Horsetail: medicinal properties and contraindications

Horsetail is a perennial herb. Due to the fact that the rhizome is located at a sufficiently deep distance from the top soil layer, horsetail is able to tolerate strong, but not prolonged frosts. It is a well-known plant, has various healing properties and is actively used in both traditional and traditional medicine. Even our ancestors used this plant for medicinal purposes for many ailments. Horsetail is unpretentious - it can be found in the field, on roadside curbs, in summer cottages, in forests and ravines.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of horsetail is very extensive:

1. Flavonoids.
2. Ascorbic acid.
3. Organic acids, such as malic, oxalic, linoleic, aconitic, glyceric, gluconic, quinic, aconitic, chicory, fumaric.
4. Silicic acid and salts, which have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the human body, fight pathogenic bacteria and help strengthen nail plates, hair and bones.
5. Alkaloids: nicotine, equizetine, 3-methoxypyridine.
6. Saponin is equizetonin.
7. Tannins.
8. Bitterness and tar.
9. Essential and fatty oils.
10. Polyoxyanthraquinone compounds.
11. Carotene.
12. Carbon composition: pectin, xylose, arabinose, glucose, galactose, etc.

How it looks and where it grows

In appearance, it is very similar to a Christmas tree. From the black rhizome in early spring, new young stems begin to break through. The stems are not branched, grow mainly up, at the end they end with spore-bearing pestles. The height of the plant varies from 7 to 25 cm. The color of the stems at an early stage of development can be either light brown or red brown. The stems have a lifespan of up to the moment the spores are spread from the pistil; at the end of this process, they die. Then begins the second phase of the life of horsetail. Instead of spore-bearing spikelets, new young stems grow with green branches, very reminiscent of panicles stretching to the sun. It is they that are used in medicinal products.

Common horsetail grows throughout the Eurasian continent. Suitable climates for active plant growth are considered moderate, subarctic and tropical. You can also find horsetail in Canada, America and Alaska. But in the Far North and in the deserts it is not. He gives particular preference to sandy soil, clay and moist.

Collection and storage

Field horsetail, like almost all medicinal plants, must be properly collected and stored. After all, it depends on how correctly and timely the collection was carried out, whether its medicinal properties are preserved in the plant, whether it can provide effective assistance in the treatment of a disease.

Harvesting plants can be done twice a year. The first time young shoots are harvested in May, the second - in the summer from mid-July to the end of August. It is necessary to cut the grass at a distance of about 5 cm from the base.Each branch should be carefully considered so that with a medicinal plant it is not possible to grab an accidentally poisonous variety of it that can cause serious harm to the human body. The drying process of the collected grass is recommended to be carried out naturally in well-ventilated, dry rooms without direct light. After drying, the horsetail acquires a grayish-green color. There is no odor, the raw material has a sour taste. When storing horsetail, it is necessary to exclude moisture and light, so it is better to pour grass that is ready for use for medicinal purposes into a cardboard box with a tight-fitting lid. In this form, dry horsetail can be stored for up to 4 years. After the expiration date, the dried plant must be discarded, as it will lose all its healing properties, and the body will not receive any benefit.

How to distinguish horsetail from poisonous

Since horsetail is of several types - field and poisonous, it is very important to be able to distinguish between them.

1. The first and most important difference is the direction of the branches. In a medicinal plant, they always stretch to the sun, that is, their direction is exclusively to the top, but the branches of poisonous horsetail on the contrary - bend to the ground.
2. The second distinguishing feature is the spore-bearing spikelets. At the horsetail of the field, after scattering the spores, they die, and instead of them young green shoots appear. Roughly this happens in late spring - early summer. In a poisonous species, these spore-bearing pistils do not die.

If there is no certainty that it will be possible to distinguish between these two opposite types of horsetail, then it is better not to take risks and not to collect herbs on your own, but to buy a ready-made plant in pharmacy chains or from proven herbalists.

The healing properties of horsetail

Due to the chemical composition of the horsetail, the field is able to provide the following beneficial healing properties to the human body:

• blood purifying;
• anti-inflammatory;
• hemostatic;
• antibacterial;
• wound healing;
• anthelmintic;
• diuretic;
• restorative;
• astringent;
• tonic;
• expectorant;
• immunostimulating.

