Horsetail tea has been studied and analyzed for a long time. Known by various names such as equisetum arvense, scouring rush, shavegrass, and field horsetail, the horsetail plant and herb are known diuretics. The horsetail likewise has been known as a sedative and anti-convulsant. So prized is horsetail in the days of old that it has become known to be “irreplaceably priceless”.
The horsetail is a perennial plant that has dark green hollow, joined or segmented stems with no leaves. The horsetail can usually be found in wet areas and has a large amount of silicon crystals (or sand) in its tissue. The sand content in horsetail is the most abundant of any plant, and it is commonly used to polish tinware.
Aside from silicates, horsetail is likewise abundant in potassium, aluminum, and manganese, as well as a variety of flavonoids.
The above-ground parts of the plant are used for herbal and healing purposes. However, avoidance of horsetail is recommended for those with kidney stones and congestive heart failure and those taking an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure. Pregnant women should also avoid using horsetail tea.
Horsetail tea is usually made to derive the healing properties of the plant. The tea is prepared by pouring boiled water over 2 to 3 grams of horsetail herb, boiling for five minutes, and then straining after 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended that this be drank during the day between meals.
The following health benefits have been attributed to the tea:
- Helps to increase urinary flow and thus help flush bacteria from the bladder.
- May help strengthen bones and cartilage, and thus may be helpful in the fight against arthritis and osteoporosis.
- The tea or tincture (Extract) form may be used to treat wounds and burns.
- May be gargled to fight mouth sores and other oral wounds.
- May help treat disorders in the digestive system like hyperacidity and ulcer.
- May be used in the head to eliminate dandruff.
- May help stimulate blood flow.