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. (more…)