Horsetail

Equisetum arvens

Reference	HPDHHOR
Part of plant	Aerial parts

Applications
Internally : Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Urinary tract infections and water retention. Topically : Brittle nails and Wound healing Soak nails in a decoction made by steeping 2 oz. dry herb in 1.5 pints of water for 20 minutes. In the Garden : Horsetail is an excellent Biodynamic treatment for fungus diseases and rusts: Take 1.5 oz of dried herb and cover with cold water; bring to a boil and let boil 20 minutes; cool and strain; use one part to 19 parts of water and use as a spray. ANIMALS The tea is useful for treating sores in domestic animals To make a tea for external use, boil 2-4 teaspoons of the dried herb in 250 ml (a cup) of water for 5 minutes. Steep the tea for an additional 15 minutes, strain, and drink two or three times daily.

How to Use
Up to 6 gms of the herb per day for internal use. To make a tea for both internal and external use, boil 2-4 teaspoons of the dried herb in 250 ml (1 cup) of water for 5 minutes. Steep the tea for an additional 15 minutes, strain, and drink two or three times daily.

Safety Data
No known contraindications. Horsetail is generally considered safe. But due to a lack of clear safety information, horsetail should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Certain medicines may interact with horsetail. Always check with your medical practitioner.

About the Product
Horsetail is an unusual plant in that it goes through two stages of development. In early summer a fertile form rises and dies back to be followed by the more well known late summer, but infertile form. It is this later infertile form that is used medicinally. Horsetail has for centuries been a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis. It is rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide approximately 2–3% elemental silicon. It is the silicon in Horsetail that is thought to be a vital component for bone and cartilage formation. In the South West of France it is often the herb of choice for osteoporosis sufferers as it is said to strengthen bones. It is also thought to exert an anti-arthritic action. It is also said to re-vitalise dull/damaged hair and strengthen brittle nails. Horsetail has also been used topically use to stop the bleeding of open wounds and promote healing.