what is equisetum used for

Horsetail

(Equisetum arvense) is an herbal remedy that dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times. It was used traditionally to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems. The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus, meaning "horse," and seta, meaning "bristle."

Full Answer

What is Equisetum used for in homeopathy?

Both Equisetum hyemale, the winter horsetail, and Equisetum arvense, the field horsetail, are hidden behind the homeopathic single remedy Equisetum. Equisetum is used for bladder and urinary tract problems . Typical areas of application are bladder irritation with a feeling of fullness and painful pressure in the lower abdomen on both sides.

What is Equisetum Hyundai used for?

Equisetum hyemale has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant has been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Equisetum hyemale is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It makes an interesting addition to gardens with its darker leaves compared to evergreen plants such as rhododendrons or hollies.

What is Equisetum made from?

The homeopathic remedy Equisetum is made from plants. Equisetum arvense is made from horsetail. The fresh plant harvested in late summer is used. Equisetum hiemale is made from the winter horsetail. The fresh, whole plant is used. Equisetum mainly acts on the urinary tract.

Is Equisetum Hyosuke harmful to humans?

Equisetum Hyemale, or horsetail, is a type of fern that is commonly used in herbology. It’s been speculated for centuries as to whether the plant has any significant effects on human health. Equisetum hyemale, also called the horsetail plant, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family.

Is Equisetum poisonous to humans?

Horsetail is applied directly to the skin to treat wounds and burns. There have been reports of horsetail products being contaminated with a related plant called Equisetum palustre. This plant contains chemicals that can poison cattle, but toxicity in people has not been proven.

What are the side effects of taking horsetail?

Risks and dosage If the herb has a diuretic effect, it might cause your body to flush out essential nutrients, such as potassium. Horsetail also has an enzyme that destroys thiamine, or vitamin B-1. If taken for a long time, it could raise your risk of thiamine deficiency.

What part of horsetail is used for medicine?

Typically the green fern-like part of the plant (i.e., the aboveground part) is used for medicinal purposes. People have been using horsetail since ancient Greek and Roman times. 2 The plant has been used as a medicinal herb to treat weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), tuberculosis, and kidney problems.

What are the benefits of drinking horsetail tea?

What it is used forTreat fluid retention. ... Help with weight loss. ... Treat urinary infections. ... Decrease blood pressure. ... Maintain bone health. ... Improve the appearance of skin and fingernails. ... Eliminate fungi and bacteria.

How long does it take for horsetail to work?

Research published in 2012 by the “Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology” found that silica derived from Horsetail significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days. Additional studies confirm that hair strands with a higher silica content are shinier and tend to have a lower fall out rate.

Does horsetail help joints?

Imbued with strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties of the bio-active components, horse tail confers extensive relief from pain and inflammation in case of rheumatoid and osteo arthritis and joint pain.

Is horsetail good for arthritis?

Horsetail has anti-arthritis actions and is rich in silicon, a trace mineral that plays a role in making and maintaining connective tissue. is rich in silicon, a trace mineral that plays a role in making and maintaining connective tissue.

Is horsetail good for kidneys?

Horsetail promotes kidney health. The kidneys work hard to eliminate toxins and regulate urine; horsetail can help by eliminating uric acid, which is what causes kidney stones. There is a high correlation between taking horsetail and lower levels of uric acid.

Does horsetail interact with any medications?

The diuretic effects of horsetail may enhance the toxic effects of certain medications, such as digoxin (used to treat congestive heart failure), phenytoin (for seizures), anticoagulants, and others.

Does horsetail make hair grow faster?

Horsetail plant extract oil It contains silica, which is thought to improve hair growth speed and strength along with potentially reducing dandruff.

Can I take horsetail on an empty stomach?

Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic for mild irritations of the urinary tract. Dosage: Adults: Take 1.6 mL (48 drops) 3 times daily in a little water on an empty stomach.

Does horsetail interact with any medications?

The diuretic effects of horsetail may enhance the toxic effects of certain medications, such as digoxin (used to treat congestive heart failure), phenytoin (for seizures), anticoagulants, and others.

Does horsetail pills grow hair?

Because of its silica content, horsetail is also useful when trying to stimulate hair growth. The herb rejuvenates your hair, adding sheen to the appearance and strength to the hair shafts. It also contains selenium and cysteine, which are known to promote healthy hair growth.

Does horsetail cause heart palpitations?

