So now.. my mission..
How & when do I harvest it
What is it used for?
How do I use it?
I have a ton of website tabs open... so here I go...
http://recipesfromthewild.wordpress.com/wild-horse-tail/
Horsetail contains numerous mineral salts, especially silica, but also potassium, manganese, and magnesium, and many trace minerals.
Horsetail is judged to be particularly beneficial to people suffering from anemia or general debility. Its action is characterized as diuretic and astringent. It is prescribed in the treatment of kidney and bladder disorders, arthritis, gout, and skin afflictions. It is recommended for gastric complaints and inflammations of the respiratory tract. It is said to promote urination and stop bleeding, to reduce fevers, to calm an overactive liver, and to ease nervous tension. It has been used to clear heavy head colds and to sooth inflamed, swollen eyelids. And throughout history, it is been relied on to cleanse and heal wounds . . . . even modern studies indicate that fractured bones heal more quickly with the help of horsetail.
As a diuretic, it will increase urination, thus flushing the system of toxins. Its astringent property would make it good for wounds and to stop bleeding. It can be used both internally, as a weak tea, and externally, as a wash for wounds, or dip a towel in the tea and use as a poultice, a compress, or add to bath water.
Heinerman goes on to say that horsetail is an excellent internal cosmetic–drink the tea for improving your skin, hair, nails, teeth and bones. Other herbalists recommend it as a facial wash.
EDIBLE PARTS OF FIELD HORSETAIL:
Harvesting: Pick it in a clean area. Best time to harvest is midsummer when plants are large but still somewhat succulent. Contrary to modern herbal pseudo-factoid, the plant is safe to use internally when picked midsummer. Picking when plant is large lets us get more medicine while disturbing fewer plants than if picking when the plants are small and young. It is considerate of the plant and habitat to pick this way.
MAKES AN EXCELLENT HEALING TEA AND COOKED HORSETAIL CAN BE ADDED TO SOUPS, STEWS OR COOKED IN A STIR-FRY.
BE CREATIVE AND ENJOY!
Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) – cooked and used as an asparagus substitute. They should be used when young but even so it is probably best to change the water, perhaps 3 – 4 times, when cooking save the water to use as a spray on your roses if they have black spots, or as a liquid feed for your garden. The leaf sheaths can be peeled off and the stems eaten raw – they are said to be “nothing but juice”. Roots – Raw. The tuberous growths on the rhizomes are used in the spring. The black nodules attached to the roots are edible. It takes considerable effort to collect these nodules so it is normally only done in times of desperation.
OTHER USES OF THE HERB:
The stems contain 10% silica and are used for scouring metal and as fine sandpaper. They can also be used as a polish for brass, hardwood etc. The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses.
To Make Tea:
Pour eight ounces of boiling water over 4 level tsp. of dried horsetail or fresh. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.” A delicate person should drink no more than 1-1/2 cups a day, after meals, in divided doses.
I will be making this one for Rick as he has had a badly torn Rotator Cuff for a while now and has been taking a silica supplement and it helps him, but hey if I can harvest the horsetail from our own yard that is even better :)
1 part young fresh Horsetail shoots (chopped) to 3 parts warm raw honey (100-110). Keep at this temperature for several days, strain, and take 1 Tablespoon 2x/day.
A horsetail bath: For this, use 7 ounces of dried horsetail or 6 quarts of fresh horsetail. Soak the horsetail overnight in enough cold water to cover the plants. “In the morning, heat and strain off the liquid. Enjoy a 20-minute soak.” For athletes foot soak in a foot bath for 20 mins.
“A decoction is used to extract primarily the mineral salts and bitter principles of plants from hard materials such as roots, bark, seeds and wood. These hard materials generally require boiling for at least 10 minutes and then are allowed to steep for a number of hours. The tea is boiled down and concentrated so that water needs to be added before drinking. The word “decoct” means to concentrate by boiling. Essiac tea and taheebo bark tea are examples of a decoction.”
HOW TO MAKE HORSETAIL:
SKIN AND NAILS COCKTAIL:
* You will need: horsetail, lemon juice, water and stevia.
* Throw the whole stalks into a blender with water, blend really well.
* Pour through a sieve to get rid of the hard fibres.
* Add lemon juice and stevia to taste.
* Drink up!
The taste of the raw horsetail cocktail is rather grassy, but not bitter. Actually most of the flavor comes from the stevia and lemon juice, and on the whole is quite refreshing.
OR:
Horsetail is also used to strengthen your finger and toenails. Use a strong infusion made by simmering the tea for at least 15 mins and letting it steep for at least 30 mins. Then use a paintbrush to paint your nails 3 times and let it absorb. Do this at least 3 times over the day before your manicure.
