Horsetail is a perennial and primitive herbaceous plant that dates back to its origins to the Paleozoic. His name refers to the appearance of a horse’s crin. Thus, it has a rizomatous stem, having sterile stems and fertile stems. The former are reddish and short, while the barren ones, which appear in summer, are long stems and green. It can be found in abundance in the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere.
Horsetail has been used in medicine since ancient times around the world, documenting its use in Roman and Greek medicine, Ayurvedic, as well as in the traditional medicine of American Indians, always being used as an effective diuretic and purifier. Its consumption can become toxic if consumed for more than 6 weeks in a row, it is advisable to consult with a specialist if combined with other medicines.
Then we will discover the properties and benefits of the horsetail so that you know the positive effects it has on our health. Pay attention!
Properties of the Horsetail
One of the main properties of the horsetail is that it is rich in silicon, in addition to mineral salts, especially in potassium salts, phosphorus, and calcium. To a lesser extent, minerals such as magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc can also be found, Other outstanding components are sterols, alkaloids, ascorbic acids, carboxyl acids, and phenolic acids. There is also a small percentage of flavonoids.
Its diuretic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and sedative action offers a wide variety of benefits, including:
Diuretic and depurative effect
Horsetail is a powerful depurative that favors urination, facilitating the elimination of toxins from the kidneys and liver. In the article, A. M. Villar del Fresno and I. Iglesias Peinado, members of the Department of Pharmacology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Complutense University of Madrid, point out how, in rat trials, it was found that the horsetail produces a slight increase in water elimination.
This diuretic action also helps relieve urinary infections and other conditions such as urethritis, nephritis, kidney stones, and prostatitis.
Anti-inflammatory action
This property is ideal for rheumatic conditions, especially osteoarthritis, arthritis, and gout. It is also recommended to reduce eyelid inflammation and eye contour.
Helps lose weight in obese or overweight people
The same diuretic effect is also ideal for facilitating weight loss. A healthy and balanced diet, exercise, and taking one or two daily infusions of horsetail can help you eliminate those extra kilos.
Reconstituting and revitalizing
The high content of vitamins and mineral salts makes the horsetail an excellent natural remedy for treating mild states of anemia, asthenia, weakness, and convalescence.
Helping skin care
Its high silica content makes horsetail an excellent tool for caring for dry and damaged skin, providing elasticity and maintaining collagen. It is also used to strengthen nails, regenerate the scalp, and prevent hair loss.
Astringent and anti-haemorrhagic action
It is usually used both externally and internally. Thus, it can cleanse and stop superficial bleeding, as well as wounds, sores, and ulcers. Internally, it is used to treat abundant menstruation and hemorrhoids.
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