In traditional medicine, it is widely used in the treatment of various diseases:

1. Pathology of the digestive system. Horsetail is prescribed in addition to the main treatment for pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ulcers and gastritis. It effectively fights diarrhea of ​​various origins. It is added along with other herbs in the preparation of anthelmintic fees and drugs. Wine-horsetail tincture is able to get rid of benign neoplasms in the liver and stomach, restores the body after heavy departures.
2. Diseases of the urinary system of a person. Horsetail normalizes the amount of protein in the urine, has a positive effect in the treatment of cystitis. It is actively used for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, eliminates edema caused by heart and kidney failure.
3. Problems with the respiratory system. A positive therapeutic effect is observed with the use of horsetail in patients suffering from bronchial cough. Horsetail infusions and decoctions are prescribed for all types of colds, including tuberculosis. Scientific studies have confirmed the ability of a plant to exert a beneficial effect on oxygen circulation. It is used to eliminate swelling of the throat and voice changes, characterized by hoarseness.
4. Diseases of the human cardiovascular system. Due to the ability of horsetail to positively affect the blood circulation in the human body, doctors prescribe this plant for additional and prophylactic treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Horsetail-based drugs are often used to stop internal bleeding and with a low white blood cell count.
5. Overweight problems. Horsetail-based products have a positive effect on metabolic processes, as well as on the water-salt composition of the body, which helps to quickly get rid of the hated extra pounds.
6. Cosmetology. Horsetail is actively used in cosmetology to treat skin problems and restore damaged hair structure.

For women

The first benefit for the female body when using horsetail is its ability to have a positive effect on the condition of nails and hair. And what representative of the fair sex does not dream of strong long nails and thick and healthy hair ?!

A positive result is observed when using horsetail products for the treatment and prevention of gynecological diseases. Horsetail has proven particularly good in the fight against female ailments such as endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, uterine fibroids, infertility, benign neoplasms in the female breast, menopause, uterine polyps and internal bleeding.

Horsetail decoction helps fight various skin problems. With regular use, it prevents the early appearance of wrinkles and effectively fights those that have already appeared.

Women are more often than men concerned about their appearance and figure. Horsetail will be a faithful assistant in the fight for the perfect silhouette.

For men

Horsetail is able to have a positive effect not only on the female body, but also on the male. A decoction from this plant must be taken for men who are engaged in heavy physical activity by the nature of their main activity. Vitamins included in the chemical composition of horsetail are able to restore the immune system.

Horsetail tea is able to raise the general tone of the body and have a positive effect on all the basic functions of a man. Trace elements contained in the plant have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, which, in turn, is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones and affects male libido.

Horsetail tincture is an excellent prophylactic for male genital diseases, and also affects the duration of childbearing age. She will perfectly cope with the problem of irritation on the face, which so often occurs in representatives of the stronger sex after the shaving procedure.

Men are often forced to work in hazardous industries. The use of horsetail will help reduce the risk of administration, as well as cleanse the respiratory system.

During pregnancy

The most common problem of a woman who is waiting for a baby is puffiness. Despite the fact that horsetail has a diuretic and decongestant effect, the use of any means that include this plant is strictly prohibited for pregnant women. The fact is that the chemical composition of field horsetail contains substances that increase the tone of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy and provoke premature birth at a later date.

Due to the hemostatic properties, the plant increases the density of blood, which can provoke varicose veins in a pregnant woman.

Also an absolute contraindication to the use of horsetail is the period of breastfeeding. It is scientifically proven that this plant reduces lactation, impairs the quality of breast milk and gives it bitterness.

For children

Doctors do not recommend the internal use of horsetail to children. But as a means for external use and rinsing, there are no restrictions, except for individual intolerance and age up to 3 years. In addition, do not forget about the excellent antibacterial and wound healing properties of the plant, which allows you to use horsetail decoction as compresses and lotions when treating abrasions and bruises on children's skin.

When losing weight

A decoction prepared using horsetail can help in the fight against excess weight.The fact is that the chemical composition of the plant can normalize metabolic processes in the body, restore the water-salt level, cleanse the blood of toxic and harmful substances. Of course, these processes will contribute to weight loss. But do not hope that the extra pounds will begin to melt before our eyes only through the use of horsetail. If you really want to achieve impressive results, you need to use an integrated approach: a healthy diet + physical activity + decoction based on horsetail.

Horsetail field in folk medicine

Horsetail is widely used not only in traditional medicine and in pharmaceutical production, but also among the people. Herbalists love this plant for its ability to exert an effect on an extensive and very diverse list of diseases. In addition, to find this plant is not at all difficult, there are no special difficulties during collection and drying. Consider the most popular folk recipes using horsetail for certain diseases.

