What is Horsetail?
Horsetail is a thin, and sterile perennial plant with a
rhizomatous stem that looks like the tail of a bird or a horse. It is
reproduced by its spores instead of the seeds. It is also known as
Pewterwort (due to its use in polishing pewter and wood), Scouring Rush(
due to the abrasive coating of silicates on its stems which was used
for scouring metal pots). It's other common names are Shavegrass,
Candock, Paddock pipes, Bottle brush, Horsetail Fern, Field Horsetail,
Common Horsetail or Giant Horsetail. Ancient Greeks, Roman and Chinese
herbalists have been using Horsetail for its health benefits for
centuries. Aside from its health benefits, its leaves have been used for
dyeing a soft green colour, the stalks were used to make whistles to
call spirits, Indians used it to polish wooden tools, in Japan horsetail
is still used as a finest sand paper to sand the wood before varnishing
and in shampoos and cosmetics. However, horsetail is valued more for
its health benefits due to a number of great minerals and other
nutrients it contains, such as manganese, calcium, iron, flavonoids,
caffeic acid esters, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, fatty acids,
phytosterols, glycosides, phenolic acids, aconitic acid, and silica.
Similar to Alfalfa plant, Horsetail is capable of absorbing unique
minerals from the earth like Silica which are not found in many other
plants.
What are the Benefits of Horsetail?
Horsetail is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
antimicrobial, antioxidant, coagulant, demulcent, diuretic and
astringent activity. Reportedly, it has been used in the treatment of a
number of health conditions which include brittle bone, hair, teeth and
nails, white spots on nails, gingivitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of
the mucous membranes of the mouth, rheumatic disorders, edema,
osteoarthritis, diabetes, acne, wounds, itchiness, rashes, burns,
frostbite, chilblains, athlete's foot, cracked and tired feet, drawing
out pus from boils and carbuncles, ulcers, fistulas, herpes simplex,
dyspepsia (impaired digestion), gastrointestinal conditions,
cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis,
fever, malaria, bladder problems, urinary tract infection, bed wetting
in children, kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), prostate problems,
hemorrhoids, muscle cramps, tumors, broken bones, fractures, sprains,
nose bleed and other heavy bleeding. Horsetail is also known to
strengthen the body's immune system.
Uses of Horsetail
Boils and Carbuncles
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of Horsetail may help
with the inflammation and infection caused by Boils and Carbuncles. Its
salve, compress and poultice is used to draw out the pus from boils,
carbuncles and sores.
To make a compress simply soak crushed dried Horsetail herb into
lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Wrap the soaked Horsetail herb in a small
piece of cheese cloth and apply it onto the carbuncle or boil. The use
of hot and cold compresses of this Horsetail poultice 2 to 3 times daily
may help reduce the inflammation and draw out the pus. To alternate
between the hot and cold compress, simply make two poultices and dip one
in small amount of warm water and the other in cold water before
applying. Apply each compress for about 5 minutes each, at least 3 times
in one session. To reduce the inflammation and pain, a paste made by
Horsetail leaves or its extract can be applied onto the affected area.
To make the horsetail paste, add a small amount of water to half a
teaspoon of Horsetail extract powder or soak crushed horsetail leaves
into warm water. Apply this paste after hot/cold compresses to speed up
the healing process.
Brittle Nails
Horsetail contains minerals that may help with weak and brittle
fingernails and white spots in the nails. Reportedly, simply taking
Horsetail extract daily and soaking the brittle nails into Horsetail
infusion may strengthen and repair the nails. To make Horsetail
infusion, steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in a boiling cup of water for
10 minutes. Let it cool down and soak the nails for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes of soaking, pat dry the nails and apply a mixture of
equal parts of lukewarm extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice
thoroughly. Wrap your fingers with fine cotton cloth for overnight.
Repeat this remedy for at least 3-4 times a week.
Bronchitis and other Respiratory Tract Infections
Horsetail tea is known to be beneficial for dry cough , bronchitis,
nasal congestion, and fever associated with cold and flu. Also inhaling
vapours from boiling Horsetail tea may help relieve nasal congestion.
Remedy for cough and other respiratory condition is to drink Horsetail
tea for two to three times daily. If symptoms last for more than five
days, consult with your doctor.
