What is horsetail(Equisetum arvense (L)) and it's super function?

Contents

• Botanical Basic Data of Horsetail.
• Common horsetail,plant description.
• Horsetail origin and class.
• Part Used Medicinally of horsetail.
• Constituents and phytochemicals of Horsetail.
• Applications of Horsetail Products.
• Therapeutics and Pharmacology of horsetail.
• Action,Medical Uses,and Dosage of horsetail.
• Horsetail from Ancient toModern times.
• Photo Gallery of Equisetum arvense.

Applications of Horsetail Products.:

1.Horsetail ease the pain of rheumatism and stimulate the healing of chilblains
 In some cases Equisetum has been found to ease the pain of rheumatism and stimulate the healing of chilblains. Horsetail tea is good for splitting nails and lifeless hair. It is also useful when white spotting occurs on the nails (a symptom said to indicate calcium imbalance in the body).

 2.Horsetail benefit for cardiovascular problems
 Horsetail has been established that administration of silicic acid causes leucocytosis (a temporary increase in white blood cells). Equisetum's silica content encourages the absorption and use of calcium by the body and also helps to guard against fatty deposits in the arteries. Its influence on lipid metabolism leads to potential benefit for cardiovascular problems.

 3.Horsetail Powder:
 Heat the previously dried horsetail in a cast-iron frying pan at fairly high heat. Stir vigorously with a thick, wooden spoon (boxwood, olive) until a fine powder is obtained. Preserve in a glass jar.
 This powder is very useful for stopping bleeding and skin suppurations. Diluted in a little water and taken internally, it soothes heartburn and even digestive hemorrhaging. Combined with flower pollen, it combats tumors.


 4.Horsetail as functional cosmetic and hair remedy:

   Equisetum Hiemale and Equisetum arvense are commonly known as Horsetail.This herb rebuilds connective tissues with rich levels of organic (vegetal) silica by linking collagen fibers. Improves cellular regeneration and increases collagen and elastin bio-synthesis. Exhibits wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) herb in skin care products for improving circulation and rejuvenating the connective tissue:In cosmetics,horsetail is that kind of rare and unique cosmetic agent which beautifies from the inside out rather than just externally,considered to be the best possible tonic to cure acne and eczema, known to provide excellent healing effect for most skin conditions. Also is known to have healing and calming properties and strengthens the hair whilst giving a healthier glow to the skin.Horsetail herb is used as an epithelial regenerator due to the presence of saponins and flavonoids in its composition. These components act to cicatrize and epithelizing the skin, and silica has also been attributed with a stabilizing action on the conjunctive tissue, working through epithelial regeneration to strengthen this tissue.Glossary notes horsetail extract has a high tannin, alkaloid, and nicotine content, which can have skin-constricting properties and be irritating to skin. It also has antioxidant properties, but there are many other potent antioxidants to use that don't cause any skin irritation.

 The mechanism of this herb works in cosmetic can be brief as:It is high in vegetal silica and has diuretic, astringent and wound healing properties and is useful for improving circulation, as well as boosting and rejuvenating the connective tissue - the foundation of your skin and regenerating skin cells.The high silica content also has a softening and smoothing effect on the skin.The bio-minerals (manganese, magnesium, iron and copper) contained are necessary for collagen and elastin biosynthesis, while the organic silicon will link the produced collagen fibers and so help the rebuilding of connective tissue.

 The constituents include flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin and protogenkwanin glucosides, kaempferol, apigenin) phenolic acids, silicic acid, minerals, saponins (equisetonin), palustrine alkaloid and equistetolic acid.The plant's therapeutic actions in healing bones as well as strengthening connective tissue are attributed to the silicic acid contained in the plant. The plant is the sole surviving descendant of the giant fern plants that covered the earth some 200 million years ago and has the strange and unique capability of absorbing gold when gold is dissolved in water.The parts of the plant that are used are the sterile stems, harvested in summer when dry. The stems contain abundant mineral materials (15-18%), including 60-80% silicon and the remaining portion largely potassium.No other herb in the entire plant kingdom is so rich in silicon as is horsetail. This trace element really helps to bind protein molecules together in the blood vessels and connective tissues. Silicon is the material of which collagen is made. Collagen is the "body glue" that holds our skin and muscle tissues together. Equisetum arvense extract is an extract of the whole herb of Equisetum arvense. It is classified as a biological product and is used as a miscellaneous skin-conditioning agent. It is also known as horsetail extract as well as mare's tail extract and shave grass extract powder.

