Horsetail: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Field horsetail is a perennial herbaceous plant. Due to the fact that the rhizome is located at a fairly deep distance from the top layer of soil, horsetail is able to carry strong, but not prolonged frosts quite well. It is a well known plant, has various medicinal properties and is actively used in both traditional and folk medicine. Even our ancestors used this plant for medicinal purposes for many ailments. Horsetail is unpretentious - it can be found in the field, on roadside roadsides, in suburban areas, in forests and ravines.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of field horsetail is very extensive:

1. Flavonoids.
2. Ascorbic acid.
3. Organic acids such as malic acid, oxalic acid, linoleic acid, aconitic acid, glyceric acid, gluconic acid, quinic acid, aconitic acid, cicoric acid, fumaric acid.
4. Silicic acid and salts that have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the human body, fight pathogenic bacteria, help strengthen nail plates, hair and bones.
5. Alkaloids: nicotine, equisetin, 3-methoxypyridine.
6. The saponin equisetonin.
7. Tannins.
8. Bitterness and resins.
9. Essential and fatty oils.
10. Polyoxyanthraquinone compounds.
11. Carotene.
12. Carbon composition: pectin, xylose, arabinose, glucose, galactose, etc.

How it looks and where it grows

In terms of appearance, it looks very much like a herringbone. New young stems start to sprout from the black rhizome in early spring. The stems are not branched, growing mostly upward, ending in spore-bearing pistils. The height of the plant varies from 7 to 25 cm. The color of the stems in the early stage of development can be either light brown or red-brown. The life time of the stems is until the spores are dispersed from the pistil, at the end of this process they die off. Then the second stage of horsetail life begins. Instead of spore-bearing spikelets, new young stems grow with green twigs, very similar to panicles, reaching for the sun. It is these that are used for medicinal purposes.

Common horsetail grows throughout the Eurasian continent. Suitable climates for the active growth of the plant are considered temperate, subarctic and tropical. Horsetail can also be found in Canada, America and Alaska. But it is not found in the Far North and deserts. It has a special preference for sandy soil, clay and wet soil.

Gathering and storage

Field horsetail, like almost all medicinal plants, must be properly collected and stored. After all, it depends on how properly and timely the collection was made, whether the plant will retain its medicinal properties, whether it can provide effective assistance in the treatment of a disease.

Collection of the plant can be carried out twice a year. The first time young shoots are collected in May, the second time in the summer from mid-July to the end of August. Cut the grass at a distance of about 5 cm from the base. It is necessary to carefully consider each twig, so that with a medicinal plant, do not accidentally grab its poisonous variety, which can cause serious harm to the human body. The process of drying the collected herbs is recommended to carry out naturally in well-ventilated dry rooms without access to direct rays of light. Horsetail takes on a grayish-green color after drying. There is no smell, the raw material has a sour taste. When storing horsetail need to exclude moisture and light, so it is better to pour ready for use in medicinal herbs in a cardboard box with a tight lid. In this form, dry horsetail can be stored for up to 4 years. At the end of the specified shelf life, the dried plant should be thrown out, as it will lose all its medicinal properties, and the body will not receive any benefit.

How to distinguish between field horsetail and poisonous

As horsetail comes in several types - field and poisonous, it is very important to know how to distinguish them.

1. The first and most important difference is the direction of the branches. In the medicinal plant, they always stretch towards the sun, that is, their direction is exclusively towards the top, but the branches of the poisonous horsetail on the contrary - bend towards the ground.
2. The second distinctive feature is the spore-bearing spikelets. In Field Horsetail, once the spores are spread, they die off and young green shoots appear in their place. Tentatively, this occurs in late spring or early summer. In the poisonous variety, these spore-bearing pistils do not die off.

If there is no confidence that it will be possible to distinguish between these two opposite species of horsetail, it is better not to risk and do not engage in collecting the herb yourself, but to buy a ready-made plant in pharmacy chains or from proven herbalists.

Therapeutic properties of field horsetail

Due to its chemical composition, field horsetail is able to provide the following beneficial medicinal properties on the human body:

• blood cleansing;
• anti-inflammatory;
• styptic;
• antibacterial;
• wound-healing;
• anthelmintic;
• diuretic;
• tonic;
• astringent;
• tonic;
• expectorant;
• immunostimulatory.

