Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

OriginThe living fossil from the edge of the field

Horsetails grew as far back as 300 million years ago, then as tree-high forests - what now stands knee-high by the railway embankment is the remnant of one of the oldest plant groups on Earth.

Field horsetail is a spore-bearing plant without flowers, leaves, or seeds—a form dating back to the Paleozoic Era that has survived unchanged to this day. It sprouts twice a year from a deep, widely branching rhizome: in early spring, the inconspicuous brownish spore shoots, which serve only for propagation and quickly wither, and later the green, whorled, branched stems. Summer shoots, which look like tiny fir trees. Only these green, sterile shoots are collected.

In the garden, it has a bad reputation because its rhizome can reach up to two meters deep and is practically impossible to eradicate. In folk medicine, however, it was a standard remedy for centuries: it was called horsetail because its silica-rich shoots were used to polish pewterware, and cat's tail and horse's tail because of its shape. It can still be found in the archives under its second name, "pewterwort"—botanically, it's the same plant.

When collecting, a single point decides everything: the Distinguishing it from marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustreIt contains the alkaloid palustrine and is poisonous, especially to grazing animals. Two characteristics help to identify it: In the case of field horsetail, the lowermost link of each lateral branch longer The leaf sheath on the stem is shorter than the corresponding leaf sheath in marsh horsetail. Field horsetail has more grooves on its main stem (usually 6 to 19) than marsh horsetail (usually 4 to 8), whose stem appears thicker and softer. If you're unsure, buy from a pharmacy – tested products are definitely the better choice.

To useWhat horsetail can do for you

The European Medicines Agency lists horsetail herb as traditional application for two paths: internally to Flushing of the urinary tract For mild symptoms and to support the treatment of kidney stones, and externally for the supportive treatment of small, superficial wounds. Commission E has given it a correspondingly positive assessment. "Traditional use" here, as always, means that the application is based on long-standing experience, not on large clinical studies. This is honest, but not a criticism – the flushing therapy relies heavily on the amount of fluid, and tea is an excellent means of transporting it.

The substance for which horsetail is famous is the SilicaIt contains five to eight percent silicon, partly water-soluble, partly as a solid deposit in the cell walls – the latter makes the shoots so rough that they could be used to polish metal. Silicon is involved in the formation of connective tissue, cartilage, bones, hair, and nails, and this is how its reputation as a beauty herb developed. Let's be honest here: The claim that horsetail tea measurably makes hair thicker or nails stronger is not reliably proven. There are small studies on silicon-containing preparations that suggest this, but nothing on which one could base a promise. A laboratory finding is not a result.

What is certainly true, and practically important, is: The silica only dissolves after prolonged boiling. A simple infusion – pouring water over it and letting it steep for ten minutes – only extracts a fraction of the beneficial compounds. Horsetail requires a decoction: simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the difference between a tea that contains something and greenish water. Externally, it is primarily the silica and tannins that are used for slow-healing, superficial skin lesions and as a bath additive.

IngredientsThat's what's in the horsetail

The key material is the Silica Horsetail contains five to eight percent of its dry mass, about one-tenth of which is water-soluble. It is embedded in the cell walls and gives the plant its hardness – the structure is so fine that horsetail is still occasionally used today for polishing wood and wind instruments. When cooked, some of it dissolves as orthosilicic acid, and only this form can be absorbed by the body.

In addition, the herb contains Flavonoids - primarily quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, to which the diuretic effect is attributed - potassium, organic acids, sterols, and traces of alkaloids. Of particular note is the Thiaminase, An enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1: In grazing animals that eat large quantities of fresh horsetail, this can lead to a real deficiency. In humans and with dried horsetail, this is practically irrelevant because the enzyme is destroyed during drying and cooking – but it is another reason not to consume the plant fresh in large quantities.

The following clear rule applies to the preparation: Boil, do not pour over.. Add two to three grams of chopped herb to 250 milliliters of cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, then strain. Some people soak the herb overnight in cold water and then boil it – this extracts even more flavor. For external applications and baths, boil the herb for a longer time and with a stronger brew.

Enhanced combinationsWhat makes horsetail stronger

With this plant, preparation is more important than any combination. Without cooking, little happens.

What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.

ApplicationHow it is used

• decoctionBoil two to three grams of herb in 250 ml of cold water, simmer for 20–30 minutes, then strain.
• Kidney teaWith goldenrod and nettle in equal parts - all three boiled together.
• Flushing treatmentTwo to three cups daily for one to two weeks, plus at least two liters of liquid.
• Skin wrapStrong decoction, let cool, soak cloth, apply to poorly healing superficial areas.
• Full bathBoil 100 grams of herbs in three liters of water for one hour, strain, and add to the bathwater.
• Sitz bathA smaller amount of the same decoction - traditionally used for complaints in the pelvic area.
• foot bathFor sweaty feet - tannins are particularly effective here.
• Hair conditionerApplying a cooled decoction to the hair after washing is an old practice without scientific evidence.
• Plant manureOne kilogram of fresh herbs to ten liters of water, steep for 24 hours, then boil - to prevent fungal infestation.
• Horsetail for polishingIts namesake use: dried shoots for grinding wood and metal.

As a home remedyThe flushing tea

Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say

Warning noticesWhen you should be careful

This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

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