Horsetail, also known by its scientific name, Equisetum arvense, is an herb that has been used medicinally for thousands of years, beginning with the Greek and Roman cultures. Today, horsetail continues to be used for a number of ailments, although its effectiveness is largely unsubstantiated, according to the National Institutes of Health. This perennial loves water and can be harvested from marshy areas. Horsetail is also readily available in prepared form in pharmacies and health food stores.
Urinary Tract
Horsetail increases urinary output and has been used, traditionally, as a diuretic. In Europe, it is commonly used to treat edema, which is swelling caused from fluid retention. The herb is also taken to manage kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate health and congestive heart failure.
Arthritis
Gold is sometimes used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Because horsetail can absorb the soluble form of this element directly from the water it grows in, horsetail can possess minute amounts of gold. For this reason, it is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoporosis
Within the plant, horsetail produces biogenic silicon. Silicon plays a role in the development of strong bone tissue. Consequently, horsetail has been suggested as a means to improve bone density and has been used as a treatment for osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become porous and more brittle.
Wound Care
The mild antiseptic properties of horsetail have led to its use to treat minor burns and wounds. Horsetail can also be applied topically as a styptic, to inhibit bleeding.
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