Horsetail
Equisetum arvense
Also known as Shavegrass, Candock, Paddock Pipes, Bottle Brush, Horsetail Fern, Field Horsetail, Common Horsetail, and Giant Horsetail
History: Horsetail is cousins with a similar plant that grew over 270 million years ago. Today, it is considered a weed, but has a vast history as a herbal remedy. Both the ancient Romans and Greeks times used Horsetail to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis, and kidney problems. Early Cherokee Healers used horsetail to keep hair looking young on to keep the kidneys clear. Horsetail can also be used to strengthen bones due to its high content of silicon.
Modern Uses: kidney stones, dropsy, incontinence, bed wetting, enlarged prostate.
The Commission E approved internal use of horsetail herb in irrigation therapy for post-traumatic and static edema and for bacterial infections and inflammation of the lower urinary tract and renal gravel. Externally, horsetail is indicated as supportive to poorly healing wounds.
The German Standard License horsetail tea monograph allows the same indications for use as those reported in the Commission E monograph. In France, it is indicated for use to promote renal and digestive elimination functions and as an adjuvant in slimming diets. The British Herbal Compendium indicates its internal use for inflammation or mild infections of the genito-urinary tract and external use for poorly healing wounds
Active Ingredients: silicic acid, saponin, flavone glycosides, nicotine, palustrine
Actions: Diuretic and astringent
Complementary Herbs: Hydrangea