The world of medicinal herbs is a complicated one, with most people only knowing a small handful of popular herbs and not realizing the healing potential of many herbs that are rarely used in either natural or conventional medicine.
One particularly versatile and impactful herb is the horsetail herb, which can be found growing all across the western part of the United States, and up into the Midwest and northeast.
With an appearance similar to bamboo, horsetail has some similar properties including boosting hair growth, but this stalky, green plant, also known as snake grass, actually belongs to the Equisetum family, and is more related to ferns than bamboo.
Horsetail is typically found growing wild in woods, fields, meadows and swamps, and in moist soils alongside rivers, streams and lakes.
It produces spores like ferns for the purposes of distributing itself along the landscape, but also has grass-like jointed stems similar to bamboo.
The strength of this plant allows it to grow in barren, waste-filled areas as well, adding to its reputation as a hearty and versatile plant that can survive with the best of its contemporaries.
Its healing properties for human beings is where the horsetail herb really shines, however.
When taken consistently, horsetail can transform human health in a wide variety of ways, including in some ways that are far superior to medications designed for similar purposes.
Horsetail Herb as a Diuretic
Horsetail herb works exceptionally well in helping to relieve and drain fluids from the body, according to naturopathic doctor Gus Landivar.
According to Dr. Landivar, horsetail herb works similar to medically prescribed diuretics, but with the added benefit of not causing electrolyte imbalances like medications.
Peripheral edema, or swelling of the legs, may be caused by heart and/or kidney problems, but horsetail tea can tackle this problem without damaging your organs or depleting life-giving electrolytes, a problem linked to medications.
Horsetail is Nutrient-Rich
Horsetail doesn’t taste like much.
Its Earthy, humble taste might make a person mistakenly think it doesn’t have much going for it nutritionally, but that thought would be wrong.
Research shows that horsetail contains Vitamin C for immune function and tissue repair, Vitamin E for the skin, B vitamins for nervous system health, Niacin for the liver and healthy cholesterol levels, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium and more.
Horsetail is Anti-Inflammatory
Much like turmeric, horsetail herb is excellent for fighting inflammation.
Where it really shines in preventing and healing joint-related health issues.
Horsetail has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a type of acid that offers pain-relieving abilities.
It is rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide healing for the joints and help a person recover from injuries and pain fast. These abilities make horsetail herb incredibly useful for people dealing with issues related to aging, wear and tear.
Athletes should strongly consider adding it to their natural medicine cabinet.
This protein powder has organic superfoods including horsetail herb.
According to Dr. Landivar, horsetail tea (click here to try it) and horsetail capsules are two of the best ways to take it.
Horsetail Herb for Hair Growth
Silica found in horsetail is incredibly useful for hair growth. It improves circulation in the blood all the way to the head, which can in turn lead to healthier, larger hair follicles.
It’s nutrient-rich, delivering smaller, much-needed doses to the hairs on your head where other foods and supplements can’t reach.
One study found that 90-180 days of horsetail herb use can greatly aid in hair growth, according to Dr. Landivar.
Horsetail is one of the best sources of this mineral compound, which also aids in strengthening brittle nails.
By drinking horsetail tea or taking a supplement packed with horsetail for at least three months, you will start to notice a significant difference in these and other areas.