2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The horsetail / Equisetum arvense /, also called horsetail is a perennial herbaceous plant. Horsetail has a long branched rhizome and two types of terrestrial stems - spring and summer. The spring stem is brown and unbranched, ending at the top with a spore-bearing spike. The leaves are reduced, arranged in nodes. Horsetail grows on embankments, wetlands, fields and meadows as a weed throughout the country up to 1500 meters above sea level.
Horsetail composition
The horsetail contains vitamin C, carotene, saponin equisetonin, a large amount of salicylic acid, alkaline and alkaline earth silicates, resinous substances, aconitic acid, oxalic acid, equisetic acid, proteins, resins, tannins, flavonoids luteolin, isoquercitin, edloisertin, alvisertin, alvisertin nicotine.
Collection and storage of horsetail
The overhead part of horsetail is collected in the summer / months of May-August /, by cutting the stems together with their branches at a distance of about 20 cm from the top. They are dried in the shade.
Dried horsetail drug is brittle, with a slightly bitter taste and green color. It has no smell. Store the dried herb in a shady, dry and ventilated place. Moisture content up to 12% is allowed.
Benefits of horsetail
The rich chemical composition of the herb and the high content of silicates determine its diverse application and beneficial effects. When dissolved in water, silicic acid forms salts that are easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
These salts as a necessary component in the vital activity of various systems in the body, play an extremely important role in the metabolism and functional activity of the mucous membranes and connective tissue, strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
They are especially important for bone development. The silicon compounds in the urine form protective colloids that prevent the crystallization of the mineral components, thus preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Horsetail and preparations with this herb have a very pronounced diuretic effect. They cause increased activity of the heart and increased blood circulation, in which the excretory activity of the kidneys increases.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action of horsetail due to the specific 5-glycoside-luteolin. This determines its use in conditions such as stones in the bladder and kidneys, inflammation of the urinary tract, edema of renal or cardiac origin.
Ingredients in horsetail increase metabolism, which is why the herb is used with great success in diseases of the endocrine glands / especially in the menopausal period in women /, in swelling of the legs from impaired metabolism.
They increase the resistance of connective tissue, which determines their use in polyarthritis, rheumatic diseases, bone and lung tuberculosis, bone fractures, skin diseases, hair loss. The hemostatic effect of horsetail in uterine bleeding, blood sputum and hemorrhoids is very well emphasized.
It also has a beneficial effect on asthma. The herb is involved in a number of diuretic and anti-asthmatic teas. The antiseptic effect of horsetail has been established. Experimental data show that horsetail has a detoxifying effect, helping to expel lead from the body.
Folk medicine with horsetail
Folk medicine recommends the use of horsetail for gout, stomach pain, urination, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, white flow, sore throat, etc. Horsetail is taken internally in the form of a decoction. Two tablespoons chopped stalks of horsetail pour 400 ml of boiling water and boil for 3 minutes.
The decoction is left to stand for 1 hour. Strain and take 120 ml 3 times a day after meals. In the treatment of hemorrhoidal and uterine bleeding, the dose can be increased up to twice.
Harm from horsetail
Prolonged intake of horsetail or taking excessive doses can lead to poisoning. Horsetail intake is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. It should not be used by people suffering from nephritis.
