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Herbs: Horsetail / Shavegrass - cut, organic

Common Names: Horsetail, shavegrass
Latin Name: Equisetum arvense
Origin: Croatia

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

• An all-purpose herb that is good for the whole body.
• Heavy in silica; strengthens fingernails and hair, especially good for split ends.
• Helps body utilize and hold calcium; used in herbal calcium combinations.
• Good for eye, ear, nose, throat and glandular disorders.

Excerpts from Practical Herbalism

Horsetail (shavegrass) has found many uses through the ages, most of which can be traced in some way to its very high silica content. Maud Grieve writes that, “the epidermis contains so much silica that bunches of the stem have been sold for polishing metal and used to be imported from Holland for the purpose, hence the popular name of Scouring Rushes.”

Its high mineral content, astringency and effect on the urinary and circulatory systems gained it high regard among the old herbalists as a wound healing herb.

Silicon is an essential element in the manufacture of collagen, the matrix material that holds the body together. It gives elasticity and suppleness to the skin, and contributes flexibility and strength to the bones, hair, and nails. Horsetail can be thought of as an “internal cosmetic,” building beauty from the inside out.

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Horsetail is considered to be a diuretic and astringent.

The major action of horsetail is as a urinary tract astringent and diuretic. These properties are produced by a combination of tannins and flavonoids present in the herb. Folk medicine refers to the ability of horsetail to tone organs of the urinary tract and soothe the bladder. This is best explained by the herb’s ability to tighten the inflamed epithelial tissues with tannins and purge the urinary tract of toxins by diuresis. Concurrently, the flavonoids present in horsetail exert a spasmolytic action on the smooth muscles to ease the painful spasm often associated with urinary tract infections.

In spite of the unproven claims associated with the herb, horsetail is unique among the herbs because it does contain the highest amount of silicon of all the herbs and this silicon is in a bioavailable form. This property makes horsetail popular in skeletal strengthening formulas.

Contains bitter compounds that increase the production of urine and shrink inflamed mucosal tissue, particularly the prostate. Horsetail is most noted for its trace mineral profile as it is an excellent herbal source of bioavailable silicon, calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, manganese, and potassium.

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• We use it often in tea and tincture combinations pertaining to any female problems, urinary tract infections, bed wetting, etc. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies.
• Few things will have a greater impact on the health of your hair and fingernails than Horsetail. Whether you are dealing with split ends or weak and thin nails, consuming Horsetail regularly will have noticeable results.
• Horsetail can be used to benefit anyone: men, women, children and animals.
• It is not recommended to use Horsetail during pregnancy.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• As is the case with most herbs, Horsetail should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.
• Do drink plenty of water while using it internally.

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