Horsetail Extract
November 21, 2012
Do you know what horsetail extract is? Horsetail or Equisetum arvense consists of stems but has no leaves or flowers. During the early spring, its brown-colored hollow stem without branches is fertile. It is during this stage that the horsetail appears similar to the asparagus. In the onset of summer, the stems will wither and then die to make way for green, jointed stems which are barren. It is during this time that the barren stems are collected to produce horsetail extract which has a lot of medicinal uses. The horsetail’s hollow and sterile stem has the highest amounts of silicon present in any herb besides the numerous other minerals and elements. Anyone can produce horsetail extract at home and then store it inside a glass jar. In preparing the extract, use a few dried horsetail and put them in a frying pan over medium to high heat. Constantly stir it using a wooden ladle until it is pulverized into powder.
Actually, the medicinal value of horsetail extract is not yet known. The healing capability of horsetail extract or equisetum is attributed to the presence of caffeic acids, silica, flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, saponins, manganese, phenolic acids, alkaloids, aluminum and potassium. Horsetail extract may be consumed in the form of powder or tea, used in baths or utilized as a poultice for healing wounds or skin infection. It is a good source of both calcium and silica as a dietary supplement. Moreover, it can be used as an ingredient for making soaps and other products for skin care.
Horsetail Extract Benefits
There are many benefits of horsetail extract. It contains astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps the body in fighting against infection. One of the medicinal purposes of horsetail extract or tea is as a form of gargle treatment for infections of the gums and mouth and also for inflammation of the throat. In addition, horsetail tea can be beneficial in the treatment of stomach ulcer.
Horsetail extract is considered a strong diuretic due to the presence of flavonoids. Its anti-inflammatory properties are recognized for providing relief from disorders of the bladder and kidney. In children, it has been used for curing bed-wetting while in adults, it has been used for incontinence. Moreover, it is helpful in women who experience heavy menstruation. Horsetail extract is believed to cure common colds, diarrhea and flu. It is also believed to be an effective cure for gout.
Furthermore, individuals who suffer from cardiovascular problems can benefit from horsetail extract. It has a beneficial effect in lipid metabolism. The silica present in the extract helps the use and absorption of calcium by the body and for the reduction of fatty deposits in the arteries.
The silica and silicic acid present in horsetail extract have the capability to strengthen weak connective tissues, heal torn ligaments and fractures. The silica can also promote calcium absorption by the body. This is important for bone formation and also for the repair of tissues. Moreover, it is used in treating osteoporosis, rheumatism and arthritis. It is believed to be a remedy for inflammations of the eye such as conjunctivitis.
On the other hand, silicon present in horsetail extract promotes production of collagen. This is very beneficial for the maintenance of skin elasticity. Besides being known as an effective cure for premature aging, it has also the ability to heal skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Other benefits of horsetail extract can be noted during treatment of edema or water retention. Also, it is useful for the treatment of wounds, prevention of nosebleeds as well as hemorrhages. Additionally, horsetail extract is known to lessen the chronic swelling in the legs and to relax muscle cramps.
Filed under: Food Supplements
