horse-chestnut has been found to be safe andhelpful for some people under the guidance and care of trained clinicians,we do not recommend its use for self-diagnosis and treatment.
Toxic symptoms include gastroenteritis, enlarged pupils, drowsiness,and flushing of the skin. Outer husks are poisonous. All parts canbe toxic. Fatalities have been reported. Seeds (nuts) contain 30%-60%starch, but can be used as a foodstuff only after the toxinshave been removed.
Professional care is essential with this herb. | | Myths : | The name is derived from a famous Taoist priest, Chang T'ien-shih,who lived in Ts'ing-ch'en.
Because of the high tannin content in horse-chestnuts, they mustbe shelled, crushed and leached overnight in cold water before theycan be used. They are then strained and boiled for half an hour. Themeal from the nuts is dried and used as medicine for humans or fodderfor animals.
The green outer casing of the fruit is poisonous and narcotic butthe toxic principles appear to be neutralized by preroasting.
Another chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) is also called horse-chestnut.It is not the horse-chestnut reported on here. | | Nutrient : | Rich in vitamin K | | Sold : | Commercial preparation for external use can be found readily in Europe,but difficult to find in the United States. |
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