Chilblains and Foot Infections
Horsetail is believed to have anti-fungal, antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Chinese herbalists have been
using Horsetail topically for centuries in the treatment of foot
conditions such as Athlete's Foot, frostbite, and chilblains as well as
cracked and tired feet. Chilblains is a skin condition caused by the
exposure to extreme cold and humidity which damages the fine capillary
beds in the skin of feet causing redness, inflammation, itchiness and
blisters. Simple remedy is to soak affected feet in a Horsetail soak for
15 minutes. To make Horsetail foot soak, infuse 10 teaspoons of
horsetail extract powder or dried herb in 4 cups of water. Soak your
feet every other day for 15 minutes then moisturize them with extra
virgin coconut oil and keep them warm with cotton socks on.
Diabetes
A study found that patients diagnosed with type II Diabetes who were
administered one single oral dose of Horsetail extract had significant
lower blood glucose levels within 90-120 minutes. Therefore, taking
Horsetail extract capsule once daily before every meal may be beneficial
for type ll Diabetes for no longer than two months.
Edema
A few studies and laboratory research shows that Horsetail may have
diuretic activity and may enhance body's ability to produce urine. It is
believed that rich at minerals and vitamins Horsetail may also help
re-mineralize and replace the mineral stores of the body exhausted by
increased urination due to its diuretic activity. The German Commission E
have approved Horsetail use as a diuretic for edema and the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) also rates horsetail as a grade B for its use
as a diuretic. The B grade stands for good scientific evidence for
Horsetail's use. Therefore, taking Horsetail extract or its tea daily
for two months may be beneficial for the fluid build up in the legs and
rest of the body caused by edema.
Excessive Bleeding
Studies suggest that the coagulant and hemostatic activity of Horsetail
may help minimize or stop the internal or external bleeding as well as
excessive menstruation. Also the anti-inflammatory agents in Horsetail
may relieve the inflammation and discomfort caused by inflamed wounds,
injuries and menstrual cramps. Simply drink one cup of Horsetail tea 2
to 3 times daily. To make Horsetail tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried
horsetail into a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 7 to 10
minutes. Strain out the tea and drink it warm. Horsetail tea bags can be
a good alternative to loose horsetail herb.
Gingivitis and Tonsillitis
Gargling with a mouthwash made with Horsetail tea or its extract may
help with the inflamed tonsils, mouth sores and bleeding gums. To make
Horsetail mouthwash, boil one teaspoon of Horsetail herb in one cup of
water for 7-10 minutes or add 3-4 drops of Horsetail extract into one
cup of lukewarm water. Simply gargle and swish this liquid three to four
times daily until relieved.
Hair Growth
Research shows that silica in Horsetail may help promote hair growth and
strength and may also be beneficial for hair loss, dandruff, and split
ends. Therefore, drinking Horsetail tea and massaging its herbal
tincture and washing the hair with Horsetail extract mixed shampoo may
be effective to achieve dandruff free nourished, strong, lustrous, and
rejuvenated hair. Herbalist believe that massaging 3-4 drops of
Horsetail extract or tincture mixed in 2 tbsp of extra virgin coconut
oil or extra virgin olive oil may help stimulate the hair growth and
decrease dandruff by improving the circulation in the scalp and
strengthening hair follicles. Simply massage the Horsetail oil mix into
the scalp for at least 10 minutes 3-4 times weekly. For hair wash, add
3-4 drops of Horsetail tincture into your regular shampoo and wash as
normal. Also after shampooing, pour half a cup of cold Horsetail tea
into the hair and wash it out after 4-5 minutes just like conditioner.
Taking Horsetail extract capsule or drinking one cup of Horsetail tea
for two months may add to the effectiveness.
Hemorrhoids
The anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activity of Horsetail may alleviate
the pain and help decrease or stop the bleeding caused by hemorrhoids.
Simply drink one cup of tea before every fiber rich meal. Fiber rich
meal minimizes the risk of constipation which is considered one of the
causes of pain associated with hemorrhoids and hemorrhoids itself.
