Also known as shave grass, scouring rush and pewterwort, the horsetail plant has a strong history behind it. It is the sole survivor of the Equisetaceae family that dates back to 300 million years ago, the dinosaur era. That being said, you already know that horsetail is super plant! Both ancient Rome and China have used horsetail as one of their top remedies for bladder problems, arthritis, ulcer, tuberculosis and many more.
Horsetail Benefits
This plant is utilized to cease bleeding in any kind of wound and even the bleeding experienced during ulcers and heavy flow menstruation. Surprisingly, it also aids in repairing broken bones. People who experience kidney infections can also be relieved by this plant and so it can be beneficial in home remedies for kidney stones. It can increase urine production. In other words, it is a natural diuretic. Thus, it can also be used in treating urinary tract infection and prostate problems.
There have also been shampoos manufactured with horsetail extract because it has anti-dandruff properties and makes the scalp healthier. Overall, it is great for any kind of skin ailment so as long as a dermatologist approves. Studies reveal Horsetail possesses scavenging ability on free-radicals. People with tuberculosis also have found relief in horsetail. Even the elderly with osteoporosis benefit from it because the plant has calcium content that makes it healthy for the bones. Recent researches are being conducted to prove that horsetail also aids in improving cognitive processes.
Recommended natural product featuring Horsetail: Try Invigorate Skin Tonic – a 100% herbal formula that contains: Spirulina, Dandelion, Horsetail, Rosemary.
Dosage and Administration
Just like other medicinal herbs, horsetail is often administered as tea. Simply take horsetail herb, about 3 grams, and place it into a pot with water and let it boil. Let it sit for 15 minutes in order for all nutrients to be absorbed by the water before drinking. Some people use it as compresses while some as a tincture or herbal infusion.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include electrolyte imbalance and thiamine deficiency most especially if a person takes horsetail supplements while taking alcohol. It may also give nicotine toxicity symptoms such as nausea, fever, muscle weakness and abnormal pulse rate if not administered properly.
