Horsetail Herb Health Benefits

Equisetum arvense is the scientific name of an herb said to have many health benefits. Horsetail is the common or commercial name. But horsetail herb is also known as scouring rush, pewterwort, bottlebrush, corncob plant, pewterwort, and shavegrass.

The dried stem is the part consumed today. Horsetail herb is very rich in silica a mineral involved in many natural process and structures. Some benefits of silica include increase general strength, and assist in arthritic pain as well as enhancing mental clarity.

Horsetail herb is also rich is saponins and antioxidant such as flavonoids. Saponins are said to be the chemical compounds that protect plants from diseases and bacteria. It is also said that they do that in humans.

Other uses for horsetail herb is as a diuretic, to stops internal bleeding, and as a way to stop bleeding from small cuts on the skin.

These are the benefits of Horsetail herb according to the University of Maryland Medical Center:

Taken internally, horsetail is may be useful in connection with the following conditions and symptoms:

• Inflammation or mild infections of the genitourinary tract

• Kidney stones

• Urinary Tract Infection

Horsetail also can be applied externally to treat the following:

• Wounds (especially poorly healing ones)

• Burns

• Rheumatic conditions

• Fractures

• Sprains

Here is how is used according to herbs2000.com:

As a DECOCTION

As a POULTICE

As a MOUTHWASH/GARGLE

As a JUICE

As CAPSULES

Recommended doses are:

Herbal infusion (tea): 2 - 3 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto herb and steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink as directed.

Tincture (1:5): 1 - 4 mL, 3 times daily

Standardized dose: 300 mg, 3 times daily, standardized to contain 10 - 15 % silica

External (compresses): 10 g of herb per 1 liter water daily

As always, ask your doctor before trying any new product or treatment.

Sources:

Weiss RF (1988) . Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 238-240.

herbs2000.com

University of Maryland Medical Center