AKA: Cauda equina, Mu Zei, Scouring Rush, Scrubgrass, Shavegrass
A brush-like perennial related to ferns. The hollow, jointed stems of this flowerless plant contain large amounts of silica and silicic acids (5-8%).
Traditionally used internally for prostatitis or enlarged prostate, incontinence, cystitis, and urethritis
Horsetail herb is esteemed for its trace mineral profile and is an excellent herbal source of bioavailable silicon, calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese and potassium-all necessary for healthy joints and adjoining tissues. Horsetail herb is known to possess blood clotting and antibiotic properties, which contribute to the healing process. •
Found beneficial in dropsy, gravel and kidney infections, because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Used to accelerate healing of stubborn wounds by the Chinese and American Indians. Rich in several minerals the body uses to rebuild injured tissue such as silica (trace mineral found in bone, connective tissue, fingernails and skin) and Calcium (needed to build strong bones and to rebuild injured tissue, especially in healing arthritis).
Silica is used by the body in the production and repair of connective tissues while accelerating the healing of broken bones. Our bodies use silica to maintain and repair the nails, hair, skin, eyes and cell walls. Shavegrass is also used for its diuretic and astringent properties, making it a useful treatment for cystitis, bladder and prostate problems, and kidney stones.
It possesses hemolytic (blood clotting) and antibiotic activity, properties that contribute to the healing process.
Shavegrass (silica) reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and contributes to the building of healthy blood cells. Research has shown that Shavegrass increases the number of phagocytes (enzymes that kill germs and other foreign substances), which improves the functioning of the entire immune system.
Bronchitis, lung and respiratory tract disorders have been shown to be helped by Shavegrass, which increases the functioning and elasticity of lung tissues.
Shavegrass contains 5% of the saponin equisetonin, and several flavone glycosides, including isoquercitrin, galuteolin, and equisetrin, which most likely account for its diuretic activity. Shavegrass also contains Aconitic acid, calcium, PABA, fatty acids, fluorine, vitamin B-5 and zinc.
Externally, it can be applied as a poultice.
It is an excellent astringent for the genito-urinary system, reducing haemorrhage and healing wounds thanks to the high silica content. It acts as a mild diuretic. It is also invaluable in the treatment of incontinence and bed wetting in children. It is considered a specific in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Externally it is helps to heal wounds. In some cases it has been found to ease the pain of rheumatism and stimulate the healing of chilblains. It is rich in silicic acid and silicates, providing elemental silicon. Potassium, aluminum, gold, and manganese along with fifteen different types of bioflavonoids. The presence of these bioflavonoids is believed to cause the diuretic action, while the silicon content is said to exert a connective tissue strengthening and antiarthritic action. The German Commission E monograph suggests up to 6 grams of the herb daily for internal use.
Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': Horsetail has been found beneficial in dropsy, gravel and kidney affections generally, and a drachm of the dried herb, powdered, taken three or four times a day, has proved very effectual in spitting of blood. Besides being useful in kidney and bladder trouble, a strong decoction acts as an emmenagogue; being cooling and astringent, it is of efficacy for haemorrhage, cystic ulceration and ulcers in the urinary passages. The decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and quickly heal them, and will also reduce the swelling of eyelids
History: Can accumulate gold in its tissues, up to 4.5 ounces of gold per ton of fresh plant material. It is used primarily as an indicator plant for finding gold or other precious metals.
Technicals: It is a flowerless antediluvian herb that reproduces itself through spores, residing in damp, sandy soils. The plant gets its name to the appearance of its very slender stems. It is known for its remineralizing properties since the Middle Ages, due to its high silicon content. It supplies calcium to the body, and is rich in several other minerals that the body uses to rebuild injured tissue.
It is an effective genito-urinary astringent. It high silica content helps to heal both internal and external wounds. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Horsetail for 'Internal: Post-traumatic and static edema. Irrigation therapy for bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and renal gravel. External: Supportive treatment for poorly healing wounds.' 'Average daily dosage: 6 g of herb; equivalent preparations. External use in compresses: 10 g of herb to 1 liter of water. Mode of Administration: Internal: Comminuted herb for infusions and other galenical preparations for oral administration. For irrigation therapy, ensure an abundant fluid intake. External: Comminuted herb for decoctions and other galenical preparations. Action: Mild diuretic.' Horsetail is rich in silicates and silicic acid. It is also rich in potassium, aluminum, manganese, and bioflavonoids. The bioflavonoids are thought to cause the diuretic action, while the silicon is thought to help strenghten connective tissue. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Diuretic and astringent. Horsetail has been found beneficial in dropsy, gravel and kidney affections generally, and a drachm of the dried herb, powdered, taken three or four times a day, has proved very effectual in spitting of blood.' 'The ashes of the plant are considered very valuable in acidity of the stomach, dyspepsia, etc., administered in doses of 3 to 10 grains.' 'Besides being useful in kidney and bladder trouble, a strong decoction acts as an emmenagogue; being cooling and astringent, it is of efficacy for haemorrhage, cystic ulceration and ulcers in the urinary passages.' 'The decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and quickly heal them, and will also reduce the swelling of eyelids.' 'Preparation and Dosage: Fluid extract, 10 to 60 drops.' 'Horsetail was formerly official under the name of Cauda equina and was much esteemed as an astringent. Culpepper quotes Galen in saying that it will heal sinews, 'though they be cut in sunder,' and speaks of it highly for bleeding of the nose, a use to which it is still put by country people.' 'Culpepper says: 'It is very powerful to stop bleeding, either inward or outward, the juice or the decoction being drunk, or the juice, decoction or distilled water applied outwardly... It also heals inward ulcers.... It solders together the tops of green wounds and cures all ruptures in children. The decoction taken in wine helps stone and strangury; the distilled water drunk two or three times a day eases and strengthens the intestines and is effectual in a cough that comes by distillation from the head. The juice or distilled water used as a warm fomentation is of service in inflammations and breakin
Caution: Should not be used by persons with cardiac or renal dysfunction.
Warning: Do not use long-term or in conjunction with cardiac or renal dysfunction.
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