Return to site

The Horsetail Benefits Our Health

By Adi Andreeva

May 24, 2023

It grows in wet meadows, coastal embankments, cultivated areas and crops. Widespread throughout the country up to 2000 m above sea level. It is found throughout Europe.

Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as an herbal medicine since the time of the Greek and Roman Empires. It is believed to have numerous medicinal properties and is mostly used to improve skin, hair and bone health.

It has been used in traditional medicine by various cultures, including the ancient Greeks ,the Romans,and the Native Americans used it to treat various health problems. With its help, they treated urinary tract infections and healed wounds.

Research shows that horsetail can support bone healing. Through bone metabolism, bone cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts constantly remodel your bones to avoid imbalances that can cause bone fragility. Osteoblasts handle bone synthesis, while osteoclasts break down bone through resorption.

Researchers believe that the bone-remodeling effect of horsetail is mostly due to its high silica content. In fact, up to 25% of its dry weight is silica. No other plant can boast such a high concentration of this mineral. Silica, which is also present in bones, improves the formation, density and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue by enhancing collagen synthesis and improving calcium absorption and utilization.

Other benefits:

  • The horsetail increases the normal tone, elasticity and permeability of blood vessels;
  • The use of horsetail has a beneficial effect on kidney function;
  • The toning and astringent properties have a positive effect on the joints and brittle nails;
  • The use of horsetail cleanses the body of accumulated lead.

Horsetail tea strengthens the whole body, incl. the skeleton, the bones and joints. Cleans blood of cholesterol and toxins. Today it is wise to drink prophylactically because the environment is more disease-causing than ever. If we are not treating something specific, it is better to brew horsetail into tea than into a decoction or infusion. The latter are concentrated and we are careful with the dose.

The usual dose of horsetail needed to make a tea is 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb per cup of boiling water steeped for 5-10 minutes. It is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of horsetail tea per day. To make horsetail tea, follow these steps:

  • Harvest fresh or dried horsetail.
  • Bring the water to boil in a kettle or pot. If you are using fresh horsetail, rinse it thoroughly and chop it finely. If you are using dried horsetail, you can use it as is.
  • Place horsetail in a teapot and pour hot water over it.
  • Cover with a lid and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
  • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the horsetail and pour it into a glass.
  • You can add honey, lemon or other herbs.

We always have to be aware when using herbs:

The recommended dose and duration of use should not be exceeded.

  • It should not be taken continuously for more than six weeks, unless the treatment is carried out by a professional, as the herb can cause irritation to the digestive tract.
  • A Herb can heal but also can harm so always consult with a specialist.

 

Shared with joy

A. A

Stob, Bulgaria