Horsetail grass is a perennial flowerless plant also known as bottle brush, horse willow, toadpipe, Dutch rushes, Corn Horsetail, Quyroughi, Atkuyrugu, and Shavegrass. Its medicinal value is found in the hollow, jointed stems. Roman physician Galen first recommended its use for treatment for bleeding ulcers, arthritis, kidney and bladder troubles, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders, to cool a fever, and to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids. The dried or fresh green stems of horsetail are usually collected in summer. The horsetail is one of the most diuretic species in all the plants. This means it is effective in eliminating water from the body. The secret is in the chemical ingredient equisetonin and because of it horsetail can actually increase urination up to 30%. Therefore, it is often used in products for weight loss. Equisetonin and potassium are also beneficial for this and calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid also contribute to this diuretic ability. Horsetail also has the power to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and flush out kidney and bladder stones. Horsetail also speeds up slowly healing wounds and repairs bony tissues because of the quantity of silica in the plant. Silica helps to fix calcium, so that the body can store more quantity of this mineral and it is able to form stronger bones or tendons. This means horsetail is a good herb to take when dealing with osteoporosis. Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, chromium, manganese, and potassium. Because of this mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. Try it also in treating lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema, as well as prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. Horsetail nourishes the body's connective tissue as well as nails, hair, skin, and bones. Horsetail’s toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children as well as treating BPH in men (problems related to an enlarged prostate). Recent research suggests that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body. Gargle horsetail tea as a mouth rinse for sore throat, mouth ulcers, or bleeding gums. Apply a compress to help heal fractures and sprains, sores, wounds, and skin problems. Swallow it to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy menstrual bleeding. Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals. Overuse of licorice with the horsetail herb (and too much alcohol) may deplete potassium in the body and cause a risk of cardiac toxicity and thiamine deficiency. Because of its potency, some advise people with these conditions to avoid horsetail: pregnant, breast-feeding, those with impaired heart or kidney function, with liver problems, those taking a cardiac glycoside, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency. The plant contains equisetic acid, which is nearly identical to aconitic acid. This can be a heart and nerve sedative that is poisonous when taken in excessive amounts. Horsetail Herb provides relief from kidney & bladder troubles, cools fevers, treats flu & swelling and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive - a trusted resource for family health information.
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