Folk Medicine
Latin name: Equiseti herba
Usable parts: Entire plant3
Harvest period: From spring to autumn, preferably the young plant
Constituents: Silicic acid, tannins, potassium salts, flavonoids, saponins, magnesium, sodium3
Action: Haemostatic, astringent, diuretic, tonic, tissue-strengthening, expectorant3
Application: The tea made from the dried plant can be used in various ways. It is highly effective in flushing the bladder or combat cystitis, ridding the organism of viruses and bacteria. As if that were not enough, it also helps to heal various skin conditions, aids those suffering from arteriosclerosis, strengthening weak connective tissue and a host of other medical applications. In short, the field horsetail is one of the most useful natural aids deserving a place in every medicine cabinet.
Risk of misidentification: Marsh horsetail – and spotting the difference may be difficult. If you are unsure, always first consult a specialist.
Tips for Domestic Cultivation
The horsetail prefers damp and shaded conditions, making it tricky to find a suitable spot to plant it. When settling on its own, the root runners multiply quickly as it establishes itself.
Home Use / Recipe Idea
Horsetail wine3
Boil a handful of freshly cut horsetail leaves in 700 ml dry white wine and leave to stand for a week. After filtering, the flavoured wine should be consumed quickly. A glass of the herbal wine after every meal serves to reinforce connective tissue.
3 “Die Kräuter in meinem Garten” by Siegrid Hirsch & Felix Grünberger; 22nd Edition; Freya Verlag Gmbh