Medicinal plant Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Though not known as one of the glamor herbs of recent times horsetail is very versatile in its uses Also known as shavegrass mare s tail pewterwort scouring rush and bottlebrush it is a descendant of ancient plants that grew as tall as trees during the carboniferous period of prehistoric times 1 2 3 4 Today it grows no more the 8 to 10 inches tall It is a strange looking plant growing as a single jointed stem with bristle like branches from the joints The flowering part appears in early spring as a single stem without leaves but a small brown cone shaped flower on top The flower contains spores and the plant is like ferns in its propagation 4 The green stems and leaves appear after the flowers have died and are brittle Horsetail spreads quickly and can be difficult to remove from a garden What makes this plant valuable as a medicinal is its mineral and silica content It contains up to 70 silica 1 as well as traces of the alkaloids nicotine palustrine and palustrinine flavonoids saponins phytosterols tannins and the minerals manganese potassium sulfur and magnesium 1 2 3 Silica is important in strengthening many tissues in the body including bone hair and nails It promotes calcium absorption and helps fight against plaque deposits in the arteries Because of its mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility 1 It has also been used to treat deep seated lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema 1 2 3 Historically the dried stems were used to polish pewter and other metals 1 4 Horsetail is an astringent herb and has a diuretic action It has a cold energy and a slightly bitter taste 2 It has an affinity for the urinary tract where it can be used to sooth inflammation as in cystitis and treat infections 3 It may also be used for prostate problems and to quicken the removal of kidney stones 1 Its astringency is helpful to control bed wetting and it tones the urinary tract which may reduce urinary frequency and incontinence 3 Fresh horsetail ca
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Keywords: ackerschachtelhalm, arvense, bunch, equisetum, fresh, green, healing, herb, horsetail, medicine, natural, plant, remedy, schachtelhalm, zinnkraut
