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Common name: |
Horsetail |
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Family: |
Equisetaceae |
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Parts used: |
Aerial parts. |
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Chemistry: |
Silica 1.2- 6.9%, silicic acid, saponins (equisetonin, galuteolin), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, compestrol, isofucosterol and cholesterol), trace amounts of alkaloids (nicotine, palustrine, palustrinine), thiaminaze, Aconitinic acid, minerals manganese, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, sodium, selenium, tannins, flavonoids such as quercetin. |
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Main actions: |
Diuretic. Astringent. Vulnerary. |
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Other Actions: |
Diuretic, vulnerary, Genito urinary astringent, anti-haemorrhagic, white blood cell stimulator ( prophylactic – causing mild leucocytosis) , immune enhancer-immunomodulator , cleansing action, antirheumatic, connective tissue action, increases coagulability of the blood, anti-atheroma., locally styptic, vulnerary, lithotropic. |
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Dosage: |
2 – 5ml TID |
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Safety: |
Horsetail breaks down vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and should generally be taken with a vitamin B supplement (Andrew Chevallier). Because of its high mineral content, take it with breaks (1 month on, 1 week break- Bartram) to avoid straining kidneys. |
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