Core nurturing
Origins of the Horsetail plant has not been accurately determined. It is one of the oldest plants on the earth. Some herbalists and botanists claim it is approximately two hundred million years old, and used to be a giant fernlike plant. They record that all the species of today (around 20 different species) are small in size as compared to the original plant. The most common species in herbalism and in North America, Equisetum arvense, is one of such small perennial fern plants. It is usually considered a nuisance.
The botanical name, Equisetum arvense, is derived from two Latin terms: equus, meaning horse, and seta meaning bristle. This is due to its peculiar bristle appearance at the stem joints. The name, Horsetail is a derivative of its stalk that resembles a horse’s tail.
Historical use of Horsetail appear in various civilizations: the Romans were known to eat Horsetail shoots during times of famine, Native Americans called it shavegrass and used it as a diuretic for kidney problems, cancer, and dropsy to increase blood circulation. The Hopi tribe in New Mexico mixed Horsetail and cornmeal as a mush and also in breads. In Guatemala, it was used mainly for treatment of cancer. Decoctions, poultices and infusions were used for polyps, abdominal and oral cancer. Horsetail has been used for centuries, as a diuretic aiding in kidney infection, dropsy, and gravel in Chinese and other Asian cultures.
Despite Horsetail’s historical uses, some critics have denied its supposed medicinal virtues, only accepting the herb as an effective pot scrubber. Horsetail has been used by campers to scrub pots and pans, and also to sand wood. This remarkable quality is explained by its high silica content. Horsetail contains more silica than any other herb, in a form that is highly absorbable.
Many campers have relied on Horsetail to scrub pots and pans.
Its high silica content earns Horsetail its claim to fame. The silica in Horsetail is the reason for its alias: the bone master. Silica is a trace mineral known to promote collagen formation, and facilitate calcium use in the body to strengthen bones, and provide flexibility in joints at the same time. When silica is added to metal, it becomes flexible. Large amounts of silica in children account for their limberness. As we age and our bodies become calcium- laden, we lose our suppleness and thus, become stiff and immobile. Increasingly so the older we get. In the same vein, silica gives hairs and nails resilience which affords them the ability to withstand pressure and heavy workloads without breaking.
Horsetail’s high silica content explains its use in the prevention of atherosclerosis, fortifying the skeletal system, speeding the healing of damaged connective tissues and improving elasticity, as well as promoting the health of hair, fingernail and skin. Horsetail, like some other herbs, possesses contrasting capabilities. It strengthens weak bones and promotes elasticity in stiff joints at the same time. This is because it improves calcium metabolism and absorption it the body. Such actions contribute to Horsetail’s use for relieving arthritic conditions and reducing menopausal bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis.
Another comportment in which Horsetail displays its divergent function is its excellence both as a clotting agent and as aid in blood circulation. It contains silicic acid, which helps with blood circulation, while its high silica content is responsible for coagulating the blood and decreasing blood flow. This makes Horsetail useful for preventing hemorrhages, stopping nosebleeds, staunching wounds, minimizing the coughing up of blood, and reducing menstrual clots. A decoction applied externally will stop bleeding of wounds and aid in healing.
Horsetail’s silica content explains its application in a wide variety of conditions. It is known to aid the immune system and the nervous system. Nerves contain almost as much silica as because of its silica content. The nerves contain almost the same amount of silica as blood plasma. The pancreas is especially rich in silica, which makes Horsetail applicable in treating diabetes. Silica is also seen in tooth enamel, cell walls, and critical for hair growth, skin protection, and fingernail strengthening.
Horsetail leaves
Horsetail contains generous amounts of flavonoids, silicic acid and silicates (about 15%), as well as phenolic acids, sterol, and alkaloids, including nicotine. It also contains ample amounts of calcium and other minerals necessary for tissue repair, such as copper and zinc.
Due to its calcium content and facilitation of calcium use in the body as well as retention, Horsetail earns a profound accreditation as useful in strengthening and healing bones. Studies have shown that fractured bones will heal much faster when Horsetail is taken. Horsetail is often found in calcium combinations.
For example, Nature’s Sunshine’s excellent herbal skeletal combinations Skeletal Strength, HSN-W and Herbal CA all contain large amounts of Horsetail. It is helpful in building the skeletal system and improving bone structure. The silica in Horsetail aids in healing bones, keeping the arteries clean, and facilitating the absorption of calcium by the body.
Horsetail is also found to possess antibacterial, antiseptic, antibiotic and astringent properties, with an affinity for the genitourinary system. It tones the bladder and urinary mucus membranes, fights infection, and helps heal various diuretic activity. Horsetail shrinks inflamed mucosal tissue, particularly the prostrate.
Therefore, it has been shown to correct cystitis enuresis, prostatitis, and incontinence, even in children. When combined with Hydrangea, Horsetail has been shown to reduce inflammation of the prostrate and help prostrate health. It kills eggs of parasites and dissolves tumors, reduces chronic swelling in the legs, relaxes muscles cramps, and relieves chest problems and deep-seated lung damage, such as occurs in emphysema.
Horsetail tea is used to treat stomach ulcers, and also comes highly recommended as a mouthwash for gum and mouth infections, throat inflammation, as well as an eyewash to help with conjunctivitis and tear duct inflammation. It is also good for ear, nose and glandular disorders.
Horsetail powder makes good teas.
Horsetail has a mild diuretic effect, and so is sometimes used to detoxify the body. There are no known side effects from Horsetail use. It has always been use for medicinal purposes for many centuries all over the world. However, excessive intake may be toxic.