Traditionally used for cystitis, bladder inflammation and infections
Traditionally used for swelling (oedema), resulting from menopause and/or from arthritic conditions
Traditionally used for kidney stones
Used for its silica content as a tonic to the connective tissues: hair, nails, teeth and bones
Horsetail has a long history of use in the West, from ancient Greek and Roman times.
Naturopathic physician Eric Yarnell and his co-authors call horsetail an alterative.
Herbalist Simon Mills describes horsetail’s benefits for the urinary system: "The effect on the urinary system is augmented by the pronounced diuretic action of the plant. One study indicated that a 70 per cent increase in urine flow was possible using the remedy, while further work suggested that the activity is found in tinctures, thus indicating that the silica is not responsible (a combined action of saponins and flavonoids is suggested as most important). Certainly, the remedy was much used for oedematous conditions and to flush out urinary stones. It is particularly favoured in modern times for the hormonal oedema that marks menopause and some arthritic conditions."
"The combinations of these properties," Mills continues, "leads to the major use by modern herbalists of horsetail as a ‘urinary astringent’, useful for checking infections and damage to the walls of the ureters, bladder and urethra, as well as the prostate in men. It dilutes the urine, possibly increases clotting on site, and may have other healing effects on the mucosa. Even the paradoxical application of horsetail to incontinence and frequency of micturition may be explained, as these symptoms very often arise from irritation of the bladder sphincter or enlargement of the prostate, both conditions which horsetail might benefit."
Physician herbalist Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD stresses that horsetail acts primarily as a tonic to the connective tissues and he notes that, "A more important property of this plant is the general metabolic stimulation it achieves, above all increasing connective tissue resistance." Weiss adds that focus of therapy with horsetail should be placed "in the metabolic sphere, e.g. oedema of the legs due to metabolic causes as seen in the climacteric (menopause) and in many cases of rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis."
Naturopath Arthur Vogel emphasizes that the silica from horsetail "is of great importance in the regeneration of tissue…"
Administration: 1-2 ml (30-60 drops) three times daily in a little water on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking digitalis or cardiac glycosides or if you have or suspect you have kidney stones. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not for use in individuals who suffer from oedema resulting from impaired cardiac or renal function.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) |
