Benefits of Horsetail plantKnown from the oldest of times because of its hemostatic effect, horsetail was considered "irreplaceably priceless", especially in cases of bleedings and bladder problems. This herb cleanses toxins from inside the human body.
Description of Horsetail plantHorsetail is a tall perennial herbaceous plant which grows in humid climates on plains, on the shores of mountain rivers or on railroads.
In the spring from the herb's rhizome little stems burst out which rot after the plant blossoms and are replaced by sturdier summer stems up to 20 - 25 cm tall. These stems have small brown scaly leaves. The sturdier horsetail stems are harvested in the mouths between July and September on a sunny day after the dew has evaporated. It dries in the shade and it's kept in paper bags.
Proprieties and benefits of HorsetailHorsetail contains 5-7% silicic acid, nicotine, palustrine, palustridine, phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, malic acid, vitamin C, volatile oil, potassium salts etc.
The active components from horsetail have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effects; they preserve eyesight and stimulate blood flow.
TreatmentsThe best herbs fit for digestion (under the forms of tea or tinctures) are the ones which can be found in forests or in argillaceous regions. The ones found in humid areas are good for being used in small quantities for treating various external illnesses (where the herb is being used without its root).
For treating digestive problems, gastric hyperacidity and ulcer 2-3 cups of tea are consumed daily which also do good for treating bladder and renal afflictions.
Horsetail helps retain water in pericardium, or in renal disorders after the occurrence of such illnesses as scarlatina and other infectious diseases which cause issues in eliminating water.
In cases of bronchitis and pneumonia it's recommended to consume three spoons a day containing the herb mashed to a powdered form because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Horsetail tincture is effective against sweaty feet. They are gently massaged using tincture. Also, it is recommended to consume a cup of horsetail every morning on an empty stomach. During the treatment it's necessary to follow a diet made of fresh juice which lasts 2 months; mixed with 2 litres of warm chamomile infusion it is used for enemas; three times a day 50ml of juice made of green barley juice or birch sap is consumed.
Dandruff is eliminated if hair is washed daily with infusion of horsetail and massaged with quality olive oil.
Also horsetail tea is recommended for gargling in treating amygdalitis, inflammations of the mouth, ulcerous stomatitis, gum bleedings, fistula and polypus.
Just like Richard Willfort, an Austrian botanist, stated - the prolonged consumption of horsetail tea prevents the malign tumor.
Arthritis, arthrosis, renal colics, gout, hemorrhoids, rheumatism could be alleviated by using horsetail in small amounts.
Horsetail tea is also recommended in dealing with headaches, weak states, tiredness, and stress. It?s indicated in cases of blood pressure, in cardiovascular illnesses (asthma) and in cases of skin diseases: dermatosis, scars, gangrenes, nail inflammations.
MixturesTea is prepared as follows: in a cup with boiling water one spoonful of horsetail, it is left to cool down for one minute and then it gets strained.
Horsetail tincture is obtained from 100g horsetail which is placed in a bottle on top of which refined alcohol is poured until it completely covers the herbs inside. Then it is left to sit in the sun or other heat source for 14 days.
Macerated horsetail is obtained from a couple of spoons of powder placed in a liter of water, left to macerate for a few hours and then strained; it is then consumed in a day. It's beneficial for the stomach because it has antitoxic effects and helps cleanse the kidneys.
Two handfuls of horsetail are placed in a sieve which is placed on a recipient with boiling water. When the plants have macerated they are placed in a clean gauze which is applied on the wound for about 4-5 hours.
The fresh herb is thoroughly washed, mashed until an unguent is obtained and applied on the painful spots (in case of hemorrhoids).
Baths are made in a following way: a pot gets filled with 5-6 litres of cold water over which two handfuls of horsetail are strewn and the mixture is let to settle till the next day. The pot is placed on the stove and it's left to boil, after which the mixture is passed through a sieve and used as bathing water. The bath lasts 20 minutes.