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Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest New Title - Soon to be Released Medicinal Plant Profiles Photographic Index |
Horsetail
Equisetum arvense Common horsetail, Canutillo
Equisetum laevigatum Smooth scouring rush, Cola de caballo
Equisetum hiemale Scouring rush, Cola de caballo, Canutillo de llano, Caballo
Description Equisetum arvense, like other Horsetail species, has underground spreading rhizomes. This perennial has two functionally different stems. Spore-filled cones top the fertile stems, which arise in early spring. They are flesh-colored and 6 inches to 1 foot tall. The infertile stems develop shortly after; they have numerous whorls of small jointed branchlets radiating from the main stem. Overall, they have the appearance of upturned cylindrical feather dusters.
Both Equisetum laevigatum and E. hiemale are scouring rush biotypes. They are rather similar in appearance. These perennial plants also arise from spreading rhizomes. The wand-like stems are hollow and jointed. The fertile stems are distinct in appearance in that they also have a small cylinder-like cone terminating the end of the stem. Given its prominent silica formed ridges E. hiemale’s stems are rougher than E. laevigaum’s.
Distribution All Equisetum species profiled here are found throughout most of the United States and much of Canada. They are commonly encountered along streams, moist soils, and drainage areas. Throughout the arid southwest, they are typically mid to high elevation plants.
Chemistry Flavonoids: chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol, hydroxycinnamic acid, equisetumpyrone, quercetin, protogenkwanin, gossypetin, luteolin, apigenin, protoapigenin, genkwanin, and naringenin; silicic acid, silica, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus
Medicinal Uses Horsetail is mainly a urinary tract medicine. It is soothing to the area and is of use in diminishing urinary tract irritability and painful urination. Internal preparations are mildly diuretic and will assist in eliminating fluid build up from non-organic causes around the ankles, wrists, and mid-sections of the body. Moreover, when taken as a daily tea, kidney stone formation is reduced through the plant’s ability of increasing urine volume.
Horsetail is hemostatic. Although the mechanism of action is not clearly defined, the plant lessens passive hemorrhaging. Use it if there is blood in the urine from physical injury or gastrointestinal bleeding from ulceration and other non-malignant inflammatory processes. Internal preparations may even be useful if there is blood-tinged sputum from a severe cough. Topically and internally the plant facilitates wound healing and tissue repair. This is mainly due to Horsetail’s flavonoid, silica, and silicic acid content. The plant is also used to strengthen the hair, nails, and skin. Connective tissues throughout the body are augmented; the plant makes a good tea for fortifying bones damaged by injury, or weakened from osteoporosis.
Indications Painful urination, irritability Fluid retention Kidney stones, as a preventative Passive hemorrhaging, renal, lower urinary, pulmonary, and GI tract tissues Gastrointestinal ulceration Weakened hair, nails, skin, bones, and connective tissues Wounds (internal and external)
Collection Equisetum arvense has the highest quercetin content in its new spring growth, approximately 50% of its total flavonoid content. Other species are probably similar. As spring changes to summer, the plant’s quercetin content quickly diminishes. Only collect the infertile stems of E. arvense, as this will ensure the plant’s sustainability. Fertile and infertile stems alike can be collected of Scouring rushes. Clip the stems at their bases. Use fresh or dry. After drying, the stems are easily separated into 1-2 inch sections for storage.
Preparations and Dosage Fresh juice: 1 ounce 3 times daily Herb infusion: 2-4 ounces 3 times daily Poultice: as needed
Cautions It is possible that Horsetail, exposed to common agricultural run-off, produces several toxic compounds. Do not collect and use the plant around these areas. In addition, excessive quantities of the tea or juice may irritate the kidneys.
Other Uses The abrasive qualities of Scouring rush are practically legendary, but over-rated. It has been said that the plant has been used to sharpen knives, clean and polish pots and metals – an herbal equivalent to steel wool. |