The term horsetail generally refers to the "Equisetum arvense, also known as the common horsetail or ponytail.This small herbaceous plant prefers moist and cool soils; for this reason, it is commonly found near ditches and streams, even on high ground.
Hated by farmers because it is a weed and difficult to eradicate, horsetail is instead appreciated by popular medicine and finds a certain space even among the shelves of modern herbalists. The sterile stems, and in particular the green twigs, collected in July and dried in the "open air, they are the drug. They contain:
- mineral salts (18-20%, abundant potassium)
- saponins (about 8%)
- silica * (5-6% of the dry plant, hence the use of horsetail as an abrasive in polishing copper pots)
- organic acids (vitamin C, cinnamic acid, dicaffeicotartaric, oxalic and others)
- flavonoids (especially isoquercetin)
- traces of alkaloids (equispermine and laustrine)
(*) Although the biological importance of silicon is still uncertain (some consider it an essential nutrient), it seems important for the health of connective tissue and bone, where it is found in greater quantities (in the human body it is concentrated at of arteries, trachea, tendons, bones and skin). From here derive some of the phytotherapeutic virtues ascribed to this plant.
As an alternative to the decoction, dried extracts in the form of capsules are also available on the market, to be taken in doses of about 6 grams / day, accompanied by plenty of water (to stimulate diuresis).
Due to its richness in mineral salts, horsetail is a valid remineralizer, useful for strengthening bones, nails and hair. For this reason, popular medicine recommends its use in the presence of osteoporosis, in the after-effects of bone fractures, and in case of brittle nails and hair.
Horsetail is recognized for its healing properties, useful for promoting the healing of wounds, such as sores or annoying skin ulcers. In this case, however, external use is indicated, in the form of compresses or washes with decoction. Oral rinses are useful in the presence of mouth ulcers and gargles help those suffering from sore throat.
The abrasive properties of horsetail are exploited in some cosmetics suitable for peeling (a dermatological procedure with which the cells of the most superficial layer of the epidermis are removed, with the aim of increasing the elasticity of the skin and removing small scars). also widely used in the prevention of wrinkles and skin aging.
Finally, remember the haemostatic properties of horsetail which, with the support of popular tradition, make it useful in the presence of hemorrhoids (always for internal use) and epistaxis (for inhalation of the decoction from the nostrils).
Side effects: there are no limitations of use; consult your doctor before taking horsetail in combination with synthetic diuretics.
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