Horsetail

50g (1.76oz)

Medicinal Name: Equisetum arvense

Common names: bottle brush

Properties: high silica, astringent, hepatic & urinary tonic

Treatment: internal bleeding, external bleeding, cystitis, prostate disease, urethritis, emphysema, eczema, excessive bleeding

Description:

Much of the therapeutic effectiveness of this herb is due to its high silica content, a large proportion of which is soluble and can be absorbed. Silica supports the regeneration of connective tissue.

Horsetail is an excellent clotting agent. It staunches wounds, stops nosebleeds, and reduces the coughing up of blood. In addition, horsetail has an astringent effect on the genitourinary system, proving especially valuable where there is bleeding within the urinary tract, and in cases of cystitis, urethritis, and prostate disease.

Horsetail helps to speed the repair of damaged connective tissue, improving its strength and elasticity. The herb is also prescribed to treat problems related to rheumatic and arthritic problems, for chest ailments, for chronic swelling of the legs, and for various other conditions.

A decoction of the herb’s aerial parts added to a bath benefits slow-healing sprains and fractures, as well as certain irritable skin conditions such as eczema.

Preparation:

Infusion- bring water to a boil then add 1-2 tsp of herb and simmer for 10-15 minutes