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Horsetail Plant - Benefits And Side Effects

Botanical name: Equisetvense

Actions: Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic (mild), antispasmodic (mild), anti­tumor, astringent, carminative, cellular proliferator, diaphoretic, emmenagogue (mild), galactagogue, hemostatic, lithotriptic, nutritive, tonic, vulnerary.

Parts used : Whole plant

The name horsetail arose because it was thought that the stalk resembled a horse's tail; the name Equisetum is from the Latin equus , "horse", and seta , "bristle". Horsetail is widely distributed throughout the temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, North America, and Europe. Horsetail is a unique plant with two distinctive types of stems. One variety of stem grows early in spring and looks like asparagus, except for its brown color and spore-containing cones on top. The mature form of the herb, appearing in summer, has branched, thin, green, sterile stems and looks like a feathery tail.

Medical uses and benefits of Horsetail

• Horsetail is one of the greatest herbs for bone and connective tissue weaknesses.
• It is very high in silica, which is converted into calcium by the liver.
• This herb has great healing powers to all tissues of the body.
• It is an extremely good herb for the urinary tract (kidneys and bladder).
• Use to strengthen any prolapsed condition of the body, e.g., bladder, bowels, uterus, veins, skin and the like.
• Has some minor antiparasitic properties.
• One of the greatest helps for increasing platelet production by the spleen.
• A very good herb for prostate inflammation and weakness.
• Used in the detoxification of the body.
• Has diuretic properties, therefore very beneficial in relieving kidney congestion.
• Used to strengthen fingernails (check thyroid/parathyroid) .

Cautions

• Horsetail will promote urination, so be sure to drink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids.
• Due to a lack of clear safety information, horsetail should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• Never take horsetail to reduce the swelling associated with poor kidney or heart function; both are potentially serious conditions that require careful medical monitoring.