Horsetail

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Latin:Equisetum arvense

Description: An interesting fact about this herb, it is capable of absorbing gold dissolved in water. Horsetail is the only species of the family Equisetaceae that is not extinct. Silicon is an active ingredient present in horsetail. This element is important because it plays a role in bones, connective tissue, cartilage, and skin. Saponins, a compound that have mild diuretic properties, is also a major component of this herb.

Parts Used: Herb

Common Use: The small amounts of gold absorbed by the horsetail does have an importance. Because of this property, horsetail is very useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Bleeding ulcers are also treated with use of horsetail because this herb contains styptic characteristics. Other uses of this herb include aiding in genitourinary complications, kidney stones, gout, and enuresis.

Origin: Europe

Active Substances: Silica, flavoglucosides, saponins, alkaloids (nicotine, palustrine), manganese, magnesium, potassium, tannin.

Standard: 10% Silicic acid

Directions For Use:1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per 1 cup of boiling water, drink up to 2 cups a day. Or take 1.5 g of dried herb daily which is equivalent to 300 mg of extract. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Bio-Enhancing:The bio-enhancing agents include echinacea, chaparral, parsley, marshmallow, slippery elm, and comfrey.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:Horsetail has a high level of selenium which may cause birth defects; therefore, pregnant women should avoid using this herb. Do not use horsetail in combination with antihypertensive drugs, digitalis, corticosteroids, heparin, or lithium. Children should not be given this herb because it contains a chemical called equisetine which is a nerve poison. If discomfort such as stomach irritation or diarrhea are experienced, then stop use and consult a physician. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Before its use as an herb, horsetail was used as an abrasive cleaner and polish pewter. Once it was discovered that horsetail was a healing herb, it was used to treat wounds, stop bleeding, repair broken bones, and promote healthy eyes, hair, and skin.

Analysis:Type standardized extract, Standardization 7% silica, Loss on drying 2.9%, Ash 39.0%, Microbiological Content absent.

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