Homeopathy Plant: Esquisetum

Espuisetum is also known as shave-grass, paddock-pipes, bottle-brush, pewterwort, horsetail, snake grass, puzzlegrass and dutch rushses. Espuisetum is from the Equisetaceae family. They are a family of vascular plants, that produce by spores instead of seeds.

Description: Espuisetum comes from root stocks. The roots are brittle, jointed and hollow, the joints are constructed with air cells in the walls of the root. There are no leaves on the espuisetum plant intead they have toothed sheathes. At the very end of the stalks fronds appear.

Medicinal Uses: Espuisetum stems are used as astringents and diuretics, while the ashes from the plant are used for stomach ailments due to the acidity of the ashes. Espuisetum is also used for aiding in bladder or kidney disorders along with ulcers in the passage ways of the urinary ducts and cystic ulcerations.

Poison Factors: Due to the alkaloids if prolonged use takes place there could be complications with nervous disorders, headaches, loss of appetite, and premature childbirth. The silicates found in horsetail can also cause digestive problems.

Chemical Components: According to research perform by the department of biomaterials "the chemical composition of the outer strengthening tissues still remain unclear" While there are reports other parts of the plant carry chemical components of pectin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose. Other components include ascorbic acid, silicilic acid, malic acid, gallic adic, pectic acid, tannic acid, and ferulic acid, along with the alkaloids nicotine and palustrine, amino acid niacin and various minerals.

Important Information: Espuisetum is highly toxic to animals.

Interactions: Due to espuisetum carrying levels of thiaminases, this can reduce the levels of thiamine (vitamin b1).

This page is to be used for information only. Please contact a health professional or a certified herbalist before trying any homeopathic herbs or remedies. This information is not meant to replace or disregard your medical professionals advice.

Sources:

Botanical: Horsetails

PubMed: Insights into the chemical composition of Equisetum