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Equisetum arvense

The word "Equisetaceae" is from the Latin for "horse", thus the common name, "Horsetail". The Equisetaceae Family is the sole survivor of a line of plants going back three hundred million years. It is a descendant of ancient plants that grew as tall as trees during the carboniferous period of prehistoric times and members of this family gave rise to many of our coal deposits.

Horsetail is widely distributed throughout the temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, North America, and Europe. This fern-related plant loves wet areas and often grows in thick patches. They are readily seen near streams, damp forests and meadows. 

Since being recommended by the Roman physician Galen, several cultures have employed horsetail as a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers, and tuberculosis.

Horsetail is an astringent herb and has a diuretic action. It has a cold energy and a slightly bitter taste. It has an affinity for the urinary tract where it can be used to sooth inflammation as in cystitis and treat infections. It may also be used for prostate problems and to quicken the removal of kidney stones. Its astringency is helpful to control bed-wetting, and it tones the urinary tract which reduces urinary frequency and incontinence. Fresh horsetail can be bruised and applied to stop bleeding from wounds. The juice or tea may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or curb heavy menstrual bleeding. The tea may be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers.

Because of its mineral and silica content, horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. It has also been used to treat deep-seated lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema.

Externally horsetail tea or vinegar is used as a hair rinse to strengthen brittle hair. It may also be applied to irritated skin conditions like eczema, scrapes, or ulcers. Dried, powdered horsetail can be mixed with a little water to form a paste and applied as a poultice to skin ulcers. Horsetail vinegar may also be used to soak fungus-infected toe or finger nails in for treatment.

Horsetail is a unique plant with two distinctive types of stems.

One variety of stem grows early in spring and looks like asparagus, except for its brown colour and the spore-containing cones on top.

The mature form of the herb, appearing in summer, has branched, thin, green, sterile stems and looks like a feathery tail.

The use of this herb as an abrasive cleanser to scour pots or shave wood illustrates the origin of horsetail’s common names—scouring rush and shave grass. Historically, the dried stems were used to polish pewter and other metals.

DISCLAIMER: This page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of research, not practical experience.