Planetary Herbals Horse Chestnut Cream
Pros
Cons
Today’s reviews is on a treatment for varicose veins called Horse Chestnut Cream. It is a herbal remedy drawing on traditional herbal cures, as well as Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal aids. The Ayurvedic tradition draws on ancient India traditional knowledge.
Varicose veins are also known as spider veins or ‘blue’ veins. This is because they form a highly visible matrix of veins that often bulge out beneath the surface of the skin. These big, raised veins can be due to standing on the legs for long periods of time, excess weight brought on by obesity or pregnancy, too little oxidation or a lack of exercise. As such, normal blood flow and circulation is often interrupted. Additionally, they can be caused by taking birth control pills or hormonal changes. As a result of these external signs and causes, sufferers may experience itching, swelling in the legs, burning, pain or throbbing. Horse chestnut is one of the most common natural remedies used for varicose veins.
What’s In Horse Chestnut Cream?
- Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (standardized to 20% aescin)
- Butcher’s Broom Leaf Extract
- Witch Hazel Bark Extract
- White Oak Bark Extract
- Myrrh Gum Extract
- Rosemary Leaf Oil
- Purified Water
- Aloe Vera Leaf Gel
- Glyceryl Stearate (emulsifier)
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient)
- Glycerin, Stearic Acid
- Beeswax
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Methyl Glucoses (from sugar plant)
- Lecithin Phospholipid
- Jojoba Seed Oil
- Tocopheryl Acetate (natural vitamin E)
- Benzyl Alcohol (preservative)
- Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
- Xanthan Gum
- Grapefruit Seed Extract.
The first six ingredients comprise the main ones. Witch Hazel and Horse Chestnut are the two most well-known treatments for blue veins included in this formulation. Witch Hazel is an astringent that fortifies blood vessels, and generally reduces symptoms. In addition, it contains essential oils which help swelling go down. Similarly, Horse Chestnut strengthens veins. This is due to a compound, aescin. Aescin stops certain enzymes which could damage capillary walls from being released. This formulation contains 20% aescin. Myrrh, White Oak and Butcher’s Broom lend extra support in the form of being astringent tonifiers as well.
Aloe is an antioxidant and intensely soothing. Consequently, as it should have an effect on oxidation and improved blood flow. Together with the Jojoba and Rose Oils, these three non-active ingredients are topical antioxidants which promote healthy skin and cause the blood vessels to contract and be less visible.
How Do You Use Horse Chestnut Cream?
Gently massage the cream into the legs and affected areas in the morning and at night. Results should start to show after 6 weeks. Do not administer to children. Obtain medical clearance if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. If you have highly sensitive skin which is sensitive to the oils and your condition worsens, see a doctor. The likelihood of this happening is extremely rare.
Although this is not explicitly stated by the manufacturer, you should take this product with caution if you use blood thinners. Horse chestnut thins the blood. A small but distinct minority of people experience an increased, rapid heartbeat from this product.
The Cost
A 4 Oz bottle costs $32.47 on Amazon.
Is There a Guarantee?
There is a ‘100% satisfaction’ guarantee from the store where the product is purchased. You will either receive store credit or a replacement product. On the other hand, no further details about the guarantee are provided, so it may be hard to enforce in practice.
Conclusion of Our Horse Chestnut Cream Review
Results for something as fairly complex as varicose veins will always vary from person to person. This product is no exception – the results are very good for some consumers, with others citing no effect. The herbal formulation is strong and powerful. It also benefits eczema sufferers.
The formulation is good. However, it does not reduce blood vessel constrictions from the inside. Also, it is quite pricey and the guarantee isn’t clear. Consequently, we feel you should try this product only if you are prepared to risk a 50% chance that it may not work for you, and that it may difficult to effect the returns policy.