The horse tail It is a primitive perennial herbaceous plant that dates back to its origins in the Paleozoic. Its name refers to the fact that it resembles the appearance of a horse’s mane. Thus, it has a rhizomatous stem, having sterile stems and fertile stems. The former are reddish and short, while the sterile, which appear in summer, are long green stems. It can be found in abundance in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.
They have been used in medicine since ancient times throughout the world, documenting their use in Roman and Greek medicine, Ayurvedic, as well as in the traditional medicine of the North American Indians, always being used as a effective diuretic and depurative. Its consumption can become toxic if it is consumed for more than 6 weeks in a row, being advisable consult with a specialist if combined with other medicines.
Next, we will discover the properties and benefits of horsetail so that you know the positive effects it has on our health. Attentive!
Horsetail properties
One of the main properties of horsetail is that it is rich in silicon, in addition to mineral salts, especially in potassium, phosphorus and calcium salts. To a lesser extent, minerals such as magnesium, manganese, sodium and zinc can also be found. Other prominent components are sterols, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, carboxylic acids and phenolic acids. There is also a small percentage of flavonoids.
Its diuretic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and sedative action offer a wide variety of benefits, among which the following stand out:
Diuretic and purifying effect
The ponytail is a powerful cleanser that favors urination, facilitating the elimination of toxins from the kidney and liver. In the article by AM Villar del Fresno and I. Iglesias Peinado, members of the Pharmacology Department of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Complutense University of Madrid, they point out how in tests with rats it was found that horsetail produces a slight increase in the water elimination.
This diuretic action also helps relieve urinary tract infections and other conditions such as urethritis, nephritis, kidney stones, and prostatitis.
Anti-inflammatory action
This property is ideal for relieving rheumatic conditions, especially osteoarthritis, arthritis and gout. It is also recommended to reduce inflammation of the eyelids and the eye contour.
Helps lose weight in obese or overweight people
That same diuretic effect is also great for facilitating weight loss. A healthy and balanced diet, exercise and taking one or two infusions of horsetail a day can help you lose those extra kilos.
Restoring and revitalizing
The high content of vitamins and mineral salts makes horsetail an excellent natural remedy to treat mild states of anemia, asthenia, weakness and convalescence.
Helps skin care
Its high content of silica makes horsetail an excellent tool for the care of dry and damaged skin, providing elasticity and maintaining collagen. It is also used to strengthen nails, regenerate the scalp and prevent hair loss.
Astringent and anti-hemorrhagic action
It is usually used both externally and internally. Thus, it can clean and stop superficial bleeding, as well as wounds, sores and ulcers. Internally it is used to treat heavy periods and hemorrhoids.
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