Horsetail is a perennial shrub of the Equisetaceae family that comes from the northern hemisphere. Its name comes from the shape of the empty stems, which have narrow leaves that can be reminiscent of the tail of equines.
Precisely the active part of this plant are the stems, which contain abundant mineral salts, especially silicic. They also contain sterols, caffeic acid, and phenolic acids (cinnamic, dicaffeoyltartaric, and caffeoylshikimic). It also has abundant amounts of flavonoids.
Properties
Traditionally, horsetail has been used as:
Mild diuretic: reduces the accumulation of fluids in the body, a useful effect in cases of hypertension and overweight.
Hemostatic: balances blood volumes.
Remineralizing: due to its high concentration of silicon.
It is also believed that these silicic compounds contribute to maintaining the fundamental structure of connective tissue (collagen) and that they interact with the metabolism of phosphates and calcium.
Main indications
Diuretic (in cases of hypertension and overweight).
How to use
Take 1-2 capsules a day.
Precautions
In cases of hypertension, to avoid the possibility of a tension decompensation, it is not recommended to take this plant without the supervision of a specialist.
Pregnancy and lactation: They have not been described.
