Horsetail is popular for its ability to treat urinary tract infections, edema (fluid retention), kidney and bladder stones, incontinence, and other conditions that affect the kidney and bladder.
It is also used for treating jaundice, gout, balding, hemorrhage, osteoporosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, brittle fingernails, frostbite, heavy menstrual flow, and obesity. Horsetail can also be applied topically to the skin to treat burns and wounds.
The Health Benefits of Horsetail
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of horsetail.
Boosts Immunity
Horsetail can help protect the body against a host of germs and ailments. The herb contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, which can prevent the invasion of foreign and harmful pathogens. This is particularly helpful for people who are wounded or recovering from a serious ailment. Horsetail boosts the body’s immunity levels and keeps infections away.
Good for the Skin
Most skin products that have horsetail as one of the main ingredients often possess anti-aging and anti-wrinkle benefits. Horsetail has the ability to develop and maintain healthy connective tissues in the body. This is owing to the silica-absorption properties in this herb, helping it form collagen. The herb also contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to delay the aging process. People with pimples and acne-prone skin can make use of cold diluted horsetail tea to purify their skin. It is also an amazing skin toner.
Boosts Hair Growth
Horsetail is known for its ability to treat baldness and to boost healthy hair growth. This herb is used as a supplement and its extract can also be used in combination with coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil for healthy and full hair growth. Horsetail also contains anti-dandruff properties, making it beneficial in anti-dandruff products including oils and shampoos. Apart from treating dandruff, the silica in horsetail makes it an effective treatment for split ends. Interestingly, the natural hair care product has no side effects. Horsetail tea is also a natural conditioner and can be used to rinse the hair after shampooing to attain soft and radiant locks.
Promotes Nail Health
Horsetail contains a rich supply of minerals that can help people with brittle nails. The herb is also used to cure white spots in the nails. It is believed to that weak nails can be repaired and strengthened when soaked in horsetail tea regularly.
Enhances Cognitive Abilities
Thankfully, horsetail is an herbal remedy for memory-related issues. In fact, studies have shown that a chronic lack of silica in the body may be responsible for certain memory problems. And since horsetail herb possesses an impressive content of silica, it can help boost memory fast. It is effective as it helps fortify the connective tissues in the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells.
In addition, horsetail contains nicotine which helps to stimulate the brain and nervous system. The herb also has powerful antioxidant abilities that have been linked to higher cognitive abilities.
Strengthens Bones
In addition to treating brittle nail, horsetail can strengthen weak bones naturally. Since the herb is rich in silica, it is often recommended to people with weak bones as it helps to repair bone tissues. In fact, silica helps to ensure that the body stores more of an essential mineral like calcium. And of course, calcium helps to repair bones, collagen, as well as other tissues. This means that horsetail can help in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Treats Foot Conditions
Horsetail is a herb that treats foot conditions, including chilblains, cracked feet, frostbite, and even athlete’s foot.
Heals Wounds
People who are prone to burns and cuts, especially in the kitchen, should always keep horsetail extract close by. Horsetail extract can be applied topically to the skin to heal cuts and wounds. The herb contains antiseptic effects that block dirt from infecting the body. In fact, gargling horsetail tea can help treat canker sores and certain mouth-related issues, including bleeding gums and swollen tonsils.
Alleviates Kidney Health
Horsetail helps to treat kidney problems as well as the retention of fluid in the body. Owing to its impressive diuretic abilities, the herb helps in the natural elimination of kidney stones. It can also treat bladder infections and stones, incontinence, and other problems of the bladder. In fact, horsetail tea also aids in cleansing the system by stimulating the need for water in the body and controlling the flow of urine.
Lowers Blood Glucose Levels
Some studies suggest that when people with Type II diabetes take an oral dose of horsetail extract daily, they can experience a significant drop in their blood glucose levels within a short period of time of taking the herb. However, ensure that you consult with your doctor before trying out the herb.
Aids in Weight Loss
Horsetail tea is effective for people who want to lose a few kilos naturally. The herb can remove toxins from the body quickly which, in turn, helps to hasten metabolism.
Treats Hemorrhoids
This awesome herb contains powerful anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties which help to alleviate hemorrhoids. The herb may help also alleviate the pain associated with hemorrhoids and stop the bleeding brought on by piles. It helps to minimize the risk of constipation, and so can reduce hemorrhoid pain.
Side Effects and Precautions
It is important to keep in mind that like other herbs, the use of horsetail, can result in certain side effects, particularly if used without first checking with a medical practitioner. Some of the side effects of the prolonged use of horsetail include:
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to steer clear of horsetail products. This is because the herb contains nicotine that could be harmful to an infant. More so, there is a need for more studies to determine the toxicity of the herb.
- People who suffer from thiamine deficiency should avoid the use of this herb. Reports have shown that the herb can destroy thiamine during digestion.
- The consumption of horsetail can disrupt blood sugar levels in the blood, which may be difficult to manage for diabetics. So, people who are diabetic should not use horsetail unless otherwise recommended by a medical doctor.
- Horsetail possesses diuretic effects that may increase the risk of potassium deficiency by minimizing the body’s supply.
- It is important to also remember that this article is about Equisetum arvensis and not the other types of Equisetum plants. The other varieties of horsetail are toxic to humans, horses, and cattle. Always ensure to check the correct herb before ingestion.
