The horsetail herb is also known as horse willow, toadpipe, bottle brush,
Corn Horsetail, Dutch rushes, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. It is a
perennial flowerless plant whose value is found in the hollow, jointed stems.
First recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several followed his advice to
treat for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and
tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it to cool a fever and as a remedy for eye
inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders. They also use it to
treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The fresh or dried green stems
of horsetail are collected in summer.
The horsetail constitutes one of the most diuretic species in all the plants.
In other words it possesses a great capacity to eliminate water from the body.
This is due to the chemical ingredient equisetonin. Horsetail can actually
increase unination up to 30%. This fact means it is often used in products for
weight loss. Equisetonin and potassium are especially beneficial for this but
calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid also contribute to this
ability.
Horsetail also has the power to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory
diseases of the lower urinary tract and flush out kidney and bladder stones.
Horsetail also speeds up slowly healing wounds and repairs bony tissues because
of the quantity of silica in the plant. Silica helps to fix calcium, so that the
body can store more quantity of this mineral and it is able to form stronger
bones or tendons. This means horsetail is a good herb to take when dealing with
osteoporosis.
Because of its mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and
general debility. It has also been used to treat lung damage such as
tuberculosis or emphysema. Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon,
calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese, and potassium. It has been used
to treat prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. This
herb nourishes nails, hair, skin, bones and the body's connective tissue.
Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign
enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of
value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent
research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in
removing lead accumulations in the body.
It may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy
menstrual bleeding. It may also be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore
throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. Externally it may be applied as a
compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, and skin problems.
Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for
compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an
average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of
water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil
for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed
several times a day between meals.
Sprinkle on your salad or soup for strengthening hair and fingernails.
Use as a garden spray to kill or prevent Powder Mildew and Black Spots on roses.
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