The field horsetail is a useful plant that is common all over the world. Its universal healing and caring properties have been known and appreciated for centuries. Due to the large number of vitamins and minerals, the plant has many positive effects on the human body. What is the use of the field horsetail?
Field horsetail: characteristic
The field horsetail is a perennial plant belonging to the horsetail family, which is one of theoldest species in the world,which appeared on Earth 300 million years ago. The name of the plant comes from the squeaking sound it makes when squeezing.
It looks like a miniature conifer with small leaves and upturned stems. It is a cosmopolitan species, which means that it is common almost all over the world. In our country, field horsetail can be found virtually everywhere: in damp coastal thickets, in meadows, pastures, moors, woodlands, gardens and farmlands.
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" The healing properties of horsetail have been known since ancient times, when it was used mainly to accelerate wound healing. Various decoctions and preparations of this plant were also eagerly used in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In the old days, rough stalks of horsetail were also eagerly used to polish tin pots. For this reason, the plant gained the nickname of tin herb. "
Currently, the field horsetailis widely used in cosmetology and medicine. It is a component of many medicines, dietary supplements and skin care products. It is taken in the form of tablets, infusions, teas, hair rubs, creams and rinses. The field horsetail also plays an important role in the protection of other crops.
Field horsetail: cultivation
Spore shoots of the field horsetail appear already in early spring. They are leafless and end with an ear with spores appearing from March to May. Characteristically shaped sterile shoots develop from the released spores in late spring. The field horsetail most often grows on wetlands, it also occurs on sandy and clay soils with high acidification.
Horsetail is not a cultivated plant.In agriculture and horticulture, it is treated as a nuisance weed. Due to the extensive root system, the plant is very difficult to eradicate, and it multiplies easily - each, even an extremely small part of the rhizome can grow a new shoot.Therefore, strong chemicals are often used in the fight against horsetail.
Field horsetail: when to collect?
Horsetail herb can be harvested throughout the summer, butthe most valuable are shoots removed from mid-July to the end of August.Only the upper part of the plant (approx. 10-15 cm high) with a clean, green color is useful.
After collecting the herbs, dry them in a natural, airy drying room at a temperature of 40 to 60 degrees. The herb should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it may lose its healing properties. A well-dried herb is fragile and odorless, with a gray-green color.
Field horsetail: application
Horsetail herb can be used in many ways.The main property of the plant is the rich content of silica. Silicon supports healing of wounds, supports the circulatory system and moisturizes the mucous membranes.It also strengthens the hair, skin and nails, making them look young and he althy.
Horsetail also contains anti-aging polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, plant sterols and saponins), as well as iron, manganese, cob alt, potassium, calcium and phosphorus s alts. The high content of vitamin C and organic acids, in turn, contributes to the strengthening of the body's immunity. It is best to absorb these ingredients in the form of herbal tablets.
The flavonoid isoquercitin contained in horsetail has a calming effect. Thanks to it, tablets or infusions of this plant are an effective and natural sleeping and calming agent. In addition, they act as an anticonvulsant.
Horsetail tea helps to stop bleeding and promotes blood clotting. It is therefore recommended for women suffering from heavy menstruation and people suffering from haemorrhoids, colon ulcers or stomach ulcers. A decoction of horsetail also reduces profuse sweating by removing excess water with urine.
Thediuretic effect of horsetail is also known.The use of preparations from the plant helps to cleanse the body of toxic metabolic products, which makes horsetail a valuable element in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases.
Horsetail compresses bring relief from bruises, burns and skin inflammations. Horsetail in this form is also helpful in fighting, among others with couperose, acne and psoriasis skin, and when applied to the eyes, it helps with conjunctivitis. The use of mouthwash, in turn, has a soothing effect in inflammation of the mouth.
Rubbing horsetail infusion into your hair promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss. A bath with horsetail extract firms and cleanses the skin, and also reduces rheumatic pain and helps with frostbite.
Remember that long-term use of horsetail preparationsmay result in a vitamin B1 deficiency . It is therefore advisable to take supplements with this vitamin in parallel or periodically breaks in the use of horsetail preparations.
Field horsetail and plant protection
Herbal medicine is not the only area where horsetail is useful. The properties of this plant are also useful in gardening. Fermenting slurry and horsetail extractshave strong insecticidal properties.They are useful in combating aphid colonies, cupheads, scalers and other pests that feed on garden plants. For this purpose, it is best to spray the preparation on clear days before noon.
Horsetail decoction has a strengthening and supporting effect in the fight against plant diseases - incl. blotch, rot and mildew. In order for the preparations to work effectively, spraying should be repeated every third day for about 3 weeks.