Creating a Tincture:
Once harvested, the vegetative stalks of horsetail can be dried and used to make a tea, but it is preferable to make a tincture from the fresh herb as it loses much of its potency when dried. Within one to two hours of harvesting, chop the herb very fine and fill some bottles to the top. Then fill them up with a mixture of 30-40% alcohol with water. This will make approximately a 1:5 fresh horsetail tincture. The bottles should be stored in the dark and shaken once or twice per day for about a month. Then they can be left to sit for at least another two months. This three month period is the minimum amount of time to produce a good quality tincture. However, as long as the bottles are well sealed and stored in the dark they will keep almost indefinitely.
When you are ready to use it, shake the bottles a few times a day for a couple of days then press and filter their contents and you have a fresh horsetail tincture. Once the tincture is pressed it begins to degrade and should be used within six months to a year. You can extend the shelf life by storing it in several smaller bottles filled to the top and only using one bottle at a time until finished.
The dosage is three to five milliliters, three to four times per day for chronic conditions, six to eight times per day for acute conditions. Always take it on an empty stomach. The best time is 10-15 min. before meals and 30-60 min. before bed.
Also horsetail’s silica/silicone is turned into natural calcium by the body when taken internally. Taken as a tea this is much better than calcium pills. The body accepts live and natural cells much more readily than artificial. That’s why the fresher the herb or plant or vegetable the better for the body and your health.
Horsetail tea can be used on other plants, spraying them with it to get rid of mildew and other fungus infections on roses, fruit trees, vegetables, etc.
If you’re camping, or in a survival situation, you can also scrub your pots and pans with horsetail plants–among horsetail’s common names are bottlebrush, scouring rush, shavegrass and pewterwort.
Horsetail tea can be used on other plants, spraying them with it to get rid of mildew and other fungus infections on roses, fruit trees, vegetables, etc.
If you’re camping, or in a survival situation, you can also scrub your pots and pans with horsetail plants–among horsetail’s common names are bottlebrush, scouring rush, shavegrass and pewterwort.
Wow! that website had great info!! ... Here's that link again to check out other posts... http://recipesfromthewild.wordpress.com/wild-horse-tail/
Next I'm visiting... http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/horsetail-plant.html
it is good to use scissors to cut the stems.
This makes it easier and also ensures that the plant will continue to grow after you have picked some. Make sure to only cut about the first 6 inches or so to allow further grow to occur.
The best time to harvest horsetail is when the feathery-like stems are pointing upward as opposed to downward. This is when the nutritive value is at its prime.
Horsetail Herb Benefits
Horsetail stems contain silicon crystals embedded in its plant fiber. This gritty texture, like sand, gives it a common name of “shavegrass” or "scouring rush".
The herb is therefore known for its high amounts of silica. Silica nourishes the skin, hair and bones and is absolutely essential for the body to create and maintain collagen.
Silica is also important for strengthening connective tissue for support in our ligaments, muscles, and joints.
An increase in silica helps us absorb greater amounts of calcium, which provides healthy bones.
The plant is also a nutritive herb as well as a cleansing herb that can remove toxins from inside the body. It can be used with other herbs like nettle and dandelion root for increased benefits.
Silica helps to eliminate aluminum from the body and helps in the healing of wounds and skin damage or burns when taken internally.
Horsetail is relatively high in selenium as well as silica.
Horsetail also contains:
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Interesting fact: Horsetail is known to absorb gold dissolved in water better than any other plant.
A cup of horsetail tea contains a relatively small amount of gold, but the Chinese use this homeopathic dose as treatment for joint issues like rheumatoid arthritis.
We gathered this horsetail from California "gold country" waters, which is still commonly high in very minute particles of gold.
Freshly wildcrafted horsetail plant does not take long to dry. At about 75-85 degrees it will essentially dry in one day.
I usually dry it one of two ways depending on how much I collect. For smaller amounts I lay it out flat on dehydrator sheets with the teflex underneath.
For larger quantities, I lay it out on a big sheet in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight.
This harvest I gathered enough to fit into a gallon glass jar plus another quart jar.
It is always good to preserve your herbs in airtight glass containers so they stay as fresh as possible before use.
***Really enjoyed this website -- they also had a LOT of really good pictures... the link again .. http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/horsetail-plant.html
Coming next... http://www.pshm.org/clinical_tidbits.shtml
Now here was interesting because I found the exact wording of one of the sites above... but that's ok.. they went on to explain more technical reasons as to why it didn't matter if the herb was havested in midseason so that was good to know
Now quoting
This is good from... http://www.localharvest.org/horsetail-tea-medicinal-herb-C13173 sweet and to the point
Horsetail is used for kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, wounds and burns. In folk medicine, Horsetail has also been used for tuberculosis, profuse menstrual bleeding, brittle finger nails, hair loss, water retention, rheumatic diseases, gout, swelling, fractures, frostbite, and nasal, pulmonary, and gastric bleeding. An all-purpose herb that is good for the whole body.
