HORSETAIL
Equisetum arvense
COMMON NAMES: Shave grass, bottlebrush, pewterwort.
FEATURES: Equisetum arvense is among the many species of horsetail. A perennial plant rising from
creeping rootstocks, the numerous stems are furrowed, many-jointed; fructification in terminal conelike
spikes. The spikes are the first to appear in the spring (can be prepared like asparagus), but they die after
a few weeks and are followed by a clump of stems, the outer layer of which contains a quantity of silica.
The plant grows in sand and gravel, along roadsides and railway tracks, and in wet places.
Native Americans and Mexicans used the stems for scouring pots; can also be used for polishing
hardwood, ivory, and brass (hence the common name pewterwort).
MEDICINAL PART: The entire plant.
SOLVENT: Boiling water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Diuretic, astringent.
USES: Native Americans and early settlers used the stems as a stimulating diuretic in kidney and dropsical
disorders. Horsetail is very much used today by herbalists for eye and skin treatment because of the
considerable amount of silica. Homeopathic tablets of silica are used for catarrhal conditions with
offensive, puslike discharges of ear, nose, and throat; grandular discharge; skin disorders; and offensive
perspiration, especially of the feet. It is also found beneficial in dropsy, gravel, and all kinds of kidney
affections. It strengthens the heart and lungs and is an excellent tonic when the whole system is enfeebled.
For discomfort and difficulty in discharging urine, it is not to be replaced. A specific in bleeding of all
kinds, taken internally, but should be discontinued when cessation takes place.
Internally in all indicated conditions the following is used:
Tincture of shave grass (Equisetum arvense), 5–20 drops
Tincture of couch grass (Agropyron repens), 20–40 drops
Tincture of corn silk (Mays stigma), 10–20 drops