A close relative of the fern, horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has been traditionally used to stop bleeding, tuberculosis, kidney problems and heal ulcers and wounds. It is a thin, perennial plant with a rhizomatous stem that looks like the tail of a horse.
Animal studies suggest that horsetail has anti-diabetic effects and is effective in lowering blood sugar levels.[1] Horsetail contains silicon, a mineral that is known to strengthen bones. A clinical study done in 122 Italian women found that those who took horsetail experienced improved bone density.[2] Horsetail has antioxidant and antiproliferative properties that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.[3]
Horsetail For Kidney Stones
Kidney stones or ‘renal lithiasis’ are tiny and solid deposits that are formed within the kidneys and are made from dietary minerals.
A clinical research found that when people with a history of uric acid kidney stones used horsetail, they experienced an increase in diuresis (urine output) that could help flush out kidney stones.[4,5]
How To Take It
- Pour boiling water over 2tsp horsetail in a cup to prepare a tea. Steep for 10 minutes. Have it twice daily to get rid of kidney stones.
- Buy the herb online here.
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Reference:
1. Safiyeh S, Fathallah FB, Vahid N, Hossine N, Habib SS. Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum arvense L. (Equisetaceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male rats. Pak J Biol Sci. 2007 May 15;10(10):1661-6. PubMed PMID: 19086514.
2. Corletto F. [Female climacteric osteoporosis therapy with titrated horsetail (Equisetum arvense) extract plus calcium (osteosil calcium): randomized double blind study]. Miner Ortoped Traumatol. 1999;50:201-206.
3. Cetojević-Simin DD, Canadanović-Brunet JM, Bogdanović GM, Djilas SM, Cetković GS, Tumbas VT, Stojiljković BT. Antioxidative and antiproliