Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) – Nature’s great herbal diuretic

Horsetail is a potent diuretic herb, it may help to increase the urine flow with about 30% so it need to be used with care.

Urinary tract infection and Horsetail
It is widely used in the traditional folk medicine througout Europe, dr. Kneipp registers Horsetail as a potent blood coagulant and a great herbal remedy for kidney stones and sand as well as an excellent herbal remedy for urinary tract infections. Based on dr. Kneipp’s recommendations in case of the infections of the urinary tract it is recommended to take hot baths infused with strong Horsetail tea in the bathwater while flushing your system internally with Horsetail tea.

Horsetail helps to stop bleeding of ulcers and controls excessive menstrual bleeding due to its blood coagulant properties.

The soothing action for UTIs is best explained by the herb’s ability to tighten the inflamed epithelial tissues with tannins and purge the urinary tract of toxins by diuresis. Concurrently, the flavonoids present in horsetail exert a spasmolytic action on the smooth muscles to ease the painful spasm often associated with urinary tract infections. Its flavonoids are also antiseptic and help fight infections of the urinary tract. Its astringent properties also make it useful topically as an eyewash and to heal wounds.

Great source of silica
Horsetail contains Silicic acid (between 3-16%) which encourages the absorption and use of calcium by the body. Silicon is an essential element in the manufacture of collagen, the matrix material that holds the body together. It gives elasticity and suppleness to the skin, and contributes flexibility and strength to the bones, hair, and nails. Horsetail can be thought of as an “internal cosmetic” building beauty from the inside out.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Horsetail
Horsetail absorbs gold dissolved in water better than other plants. The amount of gold in a cup of horsetail grass tea is quite small, however, small amounts of gold are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which is what the Chinese use it for.

Selenium in Horsetail
Horsetail is rich in selenium as well. Too much selenium may cause birth defects. Pregnant women should not use this herb. It also contains the chemical equisetine that in large amounts is a nerve poison.

Horsetail Tea
Add a tablespoon Horsetail to a cup of boiling water.

Horsetail Poultice
To make poultice take 1/2 cup of Horsetail and pour it onto a strainer then place it above boiling water. When the Horsetail is soft and hot from the steam, put it in a cheesecloth (and make sure it is not too hot, but it needs to be as warm as tolerable) and lay it onto the body part you want to heal it with and add some other layers of dry cotton to keep it warm. It can stay for the whole night, if needed.

Horsetail Sitz Bath
Take about a half cup of Horsetail, leave it in cold water over night then bring it to boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Pour it to your bath water which will need to cover your kidney area. 20 minutes of soaking is ideal, then let yourself dry in a warm bathrobe and get some rest in the bed.

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