American Chestnut
OTHER NAME(S): Châtaignier Américain, Castanea dentata, Castanea americana, Castaño Americano, Châtaignier d'Amérique
Overview
American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is a tree that's been destroyed by a fungal disease. Its leaves and bark have been traditionally used to make medicine.
American chestnut leaf contains chemicals called tannins, which might help reduce swelling.
People use American chestnut for cough, sore throat, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse American chestnut with European chestnut. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for American Chestnut overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: American chestnut is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if any part of American chestnut is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if American chestnut is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: American chestnut is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if any part of American chestnut is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if American chestnut is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if American chestnut is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for American Chestnut overview.
Dosing
Traditionally, American chestnut has been prepared as a tea. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of American chestnut might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Weiner MA, Weiner JA. Herbs that heal: prescription for herbal healing. Mill Valley, CA:Quantum Books, 1999.
- Adamczyk B, Simon J, Kitunen V, Adamczyk S, Smolander A. Tannins and their complex interaction with different organic nitrogen compounds and enzymes: old paradigms versus recent advances. ChemistryOpen. 2017;6(5):610-614.
- McRae JM, Kennedy JA. Wine and grape tannin interactions with salivary proteins and their impact on astringency: a review of current research. Molecules. 2011;16(3):2348-64.