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Horsetail

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Horsetail


Botanical Name

Equisetum spp., including E. arvense, E. hyemale, E. fluviatile, E. sylvaticum, E. palustre, E. pratense, E. telmateia, and E. maximum.

Common Name

Horsetail, field horsetail, common horsetail, horsetail grass, corn horsetail, horsetail fern, mare’s tail, horse willow, shave grass, scouring rush, Dutch rushes, horsetail rush, foxtail rush, pewterwort, bottle-brush, shavebrush, joint grass, pine grass, snake grass, puzzle grass, joint weed, pipes, bull pipes, toad pipe, pipe weed, paddock-pipes, devil’s guts, queue de cheval, meadow pine, candock

Family

Equisetaceae

Parts Used

Leaf, seed

Native To

There are around twenty species of Equisetum, most of which are native to temperate and arctic regions of the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. A few larger species, such as E. giganteum and E. myrochaetum, are native to Central and South America.

Harvesting Guidelines

Horsetail is typically harvested for its green, sterile shoots, which are the part of the plant most commonly used in herbal preparations. The fertile shoots, which appear first in the spring and carry spores, are not generally used for medicinal purposes. The sterile shoots, with their high mineral content, should be harvested in late spring to early summer when they are young and tender. It’s best to cut them just above the base to ensure the plant continues to grow and regenerate.


However, it’s important to note that horsetail can lose its medicinal potency as the tops begin to droop later in the season. Additionally, when overharvested or left to grow past its optimal period, horsetail can become more taxing on the kidneys, so it's essential to monitor the plant’s growth. Furthermore, it's vital to gather horsetail from clean, unpolluted environments. This plant is known to accumulate toxins from the soil, including heavy metals and pesticides, so avoid collecting it in areas treated with inorganic fertilizers or in industrial regions.



Horsetail (Equisetum spp.), often referred to as a "living fossil," is a plant with a rich history that spans millions of years. Known for its unique appearance, horsetail doesn't produce flowers or seeds like most plants. Instead, it reproduces through spores, much like ferns, and its stem-like shoots have a distinctive, jointed structure. This remarkable plant has been a part of the natural world for over 200 million years, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Today, horsetail continues to be valued for its medicinal properties, with numerous cultures incorporating it into their healing practices for a variety of ailments.


Cultural and Medicinal History


Horsetail has a long and varied history of medicinal use across many cultures. In ancient Rome, the physician Galen recommended horsetail for the treatment of severed ligaments and nosebleeds, recognizing its healing properties. Throughout the centuries, herbalists like Nicholas Culpeper in 17th-century England used horsetail for wound healing, skin inflammation, and as a diuretic for urinary issues.

The plant’s use also extends to traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been applied to treat a range of conditions including arthritis, wounds, and hemorrhoids. In addition, it has long been a staple in the herbal medicine cabinets of North American Indigenous tribes. For example, the Cherokee utilized horsetail to alleviate constipation, while the Cree used it to regulate menstruation. The Iroquois employed it for treating headaches and arthritis pain, and some tribes, such as the Hoh and Quileute, incorporated horsetail into their ceremonial practices, consuming the rootstocks during specific medicinal ceremonies.


Modern Uses and Benefits


In modern herbalism, horsetail is most renowned for its diuretic and astringent properties. It is commonly used to address urinary tract issues, particularly for incontinence, bed-wetting in children, and for soothing urethritis and bladder infections. It is also beneficial for individuals dealing with a weak bladder, prone to dribbling, and for relieving inflammation of the prostate gland. The plant’s ability to promote urine flow helps to clear toxins from the body and reduce urinary tract irritation.


Additionally, horsetail is valued for its high silica content, which contributes to its reputation as a tonic for the hair, skin, and nails. Silica is a vital mineral that helps to strengthen connective tissues, and as such, horsetail is often used in natural beauty products aimed at improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and promoting healthier, more resilient hair and nails. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an effective ingredient in skincare products designed to treat acne, rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Furthermore, horsetail is believed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, making it a popular component in body care products.


Scientific Research on Horsetail


Modern research has corroborated many of the traditional uses of horsetail. Studies have shown that the plant’s high content of silica can help support connective tissue health, making it an effective remedy for joint pain, brittle nails, and thinning hair. Its diuretic properties have also been supported by research, with studies indicating that horsetail can help reduce fluid retention and support kidney function.


One study published in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that horsetail's antioxidant properties could help prevent the damage caused by oxidative stress in the body, which is a contributing factor to aging and disease. Furthermore, the diuretic effects of horsetail have been examined in clinical trials, showing that it can promote urine production without causing excessive dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, making it a safe option for those needing urinary support.

Adult Dose

Tincture:  30-40 drops of a fresh 1:2 in 40% 2-4x/day.

Infusion: 2-4 ounces of standard infusion for topical use** or 2-3 g dried herb per cup drunk throughout the day between mealtimes.




Safety

While horsetail can be beneficial for certain health conditions, it is important to be cautious when using it. The plant contains high levels of silica, which can irritate the digestive system. It is recommended to only use extractions like tinctures or decoctions, rather than consuming the plant itself. Additionally, horsetail contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which can deplete levels of vitamin B1 over time. To avoid this, it is recommended to choose preparations that use high temperatures to neutralize thiaminase, or to supplement with B vitamins while taking horsetail. It is also important to note that thiamine depletion has been observed in horses and other livestock after consuming large amounts of horsetail.


Actions

anodyne,Anti-arthritic,Anti-inflammatory,Anti-rheumatic,Anticonvulsant,Antihemorrhagic,Antimicrobial,Antioxidant,Astringent,Diuretic,Emmenagogue,Hemostatic,Hepatoprotective,Sedative,Spasmolytic,Tonic,Vulnerary


Energy

Cooling


References:


(2)Moerman, D. (1998). Native American medicinal plants: An ethnobotanical dictionary. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc.

(3)Angier, B. (2008). Field guide to medicinal wild plants (2nd ed.). Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books.

(5)Sandhu, N. S., Kaur, S., & Chopra, D. (2010). Equisetum arvense: Pharmacology and phytochemistry – a review. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (3) 3, 146-150.

(6)Wood, M. (2008). The earthwise herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

(7)Balch, P. (2012). Prescription for herbal healing (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Group.


Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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