In traditional medicine, it is widely used in the treatment of various diseases:

1. Pathologies of the digestive system. Horsetail is prescribed in addition to the main treatment for pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ulcers and gastritis. It effectively combats diarrhea of various origins. It is added along with other herbs in the preparation of anthelmintic gatherings and preparations. Wine-horsetail tincture is able to get rid of benign neoplasms in the liver and stomach, restores the body after severe expulsions.
2. Diseases of the urinary system of a person. Horsetail normalizes the amount of protein in the urine, has a positive effect in the treatment of cystitis. It is actively used for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, eliminates edema caused by heart and kidney failure.
3. Problems with the respiratory system. Positive therapeutic effect is observed when using horsetail in patients suffering from bronchial cough. Horsetail infusions and decoctions are prescribed for all types of colds, including tuberculosis. Scientific studies have confirmed the ability of the plant to have a beneficial effect on oxygen circulation. It is used to eliminate swelling of the throat and vocal changes characterized by hoarseness.
4. Diseases of the human cardiovascular system. Due to the ability of horsetail to positively influence the process of blood circulation in the human body, doctors prescribe this plant for additional and preventive treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Often preparations based on horsetail are used to stop internal bleeding and at low levels of leukocytes in the blood.
5. Problems with excess weight. Horsetail-based remedies have a positive effect on metabolic processes, as well as the water-salt composition of the body, which contributes to the rapid elimination of hated extra pounds.
6. Cosmetology. Horsetail is actively used in cosmetology to treat skin problems and restore damaged hair structure.

For women

The first benefit for the female body when using field horsetail is its ability to have a positive effect on the condition of nails and hair. And what member of the fair sex does not dream of strong long nails and thick and healthy hair!

Positive results are observed when using horsetail products for the treatment and prevention of gynecological diseases. Horsetail especially well proven itself in dealing with such female ailments as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, uterine fibroids, infertility, benign tumors in the female breast, menopause, uterine polyps and internal bleeding.

Horsetail decoction helps combat a variety of skin problems. When used regularly, it prevents the early appearance of wrinkles and effectively combats those that have already appeared.

Women more often than men are concerned about their appearance and figure. Horsetail will be a faithful assistant in the fight for a perfect silhouette.

For men

Horsetail is able to have a positive effect not only on the female body, but also on the male body. Decoction of this plant should be taken by men who are engaged in their main occupation in heavy physical exertion. The vitamins in the chemical composition of horsetail can restore the immune system.

Horsetail tea is able to increase the overall tone of the body and have a positive effect on all major functions of the man. Micronutrients contained in the plant have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, which, in turn, is responsible for the release of certain hormones and affects the male libido.

Tincture of horsetail is an excellent preventive measure of male genital diseases, and also affects the duration of childbearing age. It will perfectly cope with the problem of irritation on the face, so often occurring in the male sex after the procedure of shaving.

Men often have to work in harmful industries. The use of horsetail will help reduce the risk of departure, as well as cleanse the respiratory organs.

When pregnant.

The most frequent problem of a woman who is expecting a baby is swelling. Despite the fact that horsetail has a diuretic and anti-edema effect, the use of any means, which includes this plant, is strictly prohibited for pregnant women. The fact that the chemical composition of horsetail contains substances that increase the tone of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy and provoke a premature delivery at a later date.

Due to its hemostatic properties, the plant increases the density of blood, which may provoke varicose veins in a pregnant woman.

Also, the absolute contraindication to the use of horsetail is the period of breastfeeding. It is scientifically proven that this plant reduces lactation, worsens the quality of the mother's milk and gives it a bitterness.

For children

Doctors do not recommend the internal use of common horsetail for children. But as a means for external use and gargles, there are no restrictions, except for individual intolerance and age under 3 years. In addition, we should not forget about the excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties of the plant, which allows the use of horsetail decoction as compresses and lotions for the treatment of abrasions and bruises on children's skin.

When losing weight

Decoction prepared with the use of horsetail can help in the fight against excess weight. The fact is that the chemical composition of the plant can normalize metabolic processes in the body, restore the water-salt level, clean the blood from toxic and harmful substances. Undoubtedly, these processes will contribute to weight loss. But do not hope that extra pounds will start to melt before your eyes only through the use of horsetail remedies. If you really want to achieve impressive results, you need to use a comprehensive approach: a healthy diet + physical activity + decoctions based on horsetail.

Horsetail in folk medicine

Horsetail is widely used not only in traditional medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry, but also among the people. Herbalists love this plant for its ability to have an effect on a vast and very diverse list of diseases. In addition, it is not difficult to find this plant at all, there are no special difficulties in the collection and drying. Consider the most popular folk recipes using horsetail for certain diseases.

