What are conkers good for?

Conkers, the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, are primarily known for their use in the traditional children's game, where they are threaded on a string and used to strike other conkers. Beyond play, they contain compounds like aesculin, which have been investigated for potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, conkers are sometimes used in natural pest deterrents, as their bitter taste is unappealing to some insects. However, they are toxic if ingested, so caution is advised.