 Mature skin or skin that shows signs of premature aging may fall into this category. Horsetail improves the texture and tone of hair, nails and skin, and greatly strengthens bones and teeth. Some even ascribe to this herb a certain hidden "youth factor." A special type of horsetail, grown, harvested and processed in Europe, has become the favorite of many American consumers. This formula is marketed in local health food stores under the name of Alta Sil-X Silica and was developed by a Pasadena, California naturopathic/homeopathic physician, Dr. Richard Barmakian. His formula contains an extract more easily assimilated by the body without some of the harsh complications attending other horsetail products and found in the whole herb itself. An average of 2 tablets each day has been prescribed by him to a number of his patients for revitalizing externally and rejuvenating internally.
 Removes soap residue and cellular debris without drying out the complexion. Tones and soothes with more than two dozen herbals.
 Prepares skin for better absorption of a moisturizer. Refreshes and smooths the complexion with witch cucumber and other cooling herbals.
 Sensation:Gentle care for your dry skin. Feels tight and dehydrated over the entire face, with no oily sheen, a lackluster appearance and a tendency towards flaking and fine lines.

 Horsetail is a good source of silica, necessary for strong, shiny hair. It also repairs connective tissue in the skin.

 Fashionable Skin,Hair,Nail Beauty Application:

 Healthy skin, hair and nails are dependent upon overall health of a number of systems, notably circulation, optimal liver function and the optimal supply of a number of micro nutrients.Silica is one of the main active nutrients contained within this herbal combination. It is stored mainly in the hair and nails.Such blend can me formulated with Horsetail,Burdock,Nettle etc.Horsetail is very high in Silica, and will allow for cellular regeneration.. It is vital for strengthening and preventing damage to these tissues.Blend should contains burdock which has several key actions. It is known as a blood purifier, ensuring that the toxins are removed from the circulatory, respiratory and urinary system. It also assists in detoxifying the liver. These actions are important, as once the toxins are removed the skin will start healing and nutrients and oxygen will be better able to reach these areas.Nettle is another herb that works in conjunction with burdock. It is high in vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant. It is a crucial herb when detoxifying the blood and improving the oxygen supply to the skin, hair and nails.

 Healthy skin, hair and nails are dependent upon the overall health of a number of systems, notably areas relating to hormonal balance, circulation, optimal liver function and the balancing supply of a number of micro-nutrients.Related formulation addresses each of these key areas. Horsetail provides trace elements, notably silica, which is needed for strengthening the hair, skin and nails. Silica is one of the main nutrients stored in the hair and nails.Trikatu enhances the circulation. By doing so, the circulation to the skin and hair are improved thus reducing the oxidation of the tissues and allowing for cellular regeneration to occur.Red Clover provides isoflavones such as genestein, and is traditionally known as an alterative (blood cleanser, balancer). Artichoke leaf and Burdock root are potent detoxifying agents, acting primarily on stimulating liver function.

   Silica is a mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and animals. It is the principal ingredient of glass. In cosmetics it is used as an absorbent powder and thickening agent. source: Mineral.Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and controls sebum for a smooth matte finish.


 5.Horsetail Stop Bleeding:
 The Ancient Greeks used horsetail in the treatment of wounds and the Romans used it as a vegetable, an animal feed and a medicine. Culpeper said it was 'very powerful to stop bleeding, either inward or outward, and eases the swelling, heat, and inflammation of the fundamental, or privy parts, in men and women.' The Chinese use E.hiemale, or mu zei, to cool fevers and as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders, dysentery, flu, swellings and haemorrhoids. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body. The dried stems may be used as a metal polish, hence the common name pewterwort.