Heavy in silica; strengthens fingernails and hair, especially good for split ends. Helps body utilize and hold calcium; used in herbal calcium combinations. Helps kidney problems, especially kidney stones. Kills eggs of parasites and expels parasites. Helps to dissolve tumors. Good for eye, ear, nose, throat and glandular disorders. The silicon horsetail contains can benefit bone strength and could assist in preventing osteoporosis and speed healing of fractures. Selenium and silicon both help promote circulation to the scalp, and as a result, they may help prevent hair loss as an added benefit.
When taking horsetail powder for its diuretic effect, be sure to drink extra water for maximum benefit. Avoid if there are kidney stones. Not recommended while pregnant. Horsetail can be taken alone, but is often combined with nettle for bone health.
Place one tea bag in a cup and add no more than 6 oz. of boiling water. Let steep for 3 minutes. Press the bag before removing to enhance the flavor. Add honey to sweeten.
Found recipes here... http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/horsetail/
Horsetail medicine
Horsetail is a tonic remedy that strengthens tissues of the body including the lungs, sinuses and kidneys. The tea is high in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound that stabilizes mast cells that become easily inflamed during allergic reactions. Horsetail is an excellent daily tea for people with asthma, especially when mixed with mullein leaf. It strengthens lung tissue and prevents inflammation, while mullein helps to remove congestion and increase pliability of lung air sacks. Horsetail has also been used for treating bronchitis and tuberculosis.
In Mexico the plant is highly regarded as a tonic to improve both the structure and function of the kidneys and the bladder. Frequent consumption of horsetail tea during an acute urinary tract infection may decrease discomfort and burning sensations. It is a safe tonic for chronic urinary conditions, and can help increase resistance to infection.
Horsetail contains more than 35% silica – a compound that helps to strengthen connective tissue including bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, mucus membranes and arteries. Silica capsules derived directly from horsetail are available in health food stores. I have known several menopausal women with hair loss that noticed an increase in hair growth from taking the capsules. One friend sent horsetail to her uncle to help strengthen his kidneys. Several months later he called her and asked what magic remedy she had been giving him… his receding hairline was filling in with new hair growth! Homeopathic Silicea from horsetail is also used to rebuild strong connective tissue.
Horsetail Tea
Horsetail has a mild vegetable broth-like flavor. Prepare a strong infusion with a large handful of herb per two to three cups of water. Steep 15 minutes to several hours. Drink 2-3 cups a day on a regular basis.
Horsetail combines well with other herbs. A popular tea at the Northwest Indian Treatment Center is our Healthy Skin, Hair, Bones and Nails Tea. It contains equal parts horsetail, red clover, stinging nettles and peppermint. One heaping tablespoon of this mixture is steeped in a cup of boiled water for 15 minutes to several hours. Delicious!
Horsetail is used cosmetically as a hair wash and a skin tonic. Silica in the plant binds to hair or skin proteins and serves as a protector and strengthener. The tea can be applied topically for recovering from sunburn or for poor quality skin with premature aging.
Hair rinse
Boil 6-8 cups of water in a pot. Turn off heat, then add about a cup of dried horsetail to the hot water. Let it cool to a warm temperature and then strain into a second pot or large bowl. Compost the horsetail and bring the tea and the original pot to a sink or the bathtub. Bend over and place the empty pot under your head. Pour the tea over your hair. If it is long, you can let it sit in the tea in the bowl beneath you. Switch containers and pour the tea over your head several more times, then towel dry hair. This rinse makes your hair feel silky and look shiny.
Now from ... http://vitalitymagazine.com/article/heavenly-horsetail/
CREATING A TINCTURE
Once harvested, the vegetative stalks of horsetail can be dried and used to make a tea, but it is preferable to make a tincture from the fresh herb as it loses much of its potency when dried. Within one to two hours of harvesting, chop the herb very fine and fill some bottles to the top. Then fill them up with a mixture of 30-40% alcohol with water. This will make approximately a 1:5 fresh horsetail tincture. The bottles should be stored in the dark and shaken once or twice per day for about a month. Then they can be left to sit for at least another two months. This three month period is the minimum amount of time to produce a good quality tincture. However, as long as the bottles are well sealed and stored in the dark they will keep almost indefinitely.
