Horsetail Grass Benefits Those With Hemorrhoids
This perennial flowerless plant is most commonly called Horsetail grass but is also known as bottle brush, horse willow, Dutch rushes, toadpipe, Corn Horsetail, Atkuyrugu, Quyroughi, and Shavegrass. The value of this herb is found in the hollow, jointed stems. Its history goes back to the Roman physician Galen who recommended its use for kidney and bladder troubles, bleeding ulcers, arthritis, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids, to cool a fever, and as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders.
The horsetail stem contains equisetonin and potassium, both beneficial for body cleansing. It is also a source of calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid. But the greatest asset to making horsetail a leading herb as a diuretic is the chemical equisetonin. Because of this, horsetail can actually increase urination up to 30%.
Horsetail also has the power to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and flush out kidney and bladder stones. Horsetail also speeds up slowly healing wounds and repairs bony tissues because of the quantity of silica in the plant. Silica helps to fix calcium, so that the body can store more quantity of this mineral and it is able to form stronger bones or tendons. This means horsetail is a good herb to take when dealing with osteoporosis.
Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, chromium, manganese, and potassium. Because of this mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. Try it also in treating lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema, as well as prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. Horsetail nourishes the body’s connective tissue as well as nails, hair, skin, and bones.
Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body.
It may be taken internally to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy menstrual bleeding. It may also be used as a gargle and mouth rinse for sore throat and bleeding gums or mouth ulcers. Externally it may be applied as a compress to fractures and sprains, wounds, sores, and skin problems.
Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals.
Overuse of licorice with the horsetail herb (and too much alcohol) may deplete potassium in the body and cause a risk of cardiac toxicity and thiamine deficiency. Because of its potency, some advise people with these conditions to avoid horsetail: pregnant, breast-feeding, those with impaired heart or kidney function, with liver problems, those taking a cardiac glycoside, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency. The plant contains equisetic acid, which is nearly identical to aconitic acid. This can be a heart and nerve sedative that is poisonous when taken in excessive amounts.