Horsetail is one of the oldest medicinal plants in existence, preceding even dinosaurs! It’s sometimes referred to as a “living fossil” because it’s so ancient. There are over 20 species of horsetail that are native to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Giant horsetail (Equisetum giganteum) is found only in Latin America. In this article, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about horsetail and why it’s so highly regarded across the globe.
What is horsetail?
Named after its resemblance to a horse’s tail, horsetail is a perennial, fern-like plant that grows about a foot high. Only the green, fern-like part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes—not the root.
The history of horsetail
Horsetail has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times as food, medicine, and animal feed. It’s best known in folk medicine for treating health symptoms and conditions, including swelling, excess weight, wounds, bladder disease, kidney disease, and arthritis, just to name a few. As it turns out, modern research is confirming some of these benefits, demonstrating why this plant has been prized for centuries . Let’s take a look at the top benefits of horsetail.
- Promotes bone health
Horsetail is the most abundant source of silica in the plant world. Silica, which is also present in bones, improves the formation, density, and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue. It does this by enhancing collagen production and the absorption and use of calcium. In animal studies, horsetail has been shown to significantly improve bone density in subjects, making it potentially beneficial for bone-related disorders like osteoporosis.
- Supports hair and nail health
As we mentioned, horsetail is rich in silica which also works to slow the rate of hair loss and increase hair brightness and strength. On top of that, horsetail is also rich in antioxidants which help reduce the aging of hair fibers caused by free radicals. If you’re seeking a natural remedy for fast-growing, strong hair and nails, horsetail is certainly worth considering.
- Acts as a natural diuretic
Horsetail is a diuretic, meaning it stimulates increased urine output. Due to its diuretic effect, horsetail has traditionally been used for kidney and bladder issues. It’s been known to relieve urinary tract symptoms by increasing urinary volume, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Horsetail’s diuretic effect also makes it effective for reducing mild edema, which is a build-up of fluid in the tissues of the body.
- Reduces arthritis symptoms
For people with different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), horsetail may effectively reduce symptoms. Studies involving people with RA and OA demonstrate that horsetail improves symptoms, including pain and inflammation, and helps regulate an overactive immune response.
- Aids in wound healing
Horsetail can also be applied topically in ointment form to promote wound healing. In one study of postpartum women who had undergone an episiotomy during labor (a surgical cut), those who applied a horsetail ointment noticed faster healing and reduced symptoms including pain, redness, swelling, and discharge. These positive effects were attributed to horsetail’s high concentration of silica.
How can horsetail be consumed?
Horsetail is most commonly consumed in tea form, however, it’s also often found in tincture, capsule, and ointment form. The form you use depends on the issue you’re seeking help with. For example, horsetail in ointment form would be more appropriate if someone were using it to speed wound healing, as they could apply diluted oil to the wound. On the other hand, horsetail in tea form is more appropriate for systemic health issues, such as arthritis and urinary tract infections.
The bottom line
Horsetail is not very well known in the Western wellness world, however, it has a long history of use in treating a number of health conditions. At Inca Master Tea Co., we offer 100% natural horsetail from Peru that can be brewed to make a healing cup of tea. The tea boasts a smooth, earthy taste and is caffeine-free, so you can enjoy a cup whenever you please. Whether you’re seeking bone health support, hair and nail health support, or simply an antioxidant-rich, nourishing tea, look no further than Inca Master Tea Co.’s horsetail herbal tea.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6495422/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619477/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31240739/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4938278/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26574302/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3960516/