Horsetail

When you read the word Horsetail, it’s likely you think of just that; a horse’s tail, right?

Well, when we mention Horsetail, we’re actually referring to something else entirely and what we’re referring to, has many health benefits.

What is the Horsetail we’re referring to and what are the health benefits? Read on to find out.

What Is Horsetail?

Horsetail is a plant with the common name of Equisetum (also known as puzzlegrass).

Horsetail is the last remaining species of the genus, and it has some unique characteristics, with one being spores reproduction.¹ Historical evidence of Horsetail usage dates back to Greek and Roman times when it was used as a food for people and animals. Today, Europeans still use some parts of the plant in salads.² Who would have thought?

Horsetail was also historically prepared as a juice, tea or remedy that helps against swelling, weight loss, diabetes, kidney disease and some infections. It was known for its desirable properties against skin and bone problems too.³

Due to many factors, such as its content of minerals and unique organic compounds, including antioxidants, silica, vitamins, other phytochemicals and dietary fibre, Horsetail has amazing health-related benefits.

What Are the Health Benefits of Horsetail?

Health benefits of Horsetail come from its compositions. Acting together, these compounds bring the following benefits:

Immunity Booster

Horsetail supplements protect against foreign pathogens and substances that can weaken the immune system.⁴ This makes Horsetail especially useful for patients with injuries or those recovering from illnesses, where a robust immune response is particularly necessary.

Inflammation Relief

Silica and antioxidant compounds found in Horsetail, can help increase anti-inflammatory molecules and decrease the production of harmful particles, like free radicals, which damage healthy cells. As a result, this reduces pain and inflammation in the body. It also helps fight painful swelling due to injury, arthritis or gout.⁵

Horsetail tea or supplements added to your daily health regimen can have a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.⁵

Bone Strengthening

Horsetail contains silicon, calcium, zinc and other constituents that are essential in protecting human bone density and integrity while ageing.⁷

Silicon is rarely found in our diet, but it’s found in good levels in Horsetail. In fact, Horsetail is rich in silicon, which makes this plant especially valuable. Silicon helps in the absorption and utilisation of calcium.⁶If you have osteoporosis or are at risk of bone degradation, taking Horsetail will help slow down bone problems. A study presented in 2010 recommends taking Horsetail to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.⁷

Cognitive Function

Due to its content of antioxidants, Horsetail is a powerful brain-boosting remedy.⁸

In a study, aged rats showed cognitive enhancement after prolonged administration of Horsetail extract.⁸ It works by neutralising free radicals which prevent damage to brain cells. Since it may help fight cognitive decline, the plant can be used to help fight dementia.⁴

Respiratory Issues

Horsetail tea is an effective remedy against many respiratory problems. It clears out mucus and phlegm where bacteria grow. The compounds in Horsetail also help strengthen immunity and can treat inflammation in respiratory systems.⁹

Skin and Hair Care

Due to its level of antioxidants, silica, essential vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds, Horsetail extract is found in many organic beauty products. The extract helps against skin redness, acne, eczema and even psoriasis.¹⁰ It also helps prevent premature ageing and makes your skin glow naturally.⁹

The plant extract stops wounds from bleeding, eases inflammation and swelling, skin eruptions and can even be used as an antiperspirant. In addition to all this, Horsetail is used to improve hair health, reduce hair loss, strengthen hair follicles and maintain healthy nails.¹⁰

Diabetes Support

A study found that Horsetail supplements help balance insulin levels in the human body and is especially helpful when the rapid lowering of blood sugar is necessary.⁴

In the case of long-term use, Horsetail may have an adverse effect, so it is suggested that it should only be used as a short-term diabetes management remedy.⁴

Kidney Health

Last but not least, another important health benefit of Horsetail concerns regulation of diuresis and toxins elimination. It prevents the formation of kidney stones, therefore can assist in maintaining healthy kidney function.¹¹

Is Horsetail Safe?

Though most herbal remedies are safer in comparison to chemical drugs, nonetheless, they may have some lesser known side effects. Which is why, it’s always best to consult a medical professional or herbalist first.

As you can see, Horsetail is more than just a tail of a horse. Why not try a Horsetail supplement today to see how it could help you?

Properties

Anti-Inflammatory⁵
Antioxidant⁴
Arthritis⁵
Bone Strengthening⁶^,⁷
Brain Function / Neuroprotective⁴^,⁸
Dementia Prevention⁴^,⁸
Demulcent⁴
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁴
Digestive Restoration⁴
Fluid Retention⁴
Gout⁴^,⁵
Hair Growth and Support⁴^,⁷
High/Good Levels of Calcium³^,⁹
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds³^,⁹
High/Good Levels of Zinc³^,⁹ Immune Booster⁴
Kidney Support⁴^,¹¹
Menopause⁴
Osteoporosis⁴
Pain Relief⁵
Respiratory Support⁹
Skin Issues⁹^,¹⁰
Toxin Removal³
Weight Loss / Management³
Wound Healing⁹^,¹⁰

References: