Horsetail

Common Name(s)

Horsetail

Botanical Name

Equisetum arvense

Part Used

Grass; Aerial parts (stems)

Properties

• Silica Content: Horsetail is rich in silica, promoting hair, skin, and nail health.
• Anti-inflammatory: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
• Diuretic: Acts as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
• Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
• Bone Health: Supports bone health due to its silica and calcium content.
• Wound Healing: Traditionally used for wound healing due to its astringent properties.
• Detoxifying: Assists in detoxifying the body by supporting kidney function.
• Mild Analgesic: May provide mild pain relief.
• Collagen Formation: Supports collagen formation, crucial for connective tissue health.
• Antibacterial: Exhibits antibacterial properties against certain pathogens.

Medicinal Uses

• Urinary Tract Health: Supports urinary tract health as a diuretic.
• Skin Conditions: Used for skin conditions like eczema and wounds due to its healing properties.
• Osteoporosis Prevention: Helps prevent osteoporosis by supporting bone density.
• Edema Relief: Assists in relieving edema by reducing excess fluid.
• Arthritis Support: Traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
• Detoxification: Supports kidney function for detoxification.
• Hair, Skin, and Nail Health: Enhances the health of these tissues.
• Minor Injuries: Applied topically for minor injuries and wounds.
• Mild Pain Relief: Provides mild pain relief for certain conditions.
• Anti-inflammatory: Helps with inflammatory conditions.

Safety and Caution

• Horsetail should be used cautiously due to its thiaminase content, which can break down thiamine (vitamin B1).
• Prolonged use may lead to thiamine deficiency.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid horsetail due to potential risks.