What Is Horsetail?
Horsetail is the name of the plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East and it grows in swampy places. The other name for horsetail is Equisetum arvense. The name horsetail is given to it because it resembles the tail of the horse. It is thin, green grass-like with no leaves and flowers on it. It can also be grown as a pond plant and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant is not commonly cultivated, but due to its medicinal importance, it can be found in some herbal stores.
This plant can do wonders for human health, and the leafy part of horsetail has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries. This contains many phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, phenols, and antioxidant flavonoids that provide its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of potassium and can be used by people having a potassium deficiency.
The extract can be obtained from various methods such as distillation etc. The green part of the plant is used for the extraction of phytochemicals. The extract from the horsetail plant seems to be very useful. The horsetail extract also contains silica which is very useful for hair, skin, and nails. There are many health benefits of this extract which are as follows:
1. The best natural supplement for hair growth
Horsetail has been used as a hair growth supplement for many years. The supplement can be used in various ways because it is available in many forms such as a pill or oil. This extract not only enhances hair growth but also strengthens the hair and improves the quality of hair. People who use horsetail extract on a regular basis get incredible results in the form of thick and shiny hair. It also helps in increasing the length of hair. You will find horsetail extract along with biotin and other active ingredients in AgelessHAIR to enhance the quality and growth of hair.
2. Strengthen nails and keep skin young
Shiny nails and young and firm skin are the epitome of beauty, and people spend a lot of money to enhance their beauty. Many products that claim to be effective are just a loss of money, but horsetail extract is very effective for hair, nails, and skin. It contains silica, which is very good for keeping nails and skin healthy. It is a good natural moisturizer that helps to smoothen the skin and makes the skin plumper and strong. It is also effective in getting rid of wrinkles, through collagen synthesis which is an important protein for nails, skin, and hair.
3. Natural wound healer
It is traditionally used for healing wounds and effective agent to stop bleeding. Romans used the horsetail for curing wounds and injuries during ancient times. When it is applied directly to the skin, horsetail extract can soothe wounds and burns. It is a natural painkiller and reduces the pain. This plant has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential that makes it best for wounds and their healing. For wounds, horsetail extract or tea is applied on a washcloth which is then put on the wound place for 10 to 30 minutes; this will not only quicken the recovery but also reduce the pain.
Horsetail as food:
Horsetail is not just limited to herbal or medicinal use. Romans used to eat this because of its great immunogenic properties. The alkaloids and flavonoids provide this plant with beneficial properties and when consumed as food improve overall health. It helps to boost immunity and fight inflammation.
4. Improves urination and kidney issues
Horsetail is used for fluid retention (edema), and to remove kidney and bladder stones. It also helps to ward off urinary tract infections which promotes kidney and bladder health. Taking horsetail extract tea is effective for kidney stones, and daily taking removes stones along with improving uterine infections.
5. Assists in the treatment of other conditions
The phytochemicals help the person fight diseases and infections. It can be used to treat tuberculosis, joint diseases, and frostbite along with strengthening immunity and bones.
Take away
These are not all health benefits, it has other uses as well. Although it is safe and doesn’t carry any side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. This contains nicotine that’s why it is not good for smokers. Few people are allergic to herbs, so they should take horsetail extract after consulting a doctor.