- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Throughout the northern hemisphere: Europe, Asia and North America. Equisetum arvense
- Other names
- Paardenstaart
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Haudenosaunee medicine
Europe · Herb · № 70
Equisetum arvense
Herb · Europe
Field horsetail
Equisetum arvense
Rich in silica; traditionally used as a diuretic, for urinary infections and for hair, nails and connective tissue. Good clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Contains an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine); do not use long term. Avoid with kidney or heart problems, in pregnancy or with diuretics. Do not confuse with toxic marsh horsetail.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Not for long periods; not with kidney or heart disease.
Preparation
The dried green stems as tea or decoction. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Horsetails are an ancient plant group that existed in the age of the dinosaurs. Ody also notes that the rough stems were once used to scour pewter.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Astringent, stops bleeding, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, repairs tissue.
Preparation and amount
Juice 5–10 ml 3 times a day for urinary complaints and lung damage; decoction (simmer at least 3 hours) for heavy menstruation, stomach ulcers, inflamed urinary tract, prostate problems, acne, eczema; powder paste on leg ulcers and wounds; mouthwash; capsules.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For joint pain, rheumatism and minor aches; for teething.
Preparation and amount
Boil the stems as a tea; a baby chews on a stem.
Caution: Not for long periods; not with kidney or heart disease.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen