Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a true living fossil in the plant world. This inconspicuous, wild-growing relative of ferns has inhabited our planet for hundreds of millions of years. It has an irreplaceable place in folk medicine and its supporters often refer to it as a “sewing machine” for human tissues.
It has earned its fame mainly thanks to its extremely high content of silicon (silicic acid), which is key for the renewal of cells, bones and connective tissues.
Main benefits: How does it heal from the inside?
- Restart for the kidneys and urinary tract
Horsetail is one of the most powerful natural diuretics (diuretics).
It helps flush sand and small stones from the kidneys and bladder.
It alleviates the symptoms of urinary tract inflammation.
The advantage is that, unlike synthetic drainage drugs, it does not flush important minerals from the body in dangerous amounts, but it still stimulates kidney function.
- Mineral bomb for bones and joints
Thanks to the huge amount of bioavailable silicon, horsetail is key for the musculoskeletal system.
It supports the fixation of calcium in the body, which makes it a great prevention and complementary treatment for osteoporosis.
It helps in the regeneration of cartilage, relieves pain in osteoarthritis and gout.
It accelerates the healing of bones after fractures.
- Stopping bleeding and cleaning blood vessels
Horsetail has strong astringent (hemostatic) effects.
It was traditionally used to stop internal bleeding (e.g. during heavy menstruation or hemorrhoids).
It helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessel walls and purifies the blood, contributing to the overall health of the cardiovascular system.
- Source of inner beauty (Hair, nails, skin)
Silicon is a basic building block of keratin and collagen.
Regularly drinking tea strengthens brittle nails and adds shine and strength to weak hair.
Improves skin elasticity and helps treat acne or eczema from the inside.
Practical use
To get the most out of horsetail, you need to know how to prepare it properly. Silicon is relatively difficult to release into water.
Medicinal decoction (tea): Unlike common herbs, which can be simply poured with hot water, horsetail must be boiled. Pour 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb with 250 ml of cold water, bring to a boil and let it ferment/boil slightly for 15 to 20 minutes. Then strain. Drink twice a day.
Sitz bath: Excellent for urinary tract infections or hemorrhoids. Soak 100 g of horsetail in cold water overnight, bring to a boil the next day and pour into a warm bath (the water level should reach above the kidneys).
Tincture: Suitable for internal use for faster absorption of minerals or for rubbing into problematic scalp to promote hair growth.
⚠️ Important precautions and contraindications
Although horsetail is miraculous, it is a strong herb and requires respect.
Beware of confusion! When self-collecting in nature, collect only Horsetail. The very similar Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is poisonous (contains the alkaloid palustrine). If you are not 100% sure, it is better to reach for horsetail from a pharmacy.
Time limit: Horsetail tea should not be drunk continuously. The maximum duration of the bark is 3 to 4 weeks, followed by at least a month’s break. Long-term use can lead to the breakdown of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the body due to the content of the enzyme thiaminase.
Who is it not suitable for? * Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
People with severe heart or kidney failure (when fluid retention is caused by mechanical organ failure).
Children.
Are you planning to try horsetail bark for a specific problem (for example, to cleanse the kidneys or strengthen hair), or are you interested in its external compresses for poorly healing wounds?