Horsetail is one of the oldest known herbal remedies. In fact, this herb is supposed to be a close relative of the trees which grew on Earth about 270 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. The Greeks used this herbal remedy to stop bleeding and heal wounds. The Chinese used it to help treat wound and to reduce inflammations.
Horsetail has a dry, slightly bitter taste. The plant is made up of alkaloids (including nicotine) and several minerals including potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Its components make it a potent herbal remedy, with its use as an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, a tissue healer and a strong diuretic.
Unfortunately, not many people realize about the medicinal benefits of horsetail and thus this plant is looked upon as an unwanted weed. On the other hand, herbalists like the horsetail and then harvest it throughout its growing season.
While most of the parts of this plant can be used, the most commonly used parts are the aerial parts. The aerial parts are where the astringent is found. However, it is the jointed stems of the plant that are used in numerous herbal remedies. The stems of this herb can also be used to stop bleeding, nosebleeds and heavy menstruation.
Horsetail can also be used to treat urinary tract infections and prostate disorders. It can also be used to control bed-wetting and for treating various skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Many herbalists also use this as one of the herbal remedies for lung disease. Other uses for horsetail include treating eye inflammations and infections, such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders.
You can prepare a herbal remedy out of horsetail at home. Simply simmer the aerial parts of this plant for a minimum of 3 hours to extract its primary constituents. Another way in which horsetail can be used is as a poultice. This is made by crushing the plant's aerial parts into a powder and then making it into a paste.
You can also use horsetail as a mouthwash and gargle when it is diluted. You can also consider consuming horsetail as a juice by liquidizing its stems. Finally, you can take horsetail herbal remedy in the form of supplements. Do, however, consult your doctor or herbalist first before taking horsetail.
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