To improve blood clotting

You will need 30 g of dried horsetail stems or horsetail powder, 1 liter of white unfortified wine. Pour the plant with alcoholic beverage and insist in a dark place for 7 days. Take 50 ml for 15 minutes before a meal.

A styptic composition for external use

Forty grams of grinded horsetail stems pour one two-hundredths of a glass of medical alcohol. As necessary, wipe the damaged area. Important condition: one side of a cotton disk soaked in the prepared remedy, and wipe the wound - the other side.

To treat stomatitis

To treat this ailment, you will need the juice of horsetail. To prepare it is not difficult. Thoroughly washed stems of the plant should be passed through a fine grinder. Squeeze the resulting pulp through gauze. The resulting juice should be boiled and cool. Rinse your mouth in the morning and evening for at least 14 days.

For diabetes

To prepare this healing broth, pour 40 grams of dried horsetail with one glass of hot water. Allow to infuse overnight. Apply 1 tablespoon before each meal.

In the treatment of hypertension.

This remedy will help normalize the pressure in hypertension. Brew 20 grams of dry plant with one glass of boiling water. Use ½ cup after a meal.

A remedy for upset stomach

Quickly get rid of the symptoms of dysentery will help infusion of 400 ml of hot water and 2 tablespoons of horsetail. Strain, cool to a comfortable warm temperature. Consume during the day in small portions.

Recipe for weight loss

To prepare this remedy, simply pour 2 tablespoons of horsetail with one glass of hot water. Allow to infuse. Apply ¼ cup 4 times a day. The recommended course is not more than one month. The plant is toxic, long-term use can harm the body.

From purulent rashes and acne on the skin

Boil horsetail powder for 30 minutes. Apply compresses, having previously thoroughly soaked a gauze bandage in the prepared decoction.

In diseases of the respiratory system

Positive results were noted when using horsetail juice in the treatment of pneumonia. Take 5 times a day, 1 tablespoon. The course of reception is set individually, usually until complete recovery.

In the treatment of adenoids in childhood

2 tablespoons of crushed dry or fresh horsetail should be poured ½ cup of hot water. Wrap in a terry towel and leave for 40 minutes. Strain. Drip 3 times a day for 21-28 days. Important point: For each day of treatment you need to prepare a fresh solution. It is recommended to flush nasal sinuses with saline solution before injecting. A few days after the start of treatment there may be abundant nasal discharge. Such a reaction of the body is considered normal and is not a reason to refuse further treatment.

Types of medicinal compositions

Field horsetail can be part of a variety of therapeutic means. On its basis, ointments, decoctions, tinctures and even effective healing teas are prepared.

Infusion

Most often it is an infusion of horsetail that is used for treatment. It can be used both cold and hot. The methods of preparation will differ slightly.

Preparation of cold infusion
Pour 3 tablespoons of dried horsetail with two glasses of cold boiled water. Infuse for 24 hours, strain. Infusion ready. Use only for external use. In the treatment of skin diseases, as well as to eliminate joint and rheumatic pain take therapeutic baths with the addition of horsetail infusion or make compresses and lotions.

How to prepare a hot infusion
One tablespoon of the plant pour a glass of boiling water. Insist for half an hour, at the end of the specified time, strain. Allowed both external and internal application. The dosage and methods of reception are prescribed depending on the disease.

Tincture .

To prepare a tincture, most often not traditionally taken alcohol or vodka, but white dry unfortified wine is used.

It is necessary to pour 20 g of horsetail in 1 liter of wine, insist in a dark place for 7 days, then strain. Tincture is prescribed for the general strengthening of the entire body, to purify the blood, normalize blood circulation, improve metabolic processes. To stop internal bleeding is recommended to use every morning before meals 2 tablespoons for 10-14 days.

Decoction

Horsetail decoction is a strong diuretic. It is recommended for use in heart and kidney failure. The following ingredients will be needed for preparation:

• 1 tablespoon of dried horsetail;
• Water in an amount of 200 ml.

Pour boiling water over the herb, boil for one minute, insist half an hour, strain. To eliminate swelling, it is recommended to use 4 times a day, 1 tablespoon.

A more concentrated decoction can be used for external use as an antibacterial and analgesic.

Tea .

For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, as well as raising the immune system, herbalists advise the use of horsetail in the form of tea. To achieve a more pronounced positive effect, it is better to use a collection consisting of several herbs.

