Horsetail is a perennial shrub from the Equisetaceae family native to the Northern Hemisphere. Its name comes from the shape of its hollow stems, which feature narrow leaves reminiscent of an equine's tail.
The active part of this plant is precisely the stems, which contain abundant mineral salts, especially silicic acid. They also contain sterols, caffeic acid, and phenolic acids (cinnamic, dicaffeoyltartaric, and caffeoylshikimic). They also contain abundant amounts of flavonoids.
Properties
Traditionally, horsetail has been used as:
Mild diuretic: reduces fluid accumulation in the body, a useful effect in cases of hypertension and overweight.
Hemostatic: balances blood volumes.
Remineralizing: due to its high concentration of silicon.
These silicic compounds are also believed to contribute to maintaining the fundamental structure of connective tissue (collagen) and to interact with phosphate and calcium metabolism.
Main indications
Diuretic (in cases of hypertension and overweight).
Instructions for use
Take 1-2 capsules daily.
Precautions
In cases of hypertension, to avoid the possibility of blood pressure imbalance, it is not recommended to take this plant without the supervision of a specialist.
