Bottlebrush, Shavegrass, cauda equina, Paddock -pipes, Dutch Rushes, Pewterwort.
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, cystic ulceration and ulceration of urinary passages, mouthwash in apthous ulcers or gingivitis,reduce swollen eyelid, dried stems of E. hyemale used for scouring metals or woodwork. Used in nail preparations for strengthening, beneficial in treating dropsy,"gravel and kidney affections", stomach acidity, dyspepsia, emmenagogue, being cooling and astringent.
copyright Sue Risk Northdays Image 2004 - 2009