The properties and benefits of the Chestnut
Write the 06/03/2024 by Santarome Bio
From the Fagaceae family, the chestnut tree (Castanea sativa), is a large and stocky tree with deciduous foliage. Originally from Asia Minor and the Mediterranean Basin where it was already cultivated around 3000 years ago, it is said that it was imported to Europe via Turkey. Its fruit, the chestnut, is harvested in autumn. Chestnuts are very nutritious, earning the Chestnut the nickname “Breadfruit”. With remarkable properties, it offers a variety of health benefits, particularly with regard to circulation .
History of the Chestnut
Since its importation into Europe thousands of years ago, the chestnut tree has played an important role in the diet and economy of local populations. Chestnuts, its fruits, have been an essential food source for centuries, especially in mountainous regions where other crops had difficulty growing.
But the chestnut tree is not limited to its fruits. Its wood is also very appreciated for its strength and durability. It has been widely used in construction, furniture making and even cooperage for wine aging.
Therapeutically, the chestnut tree also has interesting properties. Its leaves, for example, are used in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties. They are often used to relieve blood circulation problems and joint pain.
Without forgetting its role in the forest ecosystem. Indeed, it provides a habitat for many animal and plant species, thus contributing to biodiversity. Additionally, its deep roots help stabilize soils and prevent erosion.
Composition and main active compounds of the Chestnut
The chestnut is composed of a multitude of active substances with varied properties. Among the most important, we find:
Carbohydrates : present in large quantities in fruits, carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body.
Lipids : although less present than carbohydrates, chestnut lipids are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Proteins : essential to the functioning of the body, proteins are present in the leaves and bark of the chestnut tree.
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Vitamins and minerals : the chestnut tree is a good source of vitamins B and E, potassium, magnesium and iron, elements essential to health.
Tannins : present in particular in the bark, tannins have astringent and antioxidant properties.
- Flavonoids : These antioxidant compounds help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Benefits on the body
The chestnut tree, a majestic tree and symbol of strength, offers much more than its precious wood and its tasty fruits. It contains beneficial properties for the body, whether to relieve inflammation, fight infections, improve blood circulation or soothe digestive disorders.
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Inflammatory properties : the leaves and bark of the chestnut tree are traditionally used to reduce inflammation and thus relieve joint and muscle pain.
Antibacterial properties : by attacking harmful bacteria, it helps strengthen the immune system and prevent infections. This makes it a valuable ally in maintaining health and fighting pathogens present in our environment.
Support for vascular health : by promoting the dilation of blood vessels, it helps regulate blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular problems. This vascular action also helps maintain good tissue oxygenation, thus promoting general well-being.
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Astringent properties : the astringent properties of the chestnut tree make it an effective remedy for reducing redness and itching, but also for relieving digestive disorders.
How to consume chestnut?
The chestnut tree can be consumed in different ways to benefit from its properties:
- As a dietary supplement
Santarome Bio has designed the ideal solution for you: ampoules for heavy legs , a treatment of 20 ampoules based on organic chestnut and plants such as red vine , blackcurrant and witch hazel . It is ideal for improving blood circulation and relieving heavy legs.
- Bud macerate
Bud macerate is an effective natural remedy for relieving joint and muscle pain. Organic Light Legs Bud Macerate from Santarome Bio comes from a trio of organic buds: Chestnut, Red Vine and Chestnut, a concentrate of all the natural active ingredients of the plant to relieve circulatory disorders and feelings of heavy legs.
- In infusion, decoction
Chestnut leaves and bark can be used to prepare infusions or decoctions. These drinks are traditionally used to relieve digestive disorders, inflammations and infections.
To prepare an infusion, simply steep the dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes. The decoction is a slower method but allows you to extract more powerful active ingredients. It consists of boiling the parts of the plant (leaves, bark, etc.) in water for a certain time (around 10 to 15 minutes).
- Mother tincture
Chestnut mother tincture is another popular method. It is a liquid concentrate obtained by maceration of the leaves and bark in alcohol. It is used for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. A few drops of mother tincture diluted in water can be taken daily to benefit from its benefits.
