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CHESTNUT TREE
CASTANEA SATIVA It were as needless to describe a tree so commonly known as to tell a man he had gotten a mouth. This is, in fact, the Sweet Chestnut with spreading branches, although it grows more erect when planted in a group. Where to find it: Originally from sunnier climes, the Chestnut now grows in temperate regions of Britain, Europe and America. Flowering time: Early summer. Astrology: Under the dominion of Jupiter. Medicinal virtues: The fruit breeds good blood and yields commendable nourishment, yet eaten too much makes the blood thick, procures headache and binds the body. The inner skin covering the nut is so binding that a scruple taken by a man, or ten grains (65o mg) by a child soon stops any flux. The powder of the dried nut, taken a dram (1.7 g) at a time, is a good remedy to stop the terms in women. If you dry the kernels, beat them into a powder and make it into an electuary with honey, you have an admirable remedy for the cough and spitting of blood. Modern uses: The dried leaves are used in the form of an infusion - 1 oz (28 g) to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water - for whooping cough and irritation of the respiratory tract. The dosage is 1-2 fl OZ (28-56 ml) three or four times a day. The medicine has an expectorant and astringent effect. The Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is also used in modern practice. An infusion of the bark is used to treat fevers. A tincture of the fruit is recommended for painful haemorrhoids as it improves blood circulation. A few drops are taken internally twice a day. The outer casing of the Horse Chestnut is poisonous. |