Condition
Treatment Support
rich in silica
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)
Also know as Shavegrass
Botanical Information
Horsetail is a non-flowering primitive and ancient plant of wet places with straight, ribbed stems covered with whorled radiating branches. The plants often spread by underground runners.
Working with Horsetail
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb.
Horsetail, or shavegrass, is valuable for its high silica content, which makes it useful for strengthening and regenerating connective tissues. A number of commercial preparations containing horsetail extract are available and are recommended for strengthening the hair, nails, and for speeding healing of bones and connective tissue. It is also beneficial for urinary tract infections, and although it is considered a mild diuretic (aquaretic), because of its astringency, horsetail is used for incontinence and bedwetting in children. Horsetail helps reduce inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate. It is commonly used in Chinese medicine to reduce irritation and redness of the eyes. Externally, horsetail poultices are applied for bleeding wounds, rheumatism, fractures, and sprains.
Horsetail has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Cautions
Contraindicated in cardiac or kidney dysfunction. Consumption of fresh horsetail is reported to potentially lead to thiamine deficiency. Horsetail extract is safe to use because the thiaminase is broken down.
Conditions treated with Horsetail
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
urinary tract tonic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue regenerator
Application
extract in tablet form
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue strengthener
Application
tincture, tablet, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue strengthener
Application
tablet, tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
silica containing
Application
extract (tablet) internally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
