horsetail is a perennial flowerless plant also known as bottle brush, horse willow, toadpipe, Dutch rushes, Corn Horsetail, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. Its medicinal value is found in the hollow, jointed stems. Roman physician Galen first recommended its use for treatment for bleeding ulcers, arthritis, kidney and bladder troubles, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders, to cool a fever, and to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The dried or fresh green stems of horsetail are usually 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 urination 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’s diuretic qualities make it effective to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. It also helps to flush out kidney and bladder stones. The quantity of silica in horsetail makes it effective in speeding up slowly healing wounds and repairing bony tissues. Silica helps the body store more calcium and this means stronger bones or tendons. It is excellent in dealing with osteoporosis.

Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, chromium, manganese, and potassium. Because of this mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. Try it also in treating lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema, as well as prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. Horsetail nourishes the body’s connective tissue as well as nails, hair, skin, and bones.

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.

To make a compress, mix 10 grams of powdered horsetail in 1 liter of water. Internally, use 6 grams of powdered horsetail and be sure to drink plenty of water. Horsetail tea, is made by pouring boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb. Then boil it for 5 minutes, and strain it after 10 to 15 minutes. You can drink this several times a day between meals.

A few warnings are in order. Too much horsetail and licorice (and especially alcohol) decrease potassium levels and risk thiamine deficiency and cardiac toxicity. Some advise the following people to stay away from horsetail: breast-feeding patients, pregnant patients, those who are taking a cardiac glycoside, those with impaired heart or kidney function, those with liver problems, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency. The equisetic acid in horsetail is a heart and nerve sedative that could be poisonous in excessive quantities.

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