Horsetail - a tall, bushy plant that grows in fields - may not seem particularly valuable, attractive or therapeutic. Yet this common plant, botanically known as Equisetum arvense, has been prized by herbalists since the time of the Greek and Roman Empires – and for good reason. Did you know that horsetail leaves contain an extremely high concentration of silicon, a mineral necessary for the growth and maintenance of bones? And that's not all. A recent scientific study she emphasized the impressive antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant. Let's see how these properties translate into applications and health benefits in the 21st century.

 

A great way to improve your bone and joint health

Horsetail contains a number of minerals necessary for bone health, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and – most importantly – silicon. Silicon – a combination of silicon and oxygen – makes up 25 percent of the plant's weight. Natural health experts claim that this mineral can help promote bone strength and facilitate the healing of fractures. The research was encouraging. Animal studies have shown that horsetail improves bone density, making them less susceptible to fractures. In addition, recent cell research suggests horsetail may even help prevent osteoporosis. Researchers reported that horsetail inhibits bone cells called osteoclasts – which break down bone through resorption – while stimulating the activity of bone-building osteoblasts. By the way, anti-inflammatory compounds in horseradish—like epicatechin and kynurenic acid—can help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness in arthritic joints.

 

Beauty's best-kept secret: Silicon promotes thicker, shinier hair and stronger nails

The benefits of horsetail fern are not only medicinal, but also cosmetic. Natural beauty experts have long insisted that silica-rich horsetail can help repair brittle nails and restore dull, thinning locks. After all, silicon plays a role in the production of collagen—a vital component of healthy hair, skin, and nails—and research suggests that increasing silicon levels in hair fibers can help prevent hair loss while increasing shine and luster. Antioxidants in horseradish help reduce damage caused by free radicals, thus limiting premature aging and "wear and tear" of hair fibers. In an influential three-month study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, women who complained of thinning hair were given a formulation high in horsetail-derived silica. Participants experienced increased hair growth and strength compared to the control group – with no reported adverse effects. Horsetail also has a beneficial effect on nails, reducing brittleness, breaking and unsightly waves and furrows. Thicker, shinier hair and stronger, smoother nails – what's not to like about that?

 

Soothe inflamed gums and improve oral health with horseradish

Research has shown horsetail to be highly effective against bacteria and fungi, including the Candida albicans fungus that causes oral infections. It also has an astringent effect, which means it can reduce inflamed tissues. As a result, herbalists advise using horsetail tea as a mouthwash to relieve mouth sores and sensitive, irritated gums. For a soothing mouthwash, steep a teaspoon or two of dried horsetail in 3 dcl of boiling water for 5 to ten minutes. After straining and cooling, the liquid can be used for gargling. Herbalists may also recommend horsetail tea for fever, bronchitis, flu and conjunctivitis. With natural diuretic properties, horsetail is believed to support bladder health and prevent kidney stones.

 

Horsetail can provide beauty "from head to toe".

In addition to using horsetail tea as a mouthwash, you can use it topically as a solution to strengthen nails, as a facial toner to refresh the skin, and as a volumizing hair rinse. You can also drink tea, and experts advise up to two cups a day. However, it is not recommended to consume horsetail tea for more than seven days in a row. May cause health problems including vitamin B1 deficiency if used long term. Here's a fun fact: Horsetail is so tough that in the old days it was used to scrub pans, tin pots and bottles. In fact, horsetail's traditional names – pewter, bottle brush and cleaning rush – reflect this use. You can also see horsetail called field horsetail, mare's tail, horsetail. Although you may see horsetail growing wild, leave harvesting to qualified herbalists. A species of horsetail with a similar appearance – Equisetum palustre or swamp horsetail – is known to be poisonous. Fortunately, Equisetum arvense sachets and capsules are readily available online or at your favorite health food store. Horsetail, when used appropriately, is a remarkable herb that can improve health, well-being, and appearance from the "inside out."

 

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov

healthyfocus.org

Healthline.com

NIH.com

Therighttea.com

By cleaning the kidneys and bladder in 5 days, you increase the intake of silicon, which is necessary for better hair and nail growth.

You can read more about the 5-day kidney detox HERE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked " *

×

Institute of Detoxification of the Body

×

Newsletter login

For special offers, discounts, promotions and novelties subscribe to the newsletter.
If you want additional information, advice or guidance in Phytotherapy, kinesitherapy, dietotherapy or just want to improve your health status feel free to call your phone numbers+385 92 352 7589 or +385 99 645 0504
or leave your mobile number and we will contact you as soon as possible.

* must complete