Horsetail, humpback or scientifically equisetum palustre, is a plant species belonging to the division of horsetails equisetaceae. Horsetail is the only survivor of a line of plants going back three million years. The name “horsetail” is often used for the entire group of plants and it arose because the species somewhat resemble a horse's tail. It is a descendant of ancient plants that grew as tall as trees during the carboniferous period of prehistoric times and members of the family gave rise to many of our coal deposits.

Horsetail is a thin, sterile perennial plant with a rhizomatous stem. It is reproduced by its spores and not the seeds. The plants holds many names, such as pewterwort, due to its use in polishing pewter and wood, scouring rush, due to the abrasive coating of silicates on its stems which was used for scouting metal, among others. Ancient Greek, Roman and Chinese herbalists have used horsetail for its numerous benefits since antiquity.

Despite having numerous benefits, horsetail's leaves have been used for dyeing a soft green hue, the stalks were used to make whistles to call spirits, Indians used is to polish wooden tools. Japanese horsetail is still used as a finest sand paper to sand the wood before varnishing, and in shampoos and cosmetics. Horsetail is considered to this day a very valuable herb for its health benefits, due to a number of great minerals and other nutrients it contains, such as manganese calcium, iron, flavonoids caffeic acid esters, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, fatty acids, phytosterols, glycosides, phenolic acid, aconitic acid and silica. Similarly to Alfalfa plant, horsetail is capable of absorbing unique minerals from the earth like silica which are not found in many other plants.

Horsetail is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, coagulant, demulcent, diuretic and astringent activity. It has been used in the treatment of a number of health issues which include brittle bone, hair, teeth and nails, white spots on nails, gingivitis, tonsilitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, rheumatic disorders, edema, osteoarthritis, diabetes, acne, wounds, itchiness, rashes, burns, frostbite, chilllblains, athlete's foot, cracked and tired feet, frawing out pus from boils and carbuncles, ulcers, fistulas, herpes, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, fever, malaria, bladder problems, urinary tract infections, bed wetting, kidney stones, prostate problems, hemorroids, muscle cramps, tumors, broken bones, fractures, sprains, nose bleed and other cases of bleeding. Horsetail is also known to strengthen the body's immune system.

Medicinal Applications:

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of horsetail may help with the inflammation and infection caused by boils and carbuncles. Its salve, compress and poultice is used to draw out the pus from boils, carbuncles and sores.

Horsetail can be turned into a paste to reduce inflammation and pain and can be applied to the affected area.

Horsetail contains minerals that may help with weal and brittle fingernails and white spots in the nails. Reportedly, simply taking horsetail extract daily and soaking the brittle nails into the herb's infusion may strenghten and repair the nails.

Equisetum tea is known to be beneficial for dry cough, bronchitis, nasal congestion and fever associated with cold and flu. Inhaling vapours from boiling horsetail tea may help relieve nasal congestion.

Horsetail tea can be also used as a remedy to treat cough and other respiratory conditions.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.