Horsetail herb

Horsetail grass is a representative of perennial herbaceous plant preparations, approximately up to half a meter long, belongs to the horsetail family (Equisetaceae). Horsetail grass can be found almost everywhere in our country. In medical practice, the upper part of the plant is used and prepared.

Indications horsetail

Medicines extracted from horsetail can be used to obtain a diuretic effect in case of fluid retention caused by heart problems (heart defects, heart failure ), or in case of swelling caused by impaired cardiac or pulmonary function.

In most situations, urination in patients increases only when using horsetail medicines exclusively, without resorting to additional diuretics.

For pathologies of the urinary system (pyelitis, cystitis, urethritis ), Horsetail herb is prescribed together with bearberry or other plant components that also have the properties of increasing urination and relieving signs of inflammation.

For elderly patients, Horsetail herb can be prescribed as a medicine that rids the body of excess mineral salts, toxic substances and slags.

Silicon compounds found in horsetail grass allow its preparations to be used to treat atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels and vascular system of the brain, as well as inflammation of the urinary system and kidneys, calculous pyelonephritis, and pathology of the capillary network. In addition, the use of horsetail-based drugs is indicated for tuberculous lesions of the pulmonary system and skin, as well as during chemotherapy.

The hemostatic ability of horsetail herb, its properties to rid the body of lead compounds make it possible to use the plant for bleeding due to hemorrhoids and diseases of the genital area, as well as for the treatment of acute or chronic lead poisoning.

Release form

Horsetail herb is produced in the form of crushed plant material, 50 g or 100 g in a cardboard package. An additional possible form of release is a cardboard package containing 20 filter bags of 1.5 g for brewing.

You can also buy an alcohol extract of horsetail or pressed raw materials in the form of briquettes in the pharmacy chain.

Horsetail herb is used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, extracts, syrups, etc.

The biochemical composition of the plant is represented by:

• saponins (equisetonin);
• nicotine alkaloids;
• palustrin (equisetin);
• trimethoxypyridine;
• organic acidic compounds (oxalic, malic, aconitic acid);
• dimethyl sulfone;
• flavonoids;
• vitamin C, vitamin A;
• oily substances;
• astringents;
• mineral salts;
• natural resinous substances;
• bitter substances;
• significant amount of silicic acids.

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Pharmacodynamics

Medicines based on horsetail herb have higher diuretic properties than the famous “kidney tea”.

In the course of multiple experimental tests, the plant’s hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties were proven.

Isolated from plant raw materials, 5-glycoside luteolin has proven itself as an excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Scientists have experimentally established that Horsetail herb is capable of detoxifying the body, especially in cases of lead poisoning.

The properties of silicic acid, which forms salts when dissolved in an aqueous medium, allow it to be easily absorbed by the digestive system. Silicon salts are the most important components in the vital processes of almost all body systems: such salts are necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes and connective tissue functions, to support the mucous and vascular walls. Silicon salts play a special role in the growth and development of the musculoskeletal system.

In urine, silicon forms colloidal dispersed systems that prevent the precipitation of certain minerals, which prevents the formation of kidney stones.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacological properties of Horsetail herb as a herbal preparation have not been studied.

It is reliably known that the therapeutic effect of galenic preparations of horsetail is observed after the first day of their use, and is present throughout the entire treatment period.

With repeated therapy, the diuretic effect appears again, and to the same extent, which indicates the absence of dependence and habituation to horsetail-based medications.

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Dosing and administration

Horsetail herb can be used both in complex medicinal mixtures and independently.

A horsetail decoction can be prepared as follows: 40 g of dry raw material (approximately 7-8 tablespoons) should be poured into a saucepan, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and keep in a water bath for half an hour. Then the resulting remedy should be cooled, filtered, and the pulp squeezed out. This medicine can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days.

You need to take a horsetail decoction of half or a third of a glass, up to 3 times a day, 1 hour after meals.

The liquid extract should be taken half a teaspoon up to 4 times a day, with a small amount of clean water.

Pressed raw material in the form of briquettes is used in the following way: three briquettes should be poured with 0.5 l of cool water, brought to a boil and boiled for half an hour. Then cool, filter and take 1 tbsp. up to 4 times a day.

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Use horsetail during pregnancy

The use of Horsetail during pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated, as well as during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Horsetail herb is contraindicated in cases of nephritis or nephrosis, because it can provoke irritation of the renal parenchyma.

Horsetail preparations are not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation.

For some chronic diseases, the use of the drug should be discussed with the attending physician.

Horsetail should be used with caution in patients under 18 years of age.

Some people may develop an allergy to horsetail preparations: this herbal remedy is not prescribed to such patients.

Side effects horsetail

Patients who suffer from hypersensitivity to herbal preparations may experience allergic reactions in the form of urticaria, redness and itching of the skin, and swelling.

Long-term use of horsetail herbal preparations may cause kidney irritation.

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Overdose

There have been no recorded cases of horsetail herb overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

There have been no studies on the interaction of horsetail herb with other diuretics or other drugs. When using several drugs at the same time while treating with horsetail herb, you should consult your doctor.

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Storage conditions

Horsetail grass can only be stored in dry places, avoiding dampness and direct sunlight. The finished decoction and infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Shelf life

The shelf life of plant materials is up to 4 years, after which the herb loses its medicinal properties.