Chestnuts are one of the symbolic fruits of autumn, loved not only for their sweet flavor and full-bodied consistency, but also for their numerous beneficial properties. Rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, chestnuts represent a nutritious and versatile food, appreciated all over the world. There is a curious popular tradition linked to this fruit, particularly intriguing in a period in which seasonal ailments, such as colds, are the order of the day.
According to an ancient peasant remedy, carrying a chestnut in your pocket during the winter would help prevent colds. At this point you might imagine the use of chestnut-based decoctions or infusions, but the reality is very different. The fruit in question is not the common edible chestnut, but the horse chestnut, also known as the crazy chestnut, which comes from the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). This fruit, inedible and even toxic to humans, was kept in the pocket as an amulet against colds.
Where does this belief come from?
The origins of this tradition lie in rural culture: it was believed that the horse chestnut had beneficial effects on horses, helping them to breathe better and reduce respiratory disorders. In fact, the active ingredient contained in this fruit, escin has anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties, useful for improving circulation and reducing swelling. However, ingesting horse chestnut is dangerous for humans, and its effectiveness as a “good luck charm against colds” remains a pure popular suggestion.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the gesture of keeping a chestnut in your pocket retains an ancient charm: a small ritual that recalls the magical-therapeutic practices of the past, when the line between medicine and superstition was very thin.
Whether considered a symbol of protection or a simple folkloristic curiosity, this custom reminds us how deeply rooted popular traditions are.
And you? Have you ever thought about trying to keep a crazy chestnut in your pocket during the winter?
