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Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 4:26 pm
by ItalianBee
I just came back from a lovely long walk during which I gathered a bag full of Equisetum. I know that this is used as a diuretic, and that it is important to gather when it is young (one reason I was determined to go out today), but neither I nor anybody I know has immediate need for a diuretic - what other uses are people familiar with? I would like to make friends with this plant.
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 7:29 am
by RoseRed
I used to put a teaspoon of it in my exhusbands oatstraw infusions for prostate health.
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 7:24 am
by NateFlory
Not quite a "herbal medicine", but older horsetail plants are great when camping to scrub pots and pans after dinner.
Do this in scouts periodically, if there's enough around that a handfull won't impact sustainabile growth.
I've also heard that due to it's silicon content, it's marginally useful for brittle nails and osteoporosis, but I can't find any studies to really support that beyond "friend of a friend of a friend mentioned it" levels of references.
It's a neat plant to find though. I like it's shape.
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 5:18 pm
by ItalianBee
I have also heard that about osteoporosis, Nate - equisetum appears to be high in calcium.
And I will definitely try that with the pots and pans, though I imagine that the later-season, coarser plants would work better than the delicate little fronds I collected!
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 2:08 am
by Movlin
It's one of my very favorites! It healed my kidneys and is regrowing broken teeth in my mouth. The silica in this plant is magic. Since silica is a building block of the body, horsetail can help rebuild and repair most anything - internally and externally. It makes a wonderful face toner, as it rebuilds skin cells that are aging....the list just goes on and on. Be a little careful when harvesting this plant - some recommend gloves and protective eyewear as the glass like particles of silica can lodge in places....
Don't undervalue one of the oldest plants on earth.
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 7:18 am
by ItalianBee
Thank you Movlin! I never thought of using it externally. I'm about to make some more of my elderflower vinegar (which I dilute and dab on my face), and it sounds as if I could add horsetail to it and make it even better.
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 12:29 pm
by Lady Alinor
Movlin is right...Horsetail is a mineral powerhouse!!!! I use it with Oatstraw (daily) and Comfrey (1-2 times a week).
To be able to harvest Horsetail is a real blessing...sunshine, fresh air, and green things...BLESSINGS!
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 2:12 pm
by Lady Alinor
Re: Equisetum/horsetail
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:40 pm
by ItalianBee
Thanks all!