Scientific name
Equisetum arvense
Family
Equisetaceae
Origin
Horsetail is a plant found in all the humid places of the world, excluding New Zealand and Australia
Synonyms
Ponytail, Coda Cavallina
Used Parts
Drug consisting of sterile stems
Chemical constituents
- Silica;
- Flavonoids (isoquercetin);
- Tannins;
- saponins;
- Organic acids;
- Phytosterols;
- Mineral salts (potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc);
- Vitamins;
- Traces of alkaloids.
Horsetail in Herbalist: Property of the Equisetum
Horsetail, due to its high content of silica and minerals, is used for its diuretic and mineralizing properties, especially for bone tissue; in addition, it promotes bone growth, dentition and the growth of nails and hair.
Modern phytotherapy uses horsetail - in the form of standardized extracts in silicon - electively in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, while the same fluid extract can be used for diuretic purposes.
Horsetail is quite useful in the adjuvant treatment of stretch marks, thanks to its firming, smoothing and elasticizing properties.
Considering the astringent properties, the horsetail can be used as a base for washes for reddened eyelids, eye drops for inflamed conjunctivae, rinses and gargles for the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Biological activity
The horsetail has diuretic and mineralizing properties, due to its high content of mineral salts.
The diuretic properties - in addition to being attributed to the content of mineral salts, in particular to silicates - are also ascribed to the organic acids and flavonoids contained in the same plant. The aforementioned properties attributed to horsetail have been confirmed by various clinical studies, so that the use of the plant in this area has been officially approved.
Among the various researches conducted, an interesting study was carried out to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of use of horsetail compared to the hydrochlorothiazide synthesis diuretic. From this study it emerged that the diuretic activity of horsetail is comparable to that of hydrochlorothiazide and that this remedy is safe and well tolerated, since the side effects manifested in the volunteers who underwent the study were mild and little Frequently.
In addition to the diuretic activity, the plant has also been shown to be able to reduce blood levels of uric acid by increasing its excretion.
When used locally, on the other hand, astringent and healing properties are attributed to the plant.
Furthermore, the horsetail - thanks to its high content of silica and minerals - has been shown to perform a beneficial action at tissue level, especially at the level of bone tissue. In fact, it is not uncommon for this plant to be found inside dietary supplements with indications for the re-mineralization of bones and tissues, although this use has not been officially approved.
In this regard, an interesting study conducted on the action exerted by horsetail against bone tissue has shown that the hydromethanolic extract of the plant is able to negatively influence osteoclastogenesis.
This makes the horsetail a potential ally in the treatment of bone diseases associated with an increase in osteoclast activity.
Horsetail to promote diuresis in cases of urinary tract affections and kidney stones
As mentioned, thanks to the diuretic and remineralizing properties of mineral salts, organic acids and flavonoids present in the horsetail, this plant can be used effectively as a diuretic remedy.
To be more precise, the diuretic effect of horsetail is exploited - thanks to the washing action of urine - to favor the resolution of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
For the treatment of the aforementioned diseases, if the horsetail is taken as a 1: 1 liquid extract (using 25% ethanol as an extraction solvent), the usually recommended dose is about 1-4 ml, to be taken three times per of.
In any case, to obtain more detailed information about the horsetail dosage to be used to promote diuresis, we recommend reading the article dedicated to "Treating yourself with the Equisetus".
Horsetail to promote wound healing
Thanks to the astringent and healing action demonstrated by horsetail when it is used topically, the use of this plant has been officially approved as an adjunct in the healing process of wounds that struggle to repair itself.
In these cases, it is advisable to prepare a solution for compresses, immersing 10 grams of drug in a liter of water. The solution must then be applied to the affected area.
Horsetail in folk medicine and homeopathy
In folk medicine, horsetail is used in the treatment of bladder catarrh, pulmonary, nasal and gastric bleeding, gout, rheumatic disorders, tuberculosis, wounds, fractures and skin ulcers. Furthermore, the plant is also used as a hemostatic remedy in case of heavy menstruation and as a remedy to combat hair loss and nail fragility.
Horsetail is also used in homeopathic medicine. In this context it can easily be found in the form of granules, drops or mother tincture, with indications for the treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and kidneys, nocturnal enuresis, cystitis, fractures and sprains.
The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one individual to another, also depending on the type of preparation and the type of homeopathic dilution that must be used.
Contraindications
Do not use horsetail-based extracts in cases of proven hypersensitivity to one or more components and in patients who present with edema caused by renal failure or impaired cardiac function.
Pharmacological Interactions
In the case of extensive skin lesions and / or of unknown origin, it is essential to request the doctor's prior consultation before using horsetail based packs.
