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This plant looks at first glance like an ordinary weed, but once you discover what this plant hides, you will even seek it out. It is one of the most highly regarded and most medicinal plants.
Field Horsetail
This plant has a very distinctive appearance that will ensure you definitely notice it both in your garden and in the wild. You can gather as much of it as you want. By regularly drinking teas and decoctions made from horsetail you can bring about only good things.
Extremely medicinal
Field horsetail, scientifically called Equisetum arvense, ranks among plants with very strong medicinal effects. It stands out quite noticeably, because it grows up to about 45 centimeters in height and is also characterized by a relatively tall stem. From it grow peculiar whorled leaves that remind many of needles. Healers and collectors of herbs and medicinal plants say that horsetail is one of the most healing herbs and they describe its effects as divine.
Powerfully effective
Horsetail contains high levels of several active substances, especially tannins, flavonoids, acids, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, resins and essential oils. Its use ensures health both externally and internally. It cures many illnesses, even of a more serious nature. You can prepare it as a tea for internal use, but also as a decoction for external applications.
# Supports the immune system, treats flu, colds, alleviates allergic symptoms
# Supports metabolism and weight loss
# Used as a prevention against the development of cancer
# Relieves pain, has antiseptic and also mildly antibiotic effects
# Helps with cardiovascular diseases, as well as their prevention, lowers high blood pressure
# Has diuretic effects, is widely used in the treatment of bladder inflammations, drains fluid, cleanses the urinary tract and kidneys
# Removes kidney stones, flushes sand from the urinary tract, but also from the joints
# Reduces the symptoms of gout, rheumatism, relieves muscle and joint pain, is effective in treating arthritis
# Supports proper breathing; people with lung diseases also use it by inhalation; it supports healthy airways, reduces cough and mucus production
# Stops local bleeding, treats skin problems, acne, wounds and slightly removes surface scars
# Calms the nerves, helps reduce stress
Where to find it?
If you happen not to have it in your garden and would like to try it, don’t buy it in pharmacies if you have the option to collect it fresh. You will find horsetail without problems in fields, meadows, and near streams. It grows everywhere from lowlands to mountainous areas. If you find it, collect whole stems, then dry them at home and prepare a tea for internal use, or a decoction for external use.
Horsetail tea
Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail and bring to a boil. Boil for at least 8–10 minutes and then let it steep for another 10–20 minutes under the lid. Strain the tea and drink it, preferably in one go. Prepare horsetail tea 1–2 times a day and, when ill, in a weaker version even more often.
Horsetail decoction
For a decoction that you can use to rub on wounds or sore joints, prepare 0.5 liters of water in a pot and add 3 tablespoons of dried horsetail. Boil the decoction for at least half an hour and then remove from the heat. Strain the plant and let the decoction cool. Rub problem areas, or prepare a foot bath.
