Good day to you! In the spotlight today is a plant that some people see as an annoying weed: horsetail, also known as field horsetail.
The botanical name of this plant is Equisetum Arvense.
This plant can be found where the soil is damp, like along stream beds and creeks. It has segmented stems that break apart into little pieces - which tells you something about how it is useful to the human body! Horsetail is a plant that is good for healing joints and bones, regenerating connective tissue, and is also good for nail and hair health. It has roots that grow really deep into the soil, which means the plant contains lots of minerals like phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. You'll want to harvest this plant when it's young, otherwise the mineral amounts can be too much.
Horsetail contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and can help with gingivitis by chewing the plant then spitting it back out. If you're looking to use this plant to help strengthen the bone structure, joints, nails, and hair on your body, you can make it into a tea to take it internally. It has been suggested to not use horsetail for long-term use though! Only a month or two of using this plant will give your body enough repair, since the amount of minerals are so high. As with many things in this world we live in, you don't want to overdo it.
Have a magical day,
Jenny
PLANT INGESTION WARNING!
As with all herbs and plants you plan to ingest, never ingest them before doing your own research and/or talking with your doctor - it’s possible that medications you take or health conditions you have could have a negative effect if paired with horsetail. Better safe than sorry!
Photo credit goes to MPF
