Equisetum arvense
Part Used: Fresh young infertile herb (spring harvested)
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a European herb which grows in moist waste places throughout temperate regions of the world and is cultivated in Yugoslavia. It has served mankind as an herbal remedy since ancient times, and has traditionally been used to stop bleeding, increase urine production, repair broken bones, and relieve rheumatic conditions such as arthritis. Horsetail is rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide approximately 2–3% elemental silicon. It also contains potassium, aluminum, and manganese, along with fifteen different types of flavonoids. The presence of these flavonoids, as well as saponins, is believed to cause the diuretic effect, while the silicon content is thought to exert a connective tissue-strengthening and anti-arthritic action.
Some experts have suggested the element silicon in Horsetail is also a vital component for bone and cartilage formation. The plant's stems are rich in silica and silicic acids, which help mend broken bones and form collagen, an important protein found in connective tissue, skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Therefore, Horsetail is used as a supplement to treat and prevent osteoporosis. More recently, it has been studied for its possible usefulness in connection with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions of bones and cartilage.
Horsetail is used in treating urinary tract infections and inflammation of the prostate. It aids in coagulation and decreases bleeding. It will also help broken bones heal faster, and will help brittle nails and hair, due to its high silica content. It has also been used as part of a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, for ulcers, and for anemia. The plant alone, boiled in water, makes an effective foot soak for tired feet, or for the treatment of athlete's foot, and to rid the face of excess body oil to help control acne. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Horsetail has not been extensively studied in people, but professional herbalists recognize that the herb has diuretic properties that may be useful for the health problems like urinary tract infections & kidney stones. Horsetail may also be effective in supportive therapy for osteoporosis, increasing bone density.
References:
University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/horsetail-000257.htm
NutraSanus. http://www.nutrasanus.com/horsetail.html
All Natural. http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/horsetail.shtml
