Comment:
Field horsetail, often referred to as "nature's pharmacy," is a surprising discovery for hobby gardeners and health-conscious individuals. This unassuming plant, which often grows in damp meadows and roadsides, reveals its special qualities especially in the spring sunshine. If you're looking for a herbal remedy, you should gather the tender, young shoots in early spring—these likely contain the highest concentrations of nutrients.
Botanical characteristics of horsetail
Family:
Horsetail family (Equisetaceae)
Height:
20-30 cm
Root system:
Long horizontal roots
Spore shoots:
Brown spore shoots with pointed ends.
Summer shoots:
Green, roughly furrowed shoots with thread-like, whorled leaves.
Heyday
The flowering period of the field horsetail extends from March to April .
Cultivation and location
Field horsetail thrives in clayey soils For harvesting, collectors should have precise knowledge (plucking test) and be able to harvest within the period May to June to harvest.
Plant parts used
- Herb – Herba Equiseti
Ingredients
Field horsetail contains valuable ingredients such as:
- silica acid
- flavonoids
- Saponins
- Minerals
Healing effects and indications
Field horsetail has a variety of positive effects:
- Diuretic
- strengthens connective tissue
- Blood-forming
- Promotes skin metabolism
- Blood purifying
- anti-inflammatory
indications
Special areas of application are:
- Bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract
- Kidney stones and kidney gravel
- Edema (static or post-traumatic)
- Weakness of the connective tissue
- osteoporosis, back pain, rheumatism and gout
- Lack of excretion
- Poorly healing wounds / Ulcus Cruris
Contraindications and side effects
Attention: Field horsetail should not be used for edema caused by impaired kidney or heart function.
Preparation and dosage forms
Internal applications
- Infusion: 2-3 cups daily
- Tincture: 15-25 drops, 2-3 times daily
- Homeopathic remedies: (D2-D6, several times daily)
External applications
- envelopes
- Partial or full baths (with infusion)
Effect from the perspective of TCM
The field horsetail acts in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cooling and drying:
- Clears damp heat in the bladder and colon
- Tonifies kidney yin and jing, strengthens kidneys, lungs and bones
- Removes excess moisture from the body
- Has a diuretic effect and relieves Qi stagnation in the Lower Burner
Humoral quality
- Cold 2
- Dry 2
- Cooling, drying, astringent