Kidney Stones
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a study shows
that due to the diuretic activity of Horsetail, it may be beneficial for
patients with kidney stones. Especially the uric acid kidney stones
which are usually associated with Gout disease. Normally, uric acid
kidney stones develop when the urine excretion is lower compare to uric
acid in the bloodstream on the whole and uric acid deposits or stones
are lodged into urinary canal and kidneys. It is believed that drinking
Horsetail tea two to three time daily may increase the urine production
and help flush out kidney and gall bladder stones (Cholelithiasis) as
well as may help relieve the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Memory Loss
Researches suggest that lack of Silica in the body may cause memory
loss. Horsetail contains silica which may improve bad memory by
strengthening the connective tissues of brain, nerve cells and spinal
cord. Also Nicotine found in Horsetail is a stimulant which is known to
stimulate the brain and nervous system. Therefore, taking one or two
capsules of Horsetail extract daily for two months may help minimize the
symptoms.
Osteoporosis and Brittle Bones
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a study done in
Italy found that women with osteoporosis who took 270mg Horsetail
extract for one year had improved bone density. A few other small
clinical studies suggest that Silica in Horsetail may help absorb and
use calcium in the body and may enhance bone flexibility and heal
fractured bones, pulled hamstrings and dislocated joints by
strengthening the connective tissues and cartilage and by raising the
bone density. It's anti-inflammatory activity may also help relieve the
rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, regular consumption of Horsetail
extract along with a calcium supplement may be beneficial for
osteoporosis, arthritis, and conditions caused by low bone density. It's
suggested to stop taking Horsetail for one week after every one month
of its regular use.
Skin Problems (Rashes, Burns, Acne, Wrinkles)
Studies have shown that anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-septic,
and anti-oxidant agents and silica in Horsetail may give it the ability
to heal wounds, rashes, burns, skin lesions and acne. Silica is known to
help form collagen which is important for the development and the
maintenance of healthy connective tissues throughout the body.
Therefore, Horsetail extract is widely used in anti-aging, anti-wrinkle
and other cosmetic products. Simple home remedy is to apply Horsetail
extract paste onto the affected skin for at least 20 minutes 4-5 times a
week. By drinking Horsetail tea, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
activity may delay the aging process by strengthening the connective
tissues and may help relieve the inflamed and irritated skin. For acne,
diluted and cold Horsetail tea can be used as a toner after washing the
face every night. Simply dab a cotton swab into the diluted tea and
apply it all over the face avoiding the eyes.
Urinary Incontinence and Bladder Weakness
Studies have shown that Horsetail extract may be beneficial for patients
suffering from nocturnal incontinence (bed-wetting), bladder and
urinary tract infections and weakened bladder. It may also relieve the
persistent urge to urinate with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Suggested
remedy is to take one capsule of Horsetail extract two to three times
daily. It is reported that taking a bath with Horsetail tea for at least
15 minutes two to three times a week may be helpful for UTI and Bladder
weakness. For steam bath, steep 10 teaspoons of dried Horsetail into
one quart of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and add the strained tea
into the bath water.
What are the Side Effects of Horsetail?
Similar to most dietary supplements, Horsetail is safe when taken short
term and in moderation. If you are taking any other supplements or
medication, consult with your health care provider before the
therapeutic use of Horsetail. People with vitamin B deficiency or
alcoholics (who are usually Thiamine deficient) should avoid Horsetail
because it contains an enzyme, thiaminase, and its overdose and longer
term use destroys thiamine (B1). Do not take Horsetail supplements, if
you are using any kind of nicotine patches, or are sensitive to
nicotine, or are taking any diuretics or laxative drugs because
Horsetail has diuretic and nicotine properties which may cause overdose
of these ingredients and may lead to serious health problems such as
dehydration or low potassium (hypokalemia) and nicotine overdose
symptoms such as rash, cold hands and feet, abnormal heart rate, fever,
muscle weakness, and weight loss. Pregnant, lactating mothers and
children should not take Horsetail because of its Nicotine content.
Horsetail should be used short term only, for a maximum of two months
unless advised by your doctor otherwise. Ideally, the consumption of
Horsetail supplements should be stopped for one week after one month of
its regular use and be continued on for another month.
Where and How to Buy Horsetail
Horsetail is available at herbal food stores in the form of dried
leaves, liquid or powder extract, tincture, tea bags and capsules. The
tincture and liquid extracts can be diluted into water. When buying
Horsetail, look for Equisetum arvense because most of the other species
of Horsetail may not be safe for oral consumption. When buying Horsetail
supplements, capsules can be the best option because they are usually
standardized and the amount of silica and other components of Horsetail
can be controlled. Horsetail in any form should be stored in dark and
airtight containers.