To improve blood coagulation

You will need 30 g of dry stems of horsetail or horsetail powder, 1 liter of white non-fortified wine. Pour the plant with an alcoholic drink and insist in a dark place for 7 days. Take 50 ml 15 minutes before a meal.

Hemostatic composition for external use

Pour 40 g of ground stems of horsetail with one two hundred gram glass of medical alcohol. Wipe the damaged area as necessary. An important condition: moisten one side of the cotton pad in the prepared product, and wipe the wound with the other side.

For the treatment of stomatitis

To treat this ailment, you need horsetail juice. It’s easy to cook. Carefully washed stems of the plant must be passed through a fine grinder of the meat grinder. Squeeze the resulting gruel through gauze. Boil the resulting juice and cool. Rinse the mouth in the morning and evening for at least 14 days.

With diabetes

To prepare this healing broth, it is necessary to pour 40 g of dried horsetail with one glass of hot water. Allow to infuse overnight. Use 1 tablespoon before each meal.

In the treatment of hypertension

This tool will help normalize blood pressure in hypertension. Brew 20 g of dry plant with one glass of boiling water. Consume ½ cup after meals.

The remedy for indigestion

Quickly get rid of the symptoms of dysentery will help infusion of 400 ml of hot water and 2 tablespoons of horsetail. Strain, cool to a comfortable warm temperature. Use during the day in small portions.

Slimming recipe

To prepare this product, you just need to pour 2 tablespoons of horsetail with one glass of hot water. Let it brew. Apply ¼ cup 4 times a day. Recommended course - no more than one month. The plant is toxic, prolonged use can harm the body.

From purulent rashes and acne on the skin

Boil horsetail powder for 30 minutes. Apply compresses, after thoroughly soaking the gauze bandage in the cooked broth.

For diseases of the respiratory system

A positive result was noted when using horsetail juice in the treatment of pneumonia. Take 5 times a day for 1 tablespoon. The course of admission is established individually, as a rule, until complete recovery.

In the treatment of adenoids in childhood

2 tablespoons of chopped dry or fresh horsetail need to pour ½ cup of hot water. Wrap in a terry towel and leave for 40 minutes. Strain. Bury 3 times a day for 21–28 days. An important point: for each day of treatment it is necessary to prepare a fresh solution. Before instillation, it is recommended to rinse the sinuses with saline. A few days after the start of treatment, abundant discharge from the nose is possible. Such a reaction of the body is considered the norm and is not a reason for refusing further treatment.

Types of healing compounds

Horsetail can be part of various therapeutic agents. On its basis, ointments, decoctions, tinctures and even effective healing teas are prepared.

Infusion

Most often, it is horsetail infusion that is used for treatment. It can be used both in cold and hot form. Cooking methods will vary slightly.

The method of preparation of cold infusion
Pour 3 tablespoons of dried horsetail with two glasses of cold boiled water. Insist for 24 hours, strain. The infusion is ready. Use only for external use. In the treatment of skin diseases, as well as to eliminate joint and rheumatic pains, take therapeutic baths with the addition of horsetail infusion or make compresses and lotions.

The method of preparing hot infusion
1 tablespoon of the plant pour a glass of boiling water. Insist half an hour, at the end of the specified time strain. Both external and internal applications are allowed. Dosage and methods of administration are prescribed depending on the disease.

Tincture

For the preparation of tinctures, the most commonly used is not traditionally accepted alcohol or vodka, but white, dry, non-fortified wine.

It is necessary to fill 20 g of horsetail with 1 liter of wine, insist in a dark place for 7 days, then strain. Tincture is prescribed for general strengthening of the whole organism, for cleansing the blood composition, normalizing blood circulation, and improving metabolic processes. To stop internal bleeding, it is recommended to use 2 tablespoons every morning before meals for 10-14 days.

Decoction

Horsetail decoction is a strong diuretic. It is recommended for use in heart and kidney failure. For cooking, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried horsetail;
• water in an amount of 200 ml.

Pour the grass with boiling water, boil for one minute, insist for half an hour, strain. To eliminate puffiness, it is recommended to use 1 tablespoon 4 times a day.

A more concentrated broth can be used for external use, as an antibacterial and analgesic.

Tea

For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, as well as raising immunity, experts in the herbal industry advise using horsetail in the form of tea. To achieve a more pronounced positive effect, it is better to use a collection consisting of several herbs.