Taking too much can result in heart palpitations. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience heart palpitations after taking horsetail herb in any form. Horsetail is considered to be possibly unsafe when taken for long periods of time by mouth.

Is horsetail good for kidneys?

Horsetail promotes kidney health. The kidneys work hard to eliminate toxins and regulate urine; horsetail can help by eliminating uric acid, which is what causes kidney stones. There is a high correlation between taking horsetail and lower levels of uric acid.

How does Equisetum reproduce?

Like the ferns, they do not produce seed, but rather reproduce sexually through the formation of spores. Spores are relatively unimportant in the spread of equisetum. Equisetum produces an extensive underground rhizome system that can reach depths of four feet or more. Patches of equisetum expand radially as the rhizomes extend outward from the patch center. In the absence of soil disturbance that moves rhizome pieces, lateral spread of horsetail is relatively slow. Researchers in Canada found an expansion rate of approximately 20 inches per growing season.

What herbicides are used to control scouring rush?

Triclopyr (Garlon, Remedy, etc.) is reported to have activity on scouring rush. Telar (chlorsulfuron) is a sulfonylurea herbicide in the same family as Accent and Classic. The label recommends 1 to 3 oz/A for controlling scouring rush. Telar is cleared for use in non-crop areas such as roadsides, fencerows, etc.

What herbicides are used in Iowa?

Care must be taken not to apply herbicides directly to standing water in ditches unless described on the product label. MCPA, a phenoxy herbicide similar in activity to 2,4-D, is reported to provide suppression of horsetail, although horsetail is not listed on most MCPA labels. MCPA is cleared for use in grasslands and noncrop areas. Repeat applications of 2-3 pt/A are suggested to suppress horsetail. Casoron 4G (dichlobenil) is cleared for use in non-crop areas and specifies horsetail on its label. The label states to apply at 150 to 200 lbs/A in the late fall or early spring. Triclopyr (Garlon, Remedy, etc.) is reported to have activity on scouring rush.

How tall can equisetum grow?

Field horsetail in corn. The hollow, jointed, stems of equisetum are the plant structure familiar to most people. Equisetum species found in other continents have similar growth habits that reach heights of 25 feet.

What is a horsetail?

Horsetails are members of the genus Equisetum, the only genus in the family Equisetaceae. There are 15 species of equisetum found worldwide; field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale) are the most common species in Iowa. The plant has numerous common names, including snakeweed, skeletonweed and others (the common names for the two species mentioned above are used interchangeably by many). They are considered living fossils since they are relics of the Carboniferous geological period (325 million years ago). The remains of their ancient ancestors became the vast deposits of coal found throughout the world.

Where is the horsetail rush?

Horsetail and scouring rush are most commonly found in poorly drained areas, such as roadsides, wetlands and drainage ditches.

How tall is a Scouring Rush?

Scouring rush produces unbranched, jointed stems that can reach heights of 4 ft. Leaves are reduced to small scales at the joints. The stems are perennial in that they survive more than one year, and each stem is topped by a spore-producing cone. Scouring rush in soybean.

Equisetum Hyemale

Equisetum Hyemale, or horsetail, is a type of fern that is commonly used in herbology. It’s been speculated for centuries as to whether the plant has any significant effects on human health. Equisetum hyemale, also called the horsetail plant, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family.

Equisetum Hyemale Uses

Equisetum hyemale has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant has been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Equisetum hyemale is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It makes an interesting addition to gardens with its darker leaves compared to evergreen plants such as rhododendrons or hollies.

What is horsetail silica?

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body to prevent cell damage. Meanwhile, silica is a compound comprised of silicon and oxygen. It’s believed to be responsible for horsetail’s potential benefits for skin, nails, hair, and bones ( 2. ).

What is the wound closure ratio of horsetail extract?

In rat studies, those treated with ointments containing 5% and 10% horsetail extract showed a wound closure ratio of 95–99%, as well as greater skin regeneration, compared with control groups ( 10, 11 ).

What is a field horsetail?

Field or common horsetail ( Equisetum arvense) is a perennial fern that belongs to the genus Equisetaceae ( 2, 3 ).

Why are antioxidants important for hair?

First, antioxidants help reduce micro-inflammation and the aging of hair fibers caused by free radicals. Second, a higher silicon content in hair fibers results in a lower rate of hair loss, as well as increased brightness ( 14. Trusted Source. , 15.

What are the benefits of a plant?

The plant contains numerous beneficial compounds that confer it multiple health-promoting effects. Of these, antioxidants and silica stand out ( 1, 3 ).

