Most plants provide incredible properties , nature gives us its wonderful nutritional and even healing contributions . Each plant is different and even more interesting.
In this sense, horsetail is a plant that has important vitamins such as vitamin C, flavonoids and tannins, essential for the body and its development.
It also has certain nutrients such as magnesium or calcium, the latter used to strengthen the tissues of the human body.
For these reasons, in this article we will learn everything about horsetail, including the benefits it provides for the health of the human body. It will be very interesting.
What are the benefits of horsetail or Equisetum arvense for health?
Horsetail, or its name horsetail , is a fern plant in the genus Equisetum arvense , a species of medicinal plants known for its sterile stems.
Horsetail is known to be very rich in nutrients in the northern hemisphere, where its leaves as well as its stems are distributed.
It contains a high degree of nutrients or minerals such as silica salts and even a large dose of potassium, necessary for the use of connective tissue formation and its regeneration.
Note: A medical study mentions that “The increase in the use of plants in medicines with curative effects, such as horsetail and its stems, is due to their great interactions that present without causing toxic damage, similar to food flavonoids” . (1)
By virtue of the above, we present the main benefits it provides:
1. Eliminate fluid retention
Edema or fluid retention is harmful to the urinary system, but horsetail is famous for its effectiveness in eliminating it . Equisetum arvense plants alleviate these problems due to their effective use and previous effects (such as diuretic).
Plenty of water or horsetail infusion should be taken , as it works as an antioxidant, especially for kidney or urinary stones, with similar interactions. Horsetail manages to balance the fluid level in the body.
Important: It is known from a study that “Horsetail is widely used and taken in botanical medicine in South America, and is the most popular effective remedy for bladder and kidney inflammations (stones) across the continent. ” . (two)
2. Improves blood circulation
When acting, horsetail eliminates toxins from the body, it also allows to increase the mobilization of blood (blood circulation) through the veins around the organism, in an effective way and providing more nutrients to the body.
Note: This works for people with high blood pressure, looking for natural medicines, or someone taking a treatment with immediate effects.
3. Strengthens bones and connective tissue
Horsetail is used, since it provides a high content of minerals that are necessary and are taken for the bone or connective tissue, they may be present in certain foods.
In addition, horsetail influences nails, cartilage and tendons, in the field of medicine it is known that it strengthens them and provides regenerative effects when used, in case of damage. Thanks to the fact that it contains several nutrients that also help in the development of tissues.
Note: Silica and potassium salts maintain or seek to increase strength and endurance in human tissues.
4. Fights genitourinary infections
As mentioned above, horsetail is effective and is an element used against urinary tract infections, also related to kidneys, bladder, urethra, and the presence of blood in the urine.
This is because it contains anti-inflammatory properties for the swollen areas (especially the bladder) where the urinary infection is located, with the required dose. Thanks to the sterile stems that are responsible for these improvements.
Important: Thanks to a medical study, it is known that “Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases, of great weight and responsible for an economic burden that they represent for society.” (3)
5. Helps lose weight
Horsetail tea infusion is used for fat burning and weight loss.
However, horsetail does not have a positive effect if consumed excessively , because it also provides a very immediate diuretic (fluid removal) effect, so if it is not taken properly, it can cause dizziness or increase palpitations.
6. Improves menstrual disorders
There is relevant information, namely, horsetail is used to reduce, to a large extent, the very excessive menstrual blood flow , the result of hormonal changes.
Note: This occurs thanks to the anti- inflammatory properties it contains, which is why it also provides a high level of muscle and hormonal relaxation. Important for pregnant women or women with menstrual problems.
7. Promotes the health of hair, skin and nails
The properties of horsetail also influence the dermis layer (one of the most important skin layers), which is very fortunate for the skin, since it eliminates toxins or pathological agents thanks to the effects of the horsetail, which provides greater moisture and clarity to the skin.
It also favors the vitality of the hair , avoiding hair loss and developing greater growth, like nails after a certain time, due to the regeneration provided by the horsetail.
Note: It is also used, thanks to the presence of silicic acid that is believed to exist in the plant.
8. Improves oral conditions
Horsetail helps to reduce, heal and improve the different oral conditions that may exist, mainly wounds such as sores, oral herpes or even bad breath.
Its antioxidants contain what is necessary to reduce the appearance of infections, and even efficiently eliminate cavities in people who suffer from them or if you find yourself with these conditions.
To highlight: The Equisetum arvense family is very famous as a remineralizing treatment, in case of oral improvements and relief of wounds that exist in that area.
How is horsetail tea prepared?
Horsetail is consumed orally mainly as a tea , considered the correct and indicated way, it should be noted that it is very natural.
Its way of preparation is simple and very specific. Although it should not be taken in excess, despite its natural action. We present the indications that you should know:
Ingredients
- dried horsetail leaves
- Hot water
Preparation and consumption
- Fill a deep container with plenty of water. While you put it to heat in the kitchen for about 5 minutes maximum.
- While it is heating up, you are adding the dried leaves of the horsetail.
- Then with the help of a spoon you are stirring so that the horsetail is mixed with the water.
- Then the kitchen flame should be turned off and take a colander. Immediately afterwards, the mixed water is filled in a coffee cup with the hot tea, with the strainer on top.
- Finally you can add sweetener to taste and take it easy, at your preferred dose with nutritional content.
Key Findings
- Horsetail belongs to a class of medicinal plants in the family with the name Equisetum arvense .
- The use of horsetail provides vitamins and nutrients such as potassium, something relevant for the body.
- Its common use is in the form of tea consumed orally and has certain indications.
- Improves blood circulation , tissue regeneration, weight loss and urinary infections due to its properties.
- Horsetail is also used to reduce fluid retention and excessive menstrual flow unlike other medications.
- It can be prepared in a simple and quite practical way, but it should not be consumed in excess.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.