To prepare the tea collection, it is necessary to mix the dried stems of horsetail in an amount of 10 g with the same amount of plantain and linden blossom, add dried elderberry, thyme and fennel, 5 g each.

To prepare medicinal tea, pour 2 teaspoons of the obtained herbal collection with one glass of boiling water. Insist for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink such a tea drink in a cup in the morning and evening.

Ointment

Horsetail ointment showed itself perfectly as an antibacterial and wound healing agent for problems such as purulent rashes, peptic ulcer diseases. Miracle ointment can be prepared independently. Horsetail powder and a greasy base are required. Animal fats, such as pork, badger, and goose, are perfect for the role of the base. Fat can be replaced with regular butter or petroleum jelly. Mix the base with powder, in a ratio of 4: 1, mix thoroughly. Use only for external use until completely cured.

It is important, no matter what type of product with the content of horsetail a person chooses, it is necessary to consult a doctor or at least a proven herbalist. Horsetail is a toxic plant. Incorrect as well as excessive use of it can cause serious harm to health.

Pharmaceutical preparations with field horsetail

After a large number of laboratory studies, traditional medicine recognized the healing properties of horsetail. It is actively used in the pharmaceutical industry. Horsetail is added to the composition of many drugs, so it’s not difficult to purchase a drug containing this plant in the pharmacy networks of the village. Consider some drugs that include common horsetail.

1. The drug "Marelin". It is widely used for the treatment of urological diseases, has established itself as an effective medicine for urolithiasis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The use of this drug helps to eliminate stone deposits in the kidneys. In addition to horsetail, other plant components are also included. Available in tablet form. It is popular with doctors.
2. Phytolysin. Available in pasty form. It is used to treat diseases of the urinary system. It has a multicomponent composition.
3. Horsetail in the form of a medicinal liquid extract. The tool is well established in cosmetology. It is actively used as a separate ingredient in the creation of homemade natural masks for skin and hair, as well as an additional component in the composition of products used for massages aimed at reducing body volume.
4. Horsetail in capsules. This tool is also sold in almost every pharmacy. It is a natural horsetail powder placed in a food capsule. The content of horsetail extract in each capsule is 400 mg. Assign to relieve swelling caused mainly by renal and heart failure. Due to its antibacterial properties, the drug is successfully used to cleanse the blood and the whole organism as a whole from harmful substances, as well as improve metabolism and speed up metabolism. It is recommended for use after fractures, as it helps to increase the period of bone fusion.
5. Horsetail grass. Available in the form of tea filter bags. Packaged in packages of 50 and 100 g. It is used as a natural diuretic.

Application in cosmetology

Horsetail is widely used in cosmetology. Using a decoction from this plant for hair, you can achieve a stunning effect. Long-term practice has shown that hair products, which include horsetail, most favorably affect the condition of the hair and scalp. Firstly, hair loss is significantly reduced, and often completely stopped. Secondly, the structure of the hair changes: from dull and thin, they turn into shiny and thickened. This, of course, allows you to achieve the desired effect of many representatives of the weaker sex, the effect of thick hair. In addition, regular rinsing of the head with horsetail decoction will help get rid of such skin problems of the head as dandruff and fungus.

Consider the most popular and effective hair products based on horsetail.

Tool 1
For 1 liter of water, 50 g of dried grass will be required. Put on fire, wait for boiling, reduce heat to minimum and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a thermos. Wrap in warm dense fabric, leave for an hour. Strain. Apply the finished infusion to the hair along the entire length from the roots to the ends and massage it into the scalp with massage movements. Wrap your head in a towel and calmly do your homework for 30 minutes. After the specified time, remove the towel. Allow hair to dry naturally. It is not necessary to rinse the applied broth. To achieve a visible effect, you need to regularly use this tool for several months, at least once a week.

Tool 2
Against hair loss, you can use horsetail not only for external use, but also for internal. You need to prepare a simple, but very effective broth. Just 10 g of the plant pour 250 ml of boiling water. Insist 15 minutes, drink on an empty stomach before a morning meal. The course lasts a month. An important condition: the use should be regular, not to miss a single day.

Tool 3
Based on horsetail, you can cook a miraculous mask at home that can activate hair growth. Its regular use allows not only increasing the length, but also the volume in a short time.

