Horsetail (Horsetail L equisetaceae) Properties Page

Horsetail Properties

L equisetaceae
Names	Varieties	Constituents	Uses

Bottlebrush, Shavegrass, cauda equina, Paddock -pipes, Dutch Rushes, Pewterwort. Varieties: Equisitum arvense, E. debile, E. elongatum, E. hyemale,E. maximum, E. sylvaticum.	The dried stems were historically used for polishing metals or woodwork. Horsetail was used so specifically for Pewter polishing that it bears the folk-name "Pewterwort".	Silicic Acid and water-soluble silicic compounds saponins phystosterol flavonoids aconitic acid traces of the alkaloids: nicotine palustrine and palustrinine.	Of the dried, sterile stem, and or fresh juice: diuretic, vulnerary, genito- urinary astringent, weak anti - haemhorrhagic,Poultice for wounds,sores or ulcers(spec:,urinary tract ulceration) douche in leucorrhea or menorrhagia prostatic disease enuresis (bedwetting) incontinence mouthwash in apthous ulcers, or gingivitis cystic ulceration and ulceration of urinary passages reduce swollen eyelid Dried stems of E.hyemale used for scouring metals or woodwork nail strengthening preparations treating dropsy "gravel and kidney affections" stomach acidity, dyspepsia emmenagogue, being cooling and astringent

Preparation and Dosage

Fluid Extract, 10 to 60 drops 3 to 10 grains plant ash in treatment of kidney and bladder.
Warm juice or tisane externally for skin inflammation or break-out.
Drachm of dried powdered herb 3 or 4 times a day for spitting of blood.

Contra-Indications

There have been reports of horsetail products being contaminated with a related plant called Equisetum palustre.

This plant contains chemicals that can poison cattle, but toxicity in people has not been proven.

Source: Web MD: Horsetail

Prolonged use of even the safe form of horsetail (E. arvense) is also not advised.

Taking horsetail per os may cause levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) in the body to drop. If you take horsetail on a regular basis, you should also take a quality multivitamin or at least a B complex supplement daily.

People with heart or kidney disorders, diabetes, or gout should not use horsetail.

Do not drink alcohol regularly while taking horsetail, because horsetail may cause levels of thiamin to drop.

Horsetail may flush potassium out of the body so people who are at risk for low potassium levels should not take Horsetail.

Possible Interactions

Please see the list describing possible interactions with the following substances;
list is posted by University of Maryland:

Alcohol, Nicotine patches or gum, Lithium,Digoxin (Lanoxin),water pills

Pediatric

Because horsetail contains traces of nicotine, it is not recommended for young children.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take horsetail.

Source: Horsetail | University of Maryland Medical Center

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Horsetail Properties

L equisetaceae

Names

Varieties

Constituents

Uses

Bottlebrush, Shavegrass, cauda equina, Paddock -pipes, Dutch Rushes, Pewterwort.

Varieties:

Equisitum arvense, E. debile, E. elongatum, E. hyemale,E. maximum, E. sylvaticum.

The dried stems were historically used for polishing metals or woodwork. Horsetail was used so specifically for Pewter polishing that it bears the folk-name "Pewterwort".

Silicic Acid and water-soluble silicic compounds saponins phystosterol flavonoids aconitic acid traces of the alkaloids: nicotine palustrine and palustrinine.