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Horsetail, Equisetum arvense for experts, is also called horsetail but in the past it had the reputation of "natural sandpaper"For its abrasive capacity due to the accumulation of silicic acid in its plant tissues. Artisans and carpenters used it to smooth wood and metal but the ancients also knew its beneficial properties. Mostly diuretic, but not only. At the beginning of summer you can start looking for its stems useful for herbal and greedy purposes.
Horsetail: plant
It is part of the family of Equisetaceae, a family of plants that includes a single genus (Equisetum) and about 35 species, 15 of which are widespread in Europe. The best known are the arvense, the marsh, the sylvan, the greater and the pratense. It should be considered a "living fossil" plant given its ancient origins: it has always, one could almost say, that grows on the edges of cultivated fields, along ditches and slopes.
In Italy it is particularly common in the mountainous and countryside areas of the North, often the farmers even consider it a pest. In spring l'Horsetail it produces a typical brown stem, containing the spores, but it is in summer that the usable part arrives: a sterile green stem, up to 50 cm high, with numerous nodes and umbrella-like branches. This is the part to grasp and learn how to use.
Equisetum arvense
It is the only one Horsetail suitable for indoor use, almost all other species are not, because they are toxic. In particular, they contain alkaloids, some for example traces of nicotine, and then palustrine. If the name doesn't tell us much, while we know nicotine, this is a terrible poison, which acts on the nerves and muscles and causes even severe poisoning in pets.
Needless to say, but I am writing it, the do-it-yourself use ofHorsetail it is strongly discouraged, it is better to buy it in a herbalist's shop or in any case ask a specialist. The various species can be quite similar, not their effects.
Horsetail: properties
In addition to being a diuretic, often labeled as an anti-cellulite herb, theHorsetail he is known to many for his anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. We therefore see it mentioned for treatments of gingivitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, tonsillitis, acne, cold sores, inflammation of the skin and rheumatic problems.
Numerous bladder problems, including cystitis, can also find a partial natural remedy inHorsetail which is also recommended for kidney stones, brittle bones, fractures, nose bleeds, hemorrhoids and muscle cramps. There are also contraindications, even for the "good" horsetail: use in children under 12 years old, if pregnant or breastfeeding, should be avoided. We can then be hypersensitive subjects, to one or more components, and even in this case, even if we are no longer 12 years old, we will have to do withoutHorsetail and its benefits.
Horsetail: benefits
In general this plant strengthens the immune system, it is also used to fortify hair and prevent hair loss, to strengthen nails and bones as it is rich in silicon which helps prevent demineralization of bones. L'horsetail it could therefore be an excellent natural remedy for preventing osteoporosis. For example, you can sip it with infusions and decoctions, or apply to the skin or hair.
Even in the kitchen, the use ofHorsetail brings many benefits, as well as new flavors. Its richness in mineral salts makes it an ingredient suitable for flavoring especially soups and broths. It is also an ingredient in natural preparations useful for nourishing and defending plants from fungal diseases and parasites, therefore it is used in agriculture, as well as in herbalists and cooking.
Horsetail: mother tincture
You can take advantage of theHorsetail also as a natural dye, extracted from green shoots at the peak of their development. The advice is to work with the dried plant, which is easy to find in shops selling garden items. How to proceed? It is all explained in the article to which I refer you: "Prepare a tincture with horsetail”
Horsetail: herbal tea
Hair care, preventing it from falling out, and throat care, preventing it from burning and the voice from disappearing. You can sip an herbal tea of Horsetail that gives a great hand. For the throat, in particular, it can increase the disinfectant properties already typical of this precious plant, adding a pinch of salt or a few drops of lemon juice. But 25 tea bags they are already packaged and available at 10 euros, then for salt and lemon we can decide.
Horsetail capsules
If you have neither time nor desire, or simply "we are not herbal tea types", the treatmentHorsetail we are not precluded: comfortable capsules for 11 euros, 200 of 400 mg and that's it. Herbal tea, tea or coffee then remains an independent choice, meanwhile we have taken our dose of Horsetail.
Horsetail: drops
Third call for the'Horsetail: the drops. At 19 euros a bottle of 100 ml, is therefore concentrated equal to 200 ml of normal dye. And it's not alcoholic.
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