Equisetum Arvense

Equisetum arvense, commonly called Field Horsetail or Common Horsetail, is a perennial plant native to the Northern Hemisphere. It has a distinctive, jointed, and hollow stem structure that spreads through underground rhizomes. The plant produces two types of stems:

• Fertile stems: Succulent, pale, and about half the size of the sterile ones, appearing in early spring.

• Sterile stems: Taller, green, and bushy, growing after the fertile stems wilt. These can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height.

Interestingly, Equisetum arvense has a high diploid chromosome number of 216 (108 pairs) — nearly five times that of humans.

Parts Used:

• Aerial parts (herbs), primarily the green, infertile stems.

Description:

This plant is naturally rich in minerals, notably silicon (10%), potassium, and calcium, which lend it several health-supporting properties. In Japan and Korea, young shoots are eaten as a springtime vegetable.

Historically, Equisetum was valued beyond medicine:

• Pewterwort: Used for polishing pewter and wood.

• Hurdy-gurdy maintenance: Used to clean musical instrument wheels.

• Biodynamic farming: An ingredient in “silica” soil preparation to combat moisture-related fungal issues.

In polluted areas, it may even synthesize nicotine.

Constituents:

• Silica (very high content)

• Alkaloids (including nicotine)

• Potassium

• Calcium

• Other minerals

Medicinal Uses:

Equisetum arvense is known for its astringent, diuretic, and tissue-repairing abilities. Key uses include:

Internal uses:

• Kidney and bladder ailments

• Cystitis and urethritis

• Prostate issues

• Bleeding within the urinary tract

• Enuresis (bed-wetting) in children

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Internal bleeding

External uses:

• Wound healing

• Chilblains (cold-induced skin sores)

• As a clotting agent for cuts and nosebleeds

Additional Properties:

• Anodyne (pain-relieving)

• Anti-haemorrhagic

• Antiseptic

• Carminative (relieves flatulence)

• Diaphoretic (induces sweating)

• Galactagogue (promotes milk production)

• Haemostatic (stops bleeding)

• Vulnerary (heals wounds)

The plant’s green sterile stems are most potent when fresh but can be dried for later medicinal use. Occasionally, even its ashes are employed for therapeutic purposes.