Chestnut Tree
Botanical Description & Habitat
Castanea sativa, C. vesca, Fagus castanea, C. vulgaris
Family
Fagaceae
Common Names
Sweet chestnut
Habitat
Throughout the world, in forests, often cultivated.
Medicinal Parts
The leaves and the fruits, collected in June.
See also:
Chestnut
European Chestnut
Historical Properties & Uses
Edible chestnut leaves are used as an expectorant for bronchitis and as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatism. The nuts are anti-diarrheic.
Homeopathic preparations are used to treat coughs, lumbago and edema.
Edible chestnut should be distinguished from horse chestnut (Asculus hippocastanum), which has totally different medicinal properties and uses.
Chestnut leaf (Castaneae folium) has not achieved approval status by the German Commission E. Either there was insufficient evidence in favor, or a contraindication.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Chestnut has Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-diarrheic Properties. The leaves and nuts contain tannin, flavonoids and saponin which account for the expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheic actions.
However, the reported expectorant action of this herb has not been substantiated by research, nor by controlled clinical observation. Since chestnut is seldom used by itself, perhaps its reputation involves some kind of interactive effects with other expectorants.
In the British Pharmacopoeia, castanea is recommended as an astringent, antitussive and antirheumatic, for the treatment of pertussis, tracheitis, bronchial catarrh, diarrhea, muscular rheumatism, lumbago, generalized fibrositis, and as a gargle for pharyngitis. Specifically indicated in paroxysmal cough. May be combined with gum weed, myrrh, ipecac, and primrose in pertussis; with geranium and lady's mantle in infantile diarrhea; with celery, black cohosh, menyanthes and filipendula in muscular rheumatism and fibrositis.
Chestnut May Have Anti-HIV Action
One species of chestnut, C. australe, has recently been reported to inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. It is unlikely C. sativa shares this property.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
The anti-inflammatory activity of this herb can be seriously inhibited by phenobarbital and certain other sedatives and hypnotics (chloral hydrate, meprobamate, etc.), as well as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, such as propanolol.
Colchicine may increase sensitivity or enhance the response to this herb.
The topical application of this astringent herb in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid) may adversely affect the skin.
1. The tannin in this herb may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea.
2. The tannin in a tea made from this herb may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
No side effects in small doses, but abuse of tannin containing plants can damage the liver.
The German Commission E status for the leaf is "null" or neutral i.e. while it is not approved, there is no documented risk. There may also be some concern over the claims made by manufacturers i.e. they are unproven.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
use 2-4g of dried leaf
Liquid Extract
use 1-4ml of 1:1 in 25% alcohol
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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