To prepare this product, you need to take 2 tablespoons of yeast and a horsetail decoction, which must be prepared in advance (for 1 cup of hot water 2 tablespoons of the plant). Pour the yeast with broth, mix well until the consistency of liquid sour cream, send for 15-20 minutes in a warm place. Apply the resulting mask to the hair, carefully distribute along the entire length. Wrap your head and leave for 40-50 minutes. Wash off with shampoo. Use regularly, at least once every 10 days, until the desired effect is achieved.

If you don’t have the strength or desire to cook your own hair products using horsetail, then you should not be upset. Today, in stores you can easily find hair care products, which will certainly include field horsetail. The assortment is large - from shampoos and balms to ready-made professional masks.

It is definitely worth pampering your hair with horsetail preparations. Regardless of which tool will be used, whether it’s ready-made or self-made, the result will pleasantly surprise you.

A perennial herb horsetail has no less positive effect on the skin. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is actively used by modern cosmetologists not only to treat acne, acne and other skin diseases, but also to increase the elasticity of the skin of the face, slow down the aging process and fight the first wrinkles. Cosmetic procedures and preparations using horsetail can give the skin beauty and health. The simplest, but very effective facial remedy is, of course, ice cubes from horsetail decoction. Cooking does not take much time. You need to pour 2 tablespoons of the dried plant with a glass of hot water. Let it brew for half an hour. Pour into ice molds and send to the freezer. Use once a day. It is better to do this in the evening after all cleansing manipulations with the face. Healing ice will relieve skin inflammation, increase skin elasticity and nourish it with useful chemical elements. Experts believe that in the struggle for youth and beauty, horsetail in the composition of ice can seriously compete with expensive drugs and injections.

At home, you can cook a highly effective anti-wrinkle mask. It will take 5 g of horsetail extract, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, 8 g of coconut oil, about 15 g of dark bitter chocolate. To prepare it is necessary to melt the chocolate and butter, add the plant extract. To stir thoroughly. The mask is recommended to be applied to well-cleansed skin along the massage lines from the center of the face. Leave for half an hour. Rinse with warm water and apply a nourishing cream. Repeat this procedure several times a month. The main positive effect of this mask is its ability to smooth wrinkles and restore intercellular communication.

For skin problems, a good horsetail mask is good. Necessary ingredients: about 15 ml of horsetail broth, calendula tincture in the amount of 10-12 drops, 20 drops of peach oil, one and a half to two tablespoons of buckwheat flour. Method of preparation: mix flour with a heated broth, add tincture and oil. Mix everything well. Apply the mask in circular massages on a previously steamed face. Wash off with cold water after 10 minutes. This mask is a very effective tool for treating acne, restoring normal skin structure and natural complexion. The recommended course is 10 procedures with an interval of several days.

Horsetail has proven itself so well in the treatment and care of facial skin that many global manufacturers of cosmetics have begun to actively use this truly miraculous plant in the manufacture of their products. On the shelves of stores a huge selection of washing gels, anti-aging and therapeutic creams, lotions, which include the usual field horsetail.

Contraindications

Like any medicinal plant, horsetail has, in addition to indications, contraindications. Despite all its many positive properties and effective effect on the human body, it is worth remembering that the plant is still poisonous. Therefore, it must be used with caution. There are a number of diseases and conditions of the human body in which doctors strongly, and in some cases categorically, do not recommend treatment using drugs that include horsetail to a greater or lesser extent.

1. A categorical ban on the use of the plant is during pregnancy and lactation. In order to avoid harming not only your health, but also the health of a future or recently born baby, do not ignore the forbidden recommendations of specialists.
2. Hypotension. Of course, given the fact that horsetail, when it enters the human body, is able to lower blood pressure, people with hypotension should abandon the use of horsetail and drugs. Otherwise, there is a danger of lowering the already low pressure, which can cause substantial harm to health.
3. People with high blood cholesterol are also prohibited from using horsetail to treat diseases.
4. With great caution and preferably only after consultation with a doctor or herbalist, horsetail-based products should be used to treat children under 3 years of age.
5. And, of course, the most important prohibition of the use of horsetail is individual intolerance. By consuming products that the body does not tolerate, a person risks not only an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes, but also seriously undermine their health.

Important recommendation from specialists: do not use horsetail for more than three months. Be sure to take a break between courses of treatment. Excessive prolonged use of horsetail can provoke the development of vitamin B1 deficiency.

Any medicine, especially of herbal origin, should be dosed in the body, in compliance with all recommendations and requirements. In matters of treatment, you should always adhere to the basic principle: "The main thing is not to harm."

Photo of horsetail