What is the role of silica in bone?

Silica, which is also present in bones, improves the formation, density, and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue by enhancing collagen synthesis and improving the absorption and use of calcium ( 5, 6 ).

Is horsetail extract a diuretic?

One study in 36 healthy men determined that taking a daily dose of 900 mg of dried horsetail extract in capsule form had a more potent diuretic effect than that of a classic diuretic drug. This was attributed to the plant’s high antioxidant and mineral salt concentrations ( 8 ).

How Does Horsetail Work?

Certain chemicals in horsetail are thought to lower inflammation. They might also help the body make more substances that boost the immune system (antioxidants).

Why is horsetail used for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis involves softening/thinning of the bone tissue; this often occurs in menopausal women. Horsetail contains silicon, a mineral needed for healthy bone and connective tissue production. 1  This is the reason that horsetail has been used to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women.

What is horsetail used for?

Traditionally horsetail has been used as a medicinal herb to treat osteoporosis, tuberculosis, and kidney problems. Horsetail was also used as a diuretic (for relief of fluid retention) and to stop bleeding and heal wounds.

What medications decrease potassium?

Diuretics (water pills), particularly those that decrease potassium, such as Diuril (chlorothiazide), Thalitone (chlorthalidone), Lasix (furosemide) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). A small randomized double blind study found that horsetail was as effective as for its diuretic effects. 5 

How many times a day can you take horsetail extract?

Diuretic: A dry extract of horsetail containing 0.026% total flavonoids was given as a 300 mg dose, by mouth three times per day.

How tall does a horsetail plant grow?

The fern-like horsetail plant, with hollow, pointed stems and scaly leaves, grows to about 12 inches tall. Only the green fern-like part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes; the root is not used.

What are the chemicals in horsetail?

The chemicals in horsetail are thought to have anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) and antioxidant (chemicals that help boost the immune system) properties. Horsetail contains silica and silicon, minerals that work together to strengthen the hair and nails, as well as promoting healthy bone tissue.

What is horsetail used for?

It was used traditionally to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems. The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus, meaning "horse," and seta, meaning "bristle.".

Why can't you take horsetail?

People who take diuretics should not take horsetail due to the risk of dehydration or low potassium (hypokalemia).

Where should horsetail preparations be stored?

Horsetail preparations should be stored in sealed containers to ensure protection from light.

Where does horsetail grow?

A close relative of the fern, horsetail is a nonflowering weed found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

Is horsetail herb safe?

For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a qualified health care provider trained in the field of botanical medicine. Horsetail remedies prepared from Equisetum arvense are generally considered safe when used properly.

Why do we use herbs?

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs , however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a qualified health care provider trained in the field of botanical medicine.

Does horsetail cause vitamin B1?

Taking horsetail by mouth may cause levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) in the body to drop. If you take horsetail on a regular basis, you should also take a quality multivitamin or at least a B complex supplement daily.

What Is Horsetail?

Horsetail is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Equisetum. There are at least 15 different species of Equisetum around the world, and “horsetail” is often used to describe the entire group. In general, the above-ground parts of the horsetail plant are used to make medicine. The common horsetail plant ( Equisetum arvense) is the variety most often used medicinally.

What is horsetail kynurenic acid?

A scientific study out of Poland published in 2013 in the Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine finds that horsetail herb is one of several herbs that contain kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and pain-relieving abilities. Out of the nine herbs studies, horsetail was actually put into a group of four herbs (along with peppermint, nettle and birch leaf) that possessed the highest KYNA content.

How many species of equisetum are there?

There are at least 15 different species of Equisetum around the world, and “horsetail” is often used to describe the entire group. In general, the above-ground parts of the horsetail plant are used to make medicine. The common horsetail plant ( Equisetum arvense) is the variety most often used medicinally.

How long does it take for horsetail to grow hair?

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2012, daily administration of a proprietary nutritional supplement containing silica derived from horsetail significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days.

How long does it take to make horsetail tea?

How to make horsetail tea: Pour one cup of boiled water over 2–3 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb. Allow it steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain the tea, and add raw honey or stevia if desired. The appropriate horsetail dosage depends on several things, including a person’s age and health status.

How long does horsetail ointment last?

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2015 in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal found that a 3 percent horsetail ointment promoted wound healing and relieved pain during the 10-day time period following an episiotomy.

What is horsetail herb used for?

To treat burns and wounds, horsetail herb is often applied directly to the affected area of skin. ( 11)