 6.Traditional Uses of Horsetail:
 The heads are eaten boiled or pickled. The hemeostatic, astringent stems staunch bleeding and are given for genitourinary disorders and bedwetting. Horsetail's minerals and salts enrich the blood and strengthen hair and nails. The silica content promotes the re-growth, strength, and elasticity of connective tissues and treats arthritis, ulcers, and eczema. Many North American tribes used horsetail to treat bladder and kidney ailments. Horsetail produces a yellow dye. Horsetail was once used to scrub and clean pots. When making tea this herb needs several strainings through fine cheesecloth to get all the fine hairs out. If not strained well it will act like a pot scrubber on your stomach.
 As its traditional usage indicates, horsetail is an excellent clotting agent. Horsetail staunches wounds, stops nosebleeds, and reduces the coughing up of blood. In addition, horsetail has an astringent effect on the genitourinary system, proving especially valuable where there is bleeding within the urinary tract, and in cases of cystitis, urethritis, and prostate disease. Horsetail speeds the repair of damaged connective tissue, improving its strength and elasticity. Horsetail is also prescribed to treat rheumatic and arthritic problems, for chest ailments such as emphysema, for chronic swelling of the legs, and for various other conditions. A decoction of the herb added to a bath benefits slow-healing sprains and fractures, as well as certain skin conditions such as eczema.

 Reference Materials:'Amplified Shen Nong's Herbal Classic'
 "It is indicated for eye diseases and sudden nebula due to pathogenic wind-heat. It should be avoided by those who suffer from protracted nebula and blood deficiency because it dispels wind pathogens from the liver and gall bladder. The eyes will become swollen if too much of this herb is taken."
 

 7.Silicon from horsetail promotes the growth and stability of the skeletal structure.
 A few European clinical studies have determined that fractured bones heal much more quickly when horsetail is taken. The incidence of osteoporosis is, likewise, more greatly reduced when some horsetail is added to the diet. A few folk healers have recommended this herb to athletes who've suffered sprains, dislocated joints, pulled hamstrings or torn ligaments. Generally three tablets or capsules daily has been the rule-of- thumb until total healing has resulted of the injuries sustained.

 8.Used for conjunctivitis:
 Used for conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that coats the inner aspect of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eye) due to pathogenic wind-heat, nebula:
 This herb dispels pathogenic wind-heat from the body and removes nebula and it can also induce sweat and relieve exterior syndromes, so it is mainly used together with cicada slough, pipewort flower (Flos Eriocauli), snake slough, etc., e.g., Shen Xiao San, for affection due to pathogenic wind-heat, conjunctivitis and nebula.
 Horsetail can be used together with pipewort flower (Flos Eriocauli), abalone shell, pig liver, etc., for the treatment of conjunctivitis with external oculopathy and nebula due to deficiency of the liver. This herb is rather seldom used for common colds due to pathogenic wind-heat.

 9.Used for hemafecia and hemorrhoids:
 This herb is also used together with skullcap root (Radix Scutellariae), garden burnet root (Radix Sanguisorbae), Chinese scholartree pod (Fructus Sophorae), etc., to arrest bleeding.

 10.Ethnobotany:Worldwide Uses of Horsetail:
 Canada:Sore, Wound
 China:Anodyne, Carminative
 Elsewhere:Bladder, Consumption, Diuretic, Dropsy, Dyspepsia , Gout, Gravel, Hemopoietic, Hemostat , Kidney
 Haiti:Albuminuria, Calculus, Diarrhea, Dropsy, Hematuria, Hemoptysis, Tuberculosis, Xlbuminuria
 Iraq:Diabetes, Kidney
 South America:Antiseptic, Cancer(Bones), Cancer
 Spain:Diuretic, Tumor
 Turkey:Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Consumption, Diuretic, Hemostat, Lung, Pile

Reference:

• What is horsetail(Equisetum arvense (L)) and it's super function?

This article written and edited via herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional. They run a range of online descriptions about this herb,including general information related and summarized updating discoveries from findings of professional scientisits this field related.Describe style aimed to form a useful detecting literature space where the intertwined threshold and related questions raise out and visualize themselves.

♣ last edit date:20th,Dec.2010.