Horsetail is believed to have multiple medicinal properties and is primarily used to improve skin, hair and bone health. This article explores horsetail, including its benefits, uses, and downsides.
In this area, we can certainly cite the “Ponytail”known as one of the most widely used medicinal plants in history.
Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as a medicinal remedy since the days of the Greek and Roman empires.
Horsetail is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world.and it is no coincidence, since this plant provides an important number of benefits and properties that can help us overcome many ailments and discomforts.
It is one of the best natural anti-inflammatories, a plant that provides us with many minerals and vitamins.
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What is horsetail?
Common horsetail (Equisetum arvenselisten)) is a perennial fern belonging to the genus Equisetaceae.
It grows wild in northern Europe and America, as well as in other humid places with temperate climates. It has a long, densely branched green stem that grows from spring to fall.
The plant contains many beneficial compounds that confer multiple health benefits. Among them, antioxidants and silica stand out.
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body to prevent cell damage. Silica, on the other hand, is a compound made up of silicon and oxygen.
Horsetail is mainly consumed in the form of tea. It is prepared by soaking the dried herb in hot water. It is also available in capsule and tincture form.
Benefits and medicinal properties of Horsetail.
Horsetail has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal remedy, and current scientific evidence supports most of its potential benefits.
This plant, very rich in minerals like silicon and potassiumas well as some very beneficial active components for the organism such as saponides, flavonoids and alkaloids.
Help the bones.
Several researches suggest that it can promote good bone health.
Through bone metabolism, bone cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts continually remodel bones to prevent imbalances that can cause brittle bones. Osteoblasts are responsible for bone synthesis while osteoclasts break down bone through resorption.
Studies show that it can inhibit osteoclasts and stimulate osteoblasts. This suggests that it is useful for bone diseases such as osteoporosis, which is characterized by overactive osteoclasts leading to weak bones.
Researchers believe that the ponytail’s bone remodeling effect is primarily due to its high silica content. In fact, up to 25% of its dry weight is made up of silica. No other plant has such a high concentration of this mineral.
Silica, also present in bones, improves the formation, density and consistency of bone and cartilage tissue by improving collagen synthesis and improving the absorption and use of calcium.
Natural diuretic.
Diuretics are substances that increase the excretion of urine from the body.
One of the main uses of Cola de Caballo is, without a doubt, as an organic and natural diuretic, helping the good elimination of liquidsalso being positive for treating other related conditions such as urinary tract infections, cystitis, kidney stones and others.
For those interested in losing weight and dropping a few sizes, horsetail can serve as an additional tool in this process, added to a healthy diet and optimal physical activity routine. this plant helps to reduce the accumulation of fluids in the body and the satisfactory elimination of toxins in the bodyspeeding up the process necessary to start losing weight.
Promotes healing and healthy nails.
Horsetail has become particularly popular for its direct benefits to the skin.which greatly benefits from the high concentrations of silicon and other vitamins, which help to recover and strengthen the cells that make up the tissue of the dermis, preventing skin-related diseases, such as irritation, sensitivity, among others .
Topical application of horsetail ointment appears to promote wound healing.
Additionally, horsetail extract can be used in nail polish to treat nail psoriasis, a skin disease that causes nail deformities.
However, research on the direct effect of horsetail on wound healing and nail health needs to be studied to verify these benefits.
Promotes hair growth.
Scalp and hair can be strengthened with Cola de Caballocapable of increasing hair growth, nourishing and invigorating it, which is why it has become popular with women, who tend to appreciate these properties much more.
First, antioxidants help reduce micro-inflammation and aging of hair fibers caused by free radicals. Second, a higher silicon content in the hair fibers results in a lower rate of hair loss as well as increased shine.
However, since most studies focus on a mixture of several compounds for hair growth, research on the effects of horsetail alone remains limited.
Other benefits.
- anti-inflammatory activity. Studies show that horsetail extract can inhibit lymphocytes, the main type of defense cells involved in inflammatory immune diseases.
- anti-microbial activity. Horsetail essential oil appears to have potent activity against bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans.
- antioxidant activity. Research shows that horsetail is rich in phenolics, a group of powerful antioxidants that inhibit oxidative damage to cell membranes.
- antidiabetic effect. Laboratory studies suggest that horsetail extract may help lower blood sugar levels and regenerate damaged pancreatic tissue.
Apps.
Most horsetail products available are marketed as skin, hair and nail remedies. However, you can also find products that claim to be effective for urinary and kidney conditions.
Current scientific evidence has not yet determined the appropriate dosage.
Contraindications of Horsetail.
It is important to point out that Cola de Caballo, as beneficial as it is, We must always take into account that excess can have negative effects on our body.
It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
It is recommended not to use this herb for more than 6 weeks and as always to be guided by a medical professional.
Although research in rats suggests it is not toxic, human studies are needed.
Regarding the side effects of horsetail, its use may lead to drug-herb interactions when consumed with antiretroviral drugs prescribed for the treatment of HIV.
In addition, the plant contains nicotine. Therefore, you should avoid it if you are allergic to nicotine or want to quit smoking.
Always consult your GP before starting any drug treatment.