Horsetail Herb

Remedy for blood clotting and more!

herbs

Horsetail herb dates back to prehistorical times, with uses including remedies for blood clotting and can be taken in tea, tincture or an external compress.

Often considered a weed, the use of horsetail actually dates back to prehistoric times, and its documented medicinal uses date back to ancient Roman and Greek medicine. Officially called Equisetum arvense, the name Equisetum is derived from the Latin root equus, meaning “horse,” and seta, meaning “bristle.” The herb gets its name because it somewhat resembles an actual horse’s tail.

Horsetail Herb for Healthy Bones

Horsetail has a high silicon content (a mineral needed for bone health) and, as such, has been used to help strengthen bones, hair, and nails. It has even been suggested as a possible treatment option for osteoporosis. And studies have shown that horsetail directly stimulates the production of bone cells, leading to the increased formation of bone tissue.

Horsetail Herb as a Natural Diuretic

Its most traditional use, however, is as a diuretic. Professional herbalists recognize that its diuretic properties promote the flow of urine, which may be useful for health problems like urinary tract conditions and kidney stones. In fact, it is so effective at eliminating water from the body that it can help increase urination by up to 30%. This is the primary reason you’ll find it in both Jon Barron’s kidney flush formula and Liver Flush Tea formula.

Horsetail Herb as a Natural Healing Booster

Horsetail has been shown to possess hemolytic (blood clotting) and antibiotic activity, both of which can help with healing. And horsetail also provides calcium to the body, as well as several other minerals that the body uses to rebuild injured tissue.

Horsetail Herb for Blood Cell Health

In addition, the high silica content in the horsetail herb helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding and contributes to the building of healthy blood cells. Research has shown that horsetail increases the number of phagocytes, white blood cells that get rid of microorganisms and other foreign substances, which improves the entire immune system. Also, horsetail herb can inhibit the growth of toxic molds.

More Natural Benefits of Horsetail Herb

In addition to these benefits, horsetail has been used for:

  • Kidney and bladder stones
  • Sore throats
  • Weight loss
  • Hair loss & strengthening
  • Nail strengthening
  • Gout
  • Frostbite
  • Heavy periods
  • Fluid retention
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Incontinence
  • Topically for wound healing

How to Take Horsetail Herb

Currently, the herb is available in dried and liquid form. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or as an external compress. Horsetail contains some nicotine and should not be used if you are also using nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum.

Read more about natural liver detoxing.

 

Resources:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/horsetail-000257.htm
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-horsetail.html
Foster S, and Duke JA. 1990. “Horsetail in Medicinal Plants.” Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY, p. 304.
Wichtl M (ed). 1994. “Equiseti herba — Equisetum (English translation by Norman Grainger Bisset).” Herbal Drugs and Phyto-pharmaceuticals. CRC Press, Stuttgart, pp. 188-191.