Horsetail: Properties, Uses, and Contraindications

La Horsetail (botanical name: Equisetum arvense), also known as horsetail, is a perennial plant belonging to the Equisetaceae family. It has a thin, creeping rhizome and a slender, cylindrical, dark green, streaked stem that can grow up to 1 meter tall.

What

Horsetail is a plant belonging to the pteridophyte group, meaning it's not a flowering plant but a fern, though it has a distinctive structure that makes it similar to taller, more structured plants. The plant's stems resemble a horse's tail, hence its name. During the growing season, fertile stems differ from sterile ones. Fertile stems, which appear in early spring, are taller, thinner, and leafless. Sterile stems, which appear in summer, are shorter, branched, and covered with small, scale-like leaves arranged in a spiral. The leaves of sterile stems are square and attached to the stem like a collar.

Origins

It has been used for centuries in folk medicine. The ancient Romans and Greeks already knew of its healing properties and used it to treat urinary disorders and stop bleeding. In the Middle Ages, horsetail was used as a natural remedy for infections and wound healing.

Where it grows

Horsetail grows in humid areas, particularly along ditches, slopes, and embankments. The parts of the plant used are the sterile roots, and harvesting is best done in summer.

How it is preserved

The fronds should be cut into pieces and dried in the sun for two days, then transferred to the shade. Only after the drying process is complete can they be stored in paper bags.

Property

Horsetail is:

Diuretic
Healing
Elasticizing and firming
Genitourinary astringent
Mildly anti-hemorrhagic as it promotes blood clotting
Able to improve the functionality of the Reindeer
Rich in silica, and therefore useful for theOsteoporosis, joint disorders and for strengthening hair and nails.

uses

Horsetail can be used in various ways to harness its therapeutic benefits. Decoctions, infusions, or herbal teas can be prepared with its tops, using the plant's aerial parts. Furthermore, its properties can also be exploited externally, with decoction compresses used to treat wounds, burns, and other skin conditions. Topical use of the plant can help strengthen nails and stimulate hair growth. hair.

Decoction for gout and dropsy

A very effective decoction for gout and dropsy is easily prepared with this recipe. Simply add 60-100 grams of dried plant to a liter of water. Then boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes, cool, and strain. You can drink a couple of cups a day, and it also acts as a diuretic.

Controindicazioni

Horsetail should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Furthermore, its administration to children under 12 is absolutely not recommended, as even small quantities of this plant contain nicotine.