Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Ohio Buckeye

Aesculus glabra

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: The seeds, bark, and young shoots of Ohio buckeye are toxic when raw and should never be ingested without proper preparation or guidance from a qualified professional. Strictly external use is recommended for preparations derived from this plant, unless supervised by an experienced herbalist. Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in young children, due to toxic risk (aesculin and saponins). Do not use when taking anticoagulant medications or in cases of bleeding disorders without medical advice, due to possible interactions.

Compress — Seeds (fruits)

Crushed seed poultice

The hulled seeds are coarsely crushed then mixed with a little warm water to form a paste, applied as a compress to the affected area. This preparation is for external use only, never ingested. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Bark

Bark tincture for external use

The dried bark is macerated for several weeks in alcohol for external use, then filtered. This tincture, applied as a local rub, must be prepared with the help of a professional to control its concentration. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Infused oil — Seeds

Crushed seed infused oil

The crushed seeds are infused at low temperature in a vegetable oil for several weeks, then filtered. The resulting oil is intended only for massage and external rubs on painful areas. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Ohio buckeye grows wild in the forests and valleys of the eastern and central United States; in France, it is mainly found planted in parks and botanical gardens, more rarely at herbalist shops specializing in North American plants.

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