To make a tea collection, you need to mix dried horsetail stems in an amount of 10 g with the same amount of plantain and linden blossom, add dried elderberries, thyme and fennel 5 g each.

To prepare a therapeutic tea, pour 2 teaspoons of the resulting herbal collection with a glass of boiling water. Insist for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink such a tea drink a cup in the morning and in the evening.

Ointment

Horsetail ointment showed itself perfectly as an antibacterial and wound healing agent for such problems as pus rashes, skin ulcers. Miracle ointment can be made your own. Need horsetail powder and an oily base. On the role of the basis are excellent animal fats, such as pig, badger, goose. The fat can be replaced with regular butter or Vaseline. Mix the base with the powder, in the ratio 4:1, mix thoroughly. Use only for external use until completely cured.

It is important, whatever type of remedy containing horsetail one chooses, one should definitely consult a doctor or at least a proven herbalist. Horsetail is a toxic plant. Incorrect, as well as its excessive use can cause serious damage to health.

Pharmacy preparations with field horsetail

After a large number of laboratory studies, traditional medicine has recognized the therapeutic properties of horsetail. It is actively used in the pharmaceutical industry. Horsetail is added to the composition of many medicines, so it will not be difficult to buy in the pharmacy networks of the community a remedy that contains in its composition this plant. Consider some medicines that include common horsetail.

1. Medicinal product "Marelin". Widely used for the treatment of urological diseases, proven to be an effective remedy for urolithiasis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The use of this drug contributes to the removal of stone deposits in the kidneys. In addition to horsetail, the composition also includes other herbal ingredients. Available in tablet form. It is popular with doctors.
2. Phytolysin. Available in paste form. It is used to treat diseases of the urinary system. It has a multi-component composition.
3. Field horsetail in the form of a healing liquid extract. Means well proven in cosmetology. It is actively used as a single ingredient in the creation of home natural masks for skin and hair, as well as an additional component in the funds used for massages aimed at reducing the body volume.
4. Horsetail in capsules. This remedy is also sold in almost every pharmacy. It is a natural horsetail powder placed in a food capsule. Each capsule contains 400 mg of horsetail extract. It is prescribed to relieve swelling caused mainly by kidney and heart failure. Due to its antibacterial properties, the drug is successfully used to cleanse the blood and the body as a whole of harmful substances, as well as to improve metabolism and accelerate metabolism. It is recommended for use after fractures, as it helps to increase the period of bone adhesion.
5. Horsetail herb. Comes in the form of tea filter bags. Packaged in packages of 50 and 100 grams. Used as a natural diuretic.

Cosmetic applications

Horsetail is widely used in cosmetology. Using decoction of this plant for hair, you can achieve a stunning effect. Many years of practice has shown that hair products, which include horsetail, have the most favorable effect on the condition of hair and scalp. First, hair loss is significantly reduced, and often it stops completely. Secondly, the structure of hair changes: from dull and thin hair to shiny and thickened hair. This, of course, helps to achieve the desired by many representatives of the weaker sex effect of thick hair. In addition, regular rinsing of the head with horsetail decoction will help get rid of skin problems of the head, such as dandruff and fungus.

Consider the most popular and effective remedies for hair based on horsetail.

Remedy 1
For 1 liter of water, you will need 50 g of dried herbs. Put it on the fire, wait for it to boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and leave it to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour it into a thermos. Wrap in a warm cloth, leave for an hour. Strain. Apply the prepared infusion to the entire length of the hair from the roots to the ends and massage into the scalp. Wrap your head with a towel and do your household chores for 30 minutes. At the end of the specified time, remove the towel. Allow the hair to dry naturally. There is no need to wash off the applied decoction. To achieve a visible effect, you should use this remedy regularly for several months, at least once a week.

Remedy 2
Against hair loss, you can use horsetail not only for external use, but also for internal. You need to prepare a simple, but very effective decoction. Just 10 g of the plant pour 250 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes, drink on an empty stomach before a morning meal. The course lasts a month. Important condition: the use must be regular, do not miss a single day.

Remedy 3
Based on the horsetail can be prepared at home a miraculous mask that can activate hair growth. Its regular use allows you to quickly not only increase the length, but also the volume.

