Surprisingly Versatile: Here's What You Can Do with Horse Chestnuts

Horse chestnuts can be used in many ways, but they turn out to be a true all rounder that can be used for various purposes around the house.

Horse chestnuts, better known as conkers, are easy to spot with their spiky green shells and smooth, shiny brown seeds inside. Although they're often mistaken for sweet chestnuts due to their similar appearance, there's one big difference, sweet chestnuts are edible, while horse chestnuts are toxic and inedible. So, no roasting these on an open fire!

But don't let that fool you into thinking they aren't useful. Horse chestnut seeds are packed with soap like compounds called saponins, including aescin, which is known for its benefits in treating vein issues and inflammation. They also contain flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins, which add to their versatility. While you shouldn't eat them, horse chestnuts are perfectly safe for external use, and we're here to show you how to unlock their hidden potential.

Chestnut Laundry Detergent

Did you know horse chestnuts belong to the soapberry family? This makes them perfect for creating an eco-friendly laundry detergent. To make your own, chop up the chestnuts, boil them in water, and strain out the solids. The remaining chestnut water is a natural detergent that will leave your clothes fresh and clean!

Chestnut Household Cleaner

The same chestnut water can be used as a multi purpose household cleaner. It's effective for scrubbing the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and even your dishes! One natural solution for all your cleaning needs.

Chestnut Powder: A Handy Base Ingredient

For even more uses, you'll want to make chestnut powder. Just coarsely chop the seeds and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold. Once dried, they can be stored for later use. This powder becomes the foundation for a variety of homemade products.

Chestnuts in Your Beauty Routine

Chestnut powder isn't just for cleaning, it's great for skincare, too! For a nourishing face mask, especially for oily or tight skin, mix two tablespoons of chestnut powder with water. Apply the mixture to your face, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. The result? Clean, refreshed skin. You can even use chestnuts to create homemade shampoo and shower gel for a completely natural beauty routine.