A diuretic and stiptic, horehound is used in the treatment of bleeding wounds—inside and out—kidney stones, urinary tract infections, cystitis, intestinal disorders, rheumatism, and gout. It increases circulation and helps the body use calcium more efficiently, thereby helping heal broken bones and strengthening connective tissues. Horsetail has been used for centuries as an aid to healthy hair, nails, bones, teeth, and skin.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Horsetail has no leaves, no branches, and looks more like a little pine tree than anything else. It seldom attains a height greater than three feet and even finds a home in hard clay. These clumps of wild horsetail are said to be particularly valuable medicinally as the plant draws nutrients from the clay itself. Horsetail likes wet feet and is often found growing wild in fields and wet meadows. An old wive’s tail says the presence of horsetail is a dead giveaway pointing to underground water. Wells have been dug on the strength of that belief.

Herbal BeautyHISTORICAL NOTES

Horsetail’s botanical name relates to its appearance and is easy to explain. Equisetum comes from the Latin word equus meaning horse, and seta meaning bristle.

Several species of horsetail have been used medicinally since early Roman times. One old manuscript says, “It will heal sinews, though they be cut in sunder.” Culpeper assures us, “It be very powerful to stop bleeding, either inward or outward. It also heals inward ulcers and solders together the tops of green wounds and cures all ruptures in children. The juice is of service in inflamingsand all breakings-out of the skin. The decoction taken in wine helps stones and the tea strengthens the intestines and is effectualin a cough.”

Horsetail, sometimes called the “scouring brush,” contains silica, an abrasive. In ages past, horsetail stems were used by scullery maids in great houses to clean and polish the pewter dishes of the gentry. Dairymaids scoured their milk pails with horsetail. Fine cabinetmakers often smoothed and polished their work with the stems as well.

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS

Horsetail contains calcium, copper, fatty acids, fluorine, selenium, nicotine, aconitic acid, equisitine, PABA, sodium, starch, vitamin B, and zinc. Numerous studies have confirmed that horsetail tea helps fractured bones heal faster and knit more smoothly. However, this is one powerful herb; it has been determined that excessive use can irritate the kidneys and intestines.

TRADITIONAL USE

Internal. Two weeks of treatment with horsetail tea should be followed by a week of rest. The treatment can be repeated, if necessary. Brew horsetail tea by pouring 8 ounces of freshly boiled water over 3 3/4 teaspoons (1/2 ounce or 14.175 grams) of the dried herb. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.

External. To inhibit external bleeding and help heal wounds, prepare and apply a horsetail poultice according to the instructions. One herbal I consulted says that bathing in water enriched with horsetail is an effective treatment for sluggish circulation, chilblains, rheumatism, and gout.

CONSIDERATIONS

To avoid irritating your kidneys and intestines, do not use horsetail tea for any longer than two weeks in a row.

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Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)