HORSETAIL

What is horsetail?

The Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a perennial medicinal plant that belongs to the equisetum family. It is characterized by its appearance similar to a horse's tail, with long, thin, jointed stems. It mainly grows in wet and temperate areas of Europe, North America, and Asia.

Properties and Benefits

Horsetail is widely used in natural medicine for its multiple properties:

• Diuretic: Helps eliminate fluids and toxins from the body, useful in cases of fluid retention and kidney problems.
•  Remineralizing: Rich in silica, strengthens bones, nails, and hair.
• Healing: Accelerates tissue regeneration in wounds and ulcers.
• Anti-inflammatory: Used to relieve muscle and joint pain.
• Antioxidant: Helps combat cellular damage caused by free radicals.
• Bone strengthening: Benefits people with osteoporosis or bone fragility.

Varieties of Horsetail

There are around 20 species within the Equisetum genus, but the most well-known are:

• Equisetum arvense (Common horsetail): The most used in herbal medicine.
• Equisetum giganteum: Larger, grows in tropical areas and is used in traditional medicine.
• Equisetum hyemale (Winter horsetail): More used in gardening than in medicine.
• Equisetum palustre: Toxic to livestock, so its consumption by humans is not recommended.

Main Producing Countries

Horsetail grows wild in many regions, but its production and commercialization are more active in:

• China: A major producer of medicinal herbs.
• Spain: One of the main exporters in Europe.
• Mexico: Used in traditional herbalism.
• Brazil: Present in Amazonian natural medicine.
• United States: Cultivated and sold in the form of supplements.

How is it consumed or prepared?

Horsetail can be consumed in various ways:

Infusion: Boil 1 teaspoon of dried plant in 1 cup of water for 5-10 minutes.
Drink up to 2-3 times a day.
Capsules or extracts: Sold in health food stores in various concentrations.
Powder: Can be added to juices, smoothies, or mixed with water.
Topical use: Applications in the form of compresses for wounds or foot baths.