- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Central and South America, along rivers and in damp ground; can grow several metres tall
South America · Herb · № 888
Equisetum giganteum
Herb · South America
Giant horsetail
Equisetum giganteum
A large horsetail, rich in silica. Traditionally used as a diuretic, like European field horsetail; good evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Contains an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1; do not use for long periods. Not with kidney or heart disease, in pregnancy or together with diuretic medicines. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Do not use for long periods; not with kidney or heart disease or in pregnancy.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Do not use for long and not with kidney disease or in pregnancy.
Preparation
The dried stems as a tea; externally as a wash.
Use in traditions
In Peru cola de caballo or limpia plata, 'silver polish', because the rough stems scour metal. One of the best-selling plants in the markets of the north, used for kidney and bladder complaints, kidney stones, prostate complaints and inflammation, and to wash wounds.
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.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
For kidney and bladder complaints and inflammation; as a wash on wounds.
Preparation and amount
Boil a teaspoon of dried stems for 10 minutes; let cool for a wash.
Caution: Do not use for long periods; not with kidney or heart disease or in pregnancy.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
To pass water and ease bladder complaints; as a wash for wounds and haemorrhoids and as a gargle for quinsy.
Preparation and amount
Boil the stems into a decoction.
Caution: Do not use for long and not with kidney disease or in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Decoction
- Recipes
- Emoliente