Naturopathy

Horsetail

Latin name: Equisetum avense

genus: Horsetail family

Common names: Horsetail, scrub grass, cat's tail

Plant description

The horsetail consists of a rhizome which branches and lies horizontally in the ground. In early spring, brown spore shoots grow from it and only later are the sterile green stems driven out. They are up to 30 cm high and have side branches arranged in whorls.

There are other poisonous horsetail species and field horsetail should only be collected if you have precise knowledge of the poisonous horsetail species!

Horsetail is evolutionarily many millions of years old, so they are called because their individual stem sections are "nested" in one another. Because of its silica content, horsetail was previously used for cleaning tin (horsetail).

Ingredients used medicinally

The green, sterile stalks are used.

ingredients

Silicic acid (up to 10%), potassium salts, flavonoids, saponins.

Medicinal effect and application

Horsetail has a diuretic effect without changing the electrolyte balance and is therefore particularly suitable for Irrigation therapy at Inflammation of the kidneys and the lower urinary tract. The field horsetail is often combined with other diuretic drugs.
A tea made from field horsetail also helps rheumatic complaints, chronic cough and metabolic water retention in the legs soothing. The silica content increases the number of white blood cells and thus increases the body's defenses.

preparation

Two heaping teaspoons of the herb are poured over with a large cup of boiling water, left to stand for 10 minutes, then strained.You can drink 1 cup three times a day.

Combination with other medicinal plants

For the Irrigation therapy for bladder and kidney problems the following is recommended Tea blend:

Goldenrod
Nettle
Bearberry leaves
Field horsetail

20 g each (mixed in equal parts). 2 teaspoons of this mixture are poured over ¼ l of boiling water, let sit for 15 minutes, strain. Drink 1 cup three times a day.

Use in homeopathy

Equisetum hiemale is obtained from winter horsetail. One uses the remedy especially at Irritable bladder, Cystitis with painful urination, Kidney stones and also at nocturnal wetting.
The most common dosage is D4 to D6, 5 to 10 drops several times a day.