Horse Chestnut gel for varicose veins

Horse Chestnut tincture

20 conkers500 ml vodka
1. Blend the conkers and vodka in a liquidizer until smooth.
2. Place in a sterilized bottle and keep in a cool dark place for 10 days to 1 month, shaking every day or so. Strain before using.

STORAGE: Keeps for up to 1 year.
NB This tincture is only to be used to make the Horse Chestnut Gel (see below), and must not be taken internally.

Horse Chestnut gel for varicose veins

3 sachets vegetable gelatine150 ml water150 ml Horse Chestnut Tincture 5 drops lavender oil
1. Add the vegetable gelatine to 150 ml cold water in a pan and whisk until dissolved. Heat for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. As the mix starts to thicken, slowly pour in the Horse Chestnut Tincture a little at a time. Add the lavender oil.
2. Pour into a 250 ml sterilized bottle.

USE: Try a 24-hour patch test before using (horse chestnut can irritate). Apply to affectedareas twice daily, or as often as required.
STORAGE The gel keeps for 3 months in the refrigerator.
sourced from:http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/growyourowndrugs
This recipe is taken from the book 'Grow Your Own Drugs', published by HarperCollins.