A well-known perennial herb, horsetail thrives on moist loamy or sandy soil. Its common name, "horsetail," derives from the herb's creeping or stringy base, not its odd look.
The nodes of the roots produce two separate forms of hollow stems. The cone-shaped spike, which contains the plant's seeds, emerges at the end of a fleshy stem that can grow to a height of four to seven inches. The stem begins to wilt and die slowly.
A green, sterile structure with whorls of small branches on the second stem and a height of eighteen inches will be the plant's final shape.
This plant's roots can be traced back as far as 40 feet in height, resembling small lodgepole pines but lacking green boughs.
Horsetail clumps were traditionally used as scouring pads to clean iron and hard pewter due to their high silicon content. For thousands of years, Europeans have relied on horsetails to treat a range of ailments.
Horsetail is the most concentrated source of plant silica, and no other herb comes close. The body benefits when silica binds protein molecules in tissues like blood vessels and other connective tissues.
Silicon is a key component of collagen, a key building element of tissue, and it is found in abundance. Collagen is the "glue" that holds the skin and muscles together. Proteins make up collagen.
Silicon, an essential trace mineral in the diet, helps the body's skeletal structure grow and remain stable.
Horsetail supplements have been demonstrated to speed the healing process for those who have broken or shattered bones in European clinical trials.
Horsetail consumption as a health supplement.
Supplementing with horsetail herb supplements may be beneficial for athletes who suffer from ailments such as twisted or dislocated joints, pulled hamstrings, or torn ligaments.
The horsetail herb may be considered one of those unusual and extraordinary cosmetic agents because it works to improve one's appearance from the inside out rather than just changing the way one looks on the outside.
Hair, nails, and skin all benefit from horsetails
Good benefits on the body's complex tissues and the bones and teeth of those who ingest it are strengthened as well. There are some who feel that horsetail contains a "youth element" that is both useful and hidden from the public.
Oedema can be alleviated by drinking a herbal tea produced from horsetail. One cup of this tea consumed every 45 minutes throughout the day, can stop the bleeding of those who suffer from urinary and fecal hemorrhages.
As long as the injury is very superficial, herbal horsetail powder can be applied topically to cure minor cuts and bruises. As a diuretic, horsetail can be used to treat a wide range of urinary problems.
Common uses.
Add two tablespoons of the herb to a pint of water and bring to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes. The recommended dosage for this herbal tea is three cups of the herb each day or three tablespoons per half-hour of treatment.
People who support the use of horsetail for its diuretic and astringent properties say that the plant can treat a wide spectrum of kidney and bladder conditions.
It is possible to use horsetail even in the advanced stages of tuberculosis, especially if the patient exhibits signs such as blood-spitting. It is said that horsetail medicines can be used externally to promote wound healing and to restrict the flow of blood in wounds.
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Herbal Tea: Prepare a horsetail herbal tea by steeping dried horsetail leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea. It is believed to provide benefits for the skin, hair, and nails when consumed regularly.
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Capsules or Supplements: Horsetail supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the packaging or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
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Hair Rinse: Make a horsetail hair rinse by steeping horsetail in boiling water for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool, strain the liquid, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Some people believe it can promote healthy hair growth and improve the condition of the scalp.
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Facial Steam: Add dried horsetail leaves or tea to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head to create a tent and position your face above the steam. Be cautious not to burn yourself. The steam is believed to help cleanse the skin and unclog pores.
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Topical Application: Horsetail extract or oil can be applied directly to the skin. It is often found in skincare products due to its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties. Follow the instructions on the product label.
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Bath Soak: Add dried horsetail leaves or tea bags to your bathwater. The nutrients in horsetail may be absorbed by the skin during the bath, potentially benefiting the skin and promoting relaxation.
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Herbal Compress: Create a compress by soaking a clean cloth in horsetail tea or extract and applying it to the desired area. This method may be used to soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
