Depurative & urinary
Horsetail
Equisetum arvense
- Part used
- Sterile stems
- Botanical family
- Equisetaceae
Horsetail is a living fossil, descended directly from the Carboniferous forests that predate flowers. Its rough stems concentrate more silica than any other European medicinal plant — a key mineral for collagen synthesis. Its remineralising action is matched by a clean diuretic effect that doesn't irritate the kidneys.
Traditional uses
- Fluid retention
- Brittle hair and nails
- Support in weight-control diets
Traditionally used for
fluid retentionbrittle nailshair lossbonescellulite
How to prepare it
3-minute decoction with 10 minutes' steeping, or extract; in 3–4 week courses.
Pairs well with: Nettle, Dandelion
Ask us about this plantOther plants with similar uses
This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.