To prepare this remedy, take 2 tablespoons of yeast and decoction of horsetail, which is prepared in advance (2 tablespoons of the plant for 1 cup of hot water). Pour the broth in the yeast, mix well to the consistency of liquid sour cream, and send in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. The resulting mask to apply to the hair, carefully distribute over the entire length. Wrap the head and leave for 40-50 minutes. Rinse with shampoo. Use regularly, at least once in 10 days to achieve the desired effect.

If you do not have the strength or desire to prepare your own hair products using horsetail, do not get upset. Today in stores you can easily find hair care products, which will certainly include field horsetail. The range is large - from shampoos and balms to ready-made professional masks.

Be sure to treat your hair horsetail products. Regardless of what tool will be used, ready-made store or prepared by your own hands, the result will pleasantly surprise.

The perennial herb horsetail has no less positive effect on the skin. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is actively used by modern cosmetologists not only to treat acne, acne and other skin diseases, but also to increase the elasticity of the skin, slow down aging processes and fight the first wrinkles. Cosmetic procedures and preparations using horsetail can give your skin beauty and health. The simplest, but very effective remedy for the face is, of course, ice cubes from horsetail decoction. Preparation does not take much time. You need to pour 2 tablespoons of dry plant with a glass of hot water. Allow to stand for half an hour. Pour into molds for ice and send it to the freezer. Use once a day. It is better to do it in the evening after all cleansing manipulations with the face. Healing ice will reduce skin inflammation, increase skin elasticity and nourish it with useful chemical elements. Experts believe that in the fight for youth and beauty ice horsetail can seriously compete with expensive drugs and injections.

At home, you can prepare a highly effective mask against wrinkles. Need 5 g of horsetail extract, which can be purchased at the drugstore, 8 g of coconut oil, about 15 grams of dark, bitter chocolate. To prepare it, melt the chocolate and butter, add the plant extract. Mix thoroughly. It is recommended to apply the mask to well-cleaned skin along the massage lines from the center of the face. Leave it on for half an hour. Rinse with warm water and apply a nourishing cream. This procedure should be repeated several times a month. The main positive effect of this mask is its ability to smooth out wrinkles and restore intercellular communication.

In case of skin problems, a therapeutic horsetail mask is good. Ingredients: about 15 ml of horsetail broth, calendula tincture of 10-12 drops, 20 drops of peach oil, one and a half to two tablespoons of buckwheat flour. Method of preparation: mix flour with heated decoction, add tincture and oil. Stir well. Apply mask with massaging circular movements on previously steamed face. Rinse after 10 minutes with cold water. This mask is a very effective treatment for acne, restoration of normal skin structure and natural complexion. The recommended course is 10 treatments at intervals of a few days.

Horsetail has proven itself so well in the treatment and care of facial skin that many global cosmetic manufacturers have begun to actively use this truly miraculous plant in the manufacture of their products. On the shelves of stores a huge selection of gels for washing, anti-aging and therapeutic creams, lotions, which includes the usual field horsetail.

Contraindications for use

Like any medicinal plant, horsetail has, in addition to indications, and contraindications. Despite all its many positive properties and effective impact on the human body, it is worth remembering that the plant is still poisonous. Therefore, it should be used with caution. There are a number of diseases and conditions of the human body, in which doctors strongly, and in some cases categorically, do not recommend to treat with the means, which are composed to a greater or lesser extent of horsetail.

1. A categorical ban on the use of the plant is during pregnancy and lactation. To avoid damaging not only your health, but also the health of the future or recently born baby, you should not ignore the prohibited recommendations of specialists.
2. Hypotension. Of course, given the fact that horsetail, when ingested, can reduce blood pressure, people suffering from hypotension should refuse the use of horsetail remedies and drugs. Otherwise, there is a danger of lowering the already low blood pressure, which can cause significant harm to health.
3. People with high blood cholesterol are also forbidden to use horsetail to treat diseases.
4. With great caution, and preferably only after consultation with a doctor or herbalist to apply means on the basis of horsetail for the treatment of children under 3 years.
5. And, of course, the most important ban on the use of horsetail is an individual intolerance. Consuming products that are not tolerated by the body, a person risks not only getting an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes, but also seriously undermine their health.

Important advice from experts: you should not use horsetail remedies for longer than three months. Be sure to take a break between courses of treatment. Excessive long-term use of horsetail can provoke the development of vitamin B1 deficiency.

Any medicine, especially herbal ones, should be taken in dosage, in compliance with all recommendations and requirements. In matters of treatment, it is always worth adhering to the basic principle: "The main thing is to do no harm.

Photo of field horsetail