When you are ready to use it, shake the bottles a few times a day for a couple of days then press and filter their contents and you have a fresh horsetail tincture. Once the tincture is pressed it begins to degrade and should be used within six months to a year. You can extend the shelf life by storing it in several smaller bottles filled to the top and only using one bottle at a time until finished.
The dosage is three to five millilitres, three to four times per day for chronic conditions, six to eight times per day for acute conditions. Always take it on an empty stomach. The best time is 10-15 min. before meals and 30-60 min. before bed.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF HORSETAIL
Horsetail is an incredibly diverse herb. Applied externally as a poultice or compress it helps to stop bleeding or oozing, reduce inflammation and promote healing of wounds, rashes, bites and stings, and other inflammatory conditions of the skin. It has a similar effect on the mucous membranes of our body. Taken internally it helps heal inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract such as ulcers, gastritis, colitis and diverticulitis.
Being both a healing herb and an excellent source of the mineral silicon (in the form of silica which is silicon dioxide), horsetail helps to strengthen all of the tissues of our body in which silicon has an important structural role. This includes skin, hair, nails, bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, lungs, blood and lymphatic vessels, and connective tissues. This is one application for which the tincture is not the most effective way to take the herb. For strengthening the silicon-rich tissues of the body it is more efficient to use the aqueous horsetail extract, available in capsules and tablets from several companies in health food stores, marketed as organic silica. Make sure you don’t buy capsules of ground up horsetail as these are practically useless. When using horsetail for this purpose its effectiveness can be enhanced by also supplementing a good quality vitamin C, preferably one combined with flavonoids (bioflavonoids, quercetin, rutin, etc.) and anthocyanins (extracts of grape seed, pine bark, bilberry or other berries).
Horsetail is an amazing herb for treating conditions of the cardiovascular system. It helps to improve circulation throughout the body and tone, heal, and reduce inflammation of our blood vessels. It can be used topically or internally to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It can even be used to help treat more serious conditions of the blood vessels such as arteriosclerosis. This herb is also helpful for hemorrhaging, however, for any serious bleeding it should only be used as a temporary measure on the way to seek appropriate medical attention.
Horsetail is also one of our best herbs for treating conditions of the lymphatic system, such as lymphatic congestion, swollen lymph nodes and edema. Its strong lymphatic action and mild immune stimulating properties make it an excellent herb to combine with broad-spectrum immune stimulants such as purple coneflower root (Echinacea spp.), elecampane root (Inula helenium), plantain herb (Plantago spp.), boneset herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and elder flowers (Sambucus nigra) to boost our immune response and help treat infections.
Another area where horsetail really shines is in treatment of inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract and prostate, such as cystitis, nephritis, urethritis and prostatitis. It is also of some benefit for treatment of urinary stones. This herb, however, is not a strong antimicrobial. When these conditions are due to infection it is best to combine horsetail with other herbs that will specifically address the infection. Excellent examples include plantain herb, goldenseal rhizome (Hydrastis canadensis), pot marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris). If you use goldenseal, make sure that the source is organically grown and not wild harvested, as this plant has been practically wiped out in the wild due to over harvesting.
Horsetail is a very detoxifying herb. It aids elimination of waste products and toxins from our tissues through its action on blood and lymph circulation, and aids their elimination from our body primarily through the kidneys and to a lesser extent through its influence on the skin and liver. It is an excellent herb for treatment of all manner of chronic inflammatory conditions such as gout, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia, acne, eczema and psoriasis.
The influence of horsetail on our nervous system is not often indicated in the herbal literature. It is mildly tranquilizing and can help to reduce minor stress and anxiety. It is also of some benefit for depression. However, the most significant influence of horsetail is on blood flow to the brain. As a result, it can help to improve memory and concentration and is beneficial for treatment of various kinds of dementia. In this context it’s synergistic with maidenhair tree leaf (Ginkgo biloba) and rosemary leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis).
When used correctly, common horsetail is a very safe herb. There is some evidence from animal research that one of its constituents can destroy thiamin (vitamin B1). This constituent seems to increase as horsetail matures, which is one of the reasons that we harvest the herb when it is relatively young. Although this effect has never been demonstrated when the herb is ingested by humans, it is prudent to observe some cautions when using horsetail just in case. In addition, consumption of large amounts of this herb can be a bit irritating to the kidneys. As a result, I don’t recommend use of horsetail by pregnant or nursing women, or for infants. It can be used on its own at full dose for a few weeks at a time, but for long-term use it is best that it not exceed 25% of a formulation.
- See more at: http://vitalitymagazine.com/article/heavenly-horsetail/#sthash.d5wEp10z.dpuf
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