Plant Profile: Horsetail (Shavegrass)

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Horsetail (A.K.A. Shavegrass)
(Equisetum arvense)

 Family: EQUISETACEAE

Energetics: Cooling. Drying.

Taste:

Tissue States: Tension. 

Systems Affected: Urinary system. Reproductive system. Integumentary (skin) system. Musculoskeletal. 

Parts Used: 

Key Components: Silicic acid (Silicon). Calcium. Magnesium. Saponin. Flavone glycosides. Organic acids. Nicotine. Palustrine. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: 2 tsp dried material steeped in 1 cup just boiled water for 15-20 minutes. Nourishing Herbal Infusion: 1 oz steeped in 1 quart hot water overnight. Bath: Steep 3-1/2 ounces in water for 1 hour then add to hot bath (useful for rheumatism). Tincture: Fresh. 1:2. 30-40% alcohol. Standard dose.  Vinegar extraction: Tooth Powder:

Actions: 
Foundational: Astringent.
Primary: Diuretic.
Secondary: Vulnerary. 

Uses: 
Incontinence. 
Bed-wetting for children. 
Silica content makes it a great astringent for slowing hemorrhage and healing wounds. 
Inflammation of or enlarged prostate. 
Premenstrual water retention. 
Strengthens & tones lax connective tissue (due to its silicon content).
Strengthens bones, skin, nails, teeth and hair.
Cleans & strengthens teeth when used in a tooth powder. 
Strengthens mucosa of the respiratory tract in those susceptible to allergies. 

 Indications to use horsetail could be weak hair, hair loss, split ends, weak, cracking and/or rigid nails, hangnails, picking at or biting nails, nervousness, someone who is insecure. 

 Also indicated for woman who have unsuccessfully tried repeatedly to treat a UTI with antibiotics. The antibiotics not working is an indication of lax tissues. Combines well with: 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting:

Contraindications: May cause kidney irritation. Some recommend not using long term. Only harvest from healthy soil as horsetail is better known than some for taking up toxins from the soil. 
Sources: 
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 270.
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 244-247
Studies:

 Urox containing concentrated extracts of Crataeva nurvala stem bark, Equisetum arvense stem and Lindera aggregata root, in the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence: a phase 2, randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29385990

Assessment of clinical usefulness of Eviprostat for benign prostatic hyperplasia--comparison of Eviprostat tablet with a formulation containing two-times more active ingredients:   https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/papers/18634442

The Effect of Equisetum Arvense (Horse Tail) Ointment on Wound Healing and Pain Intensity After Episiotomy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441770/

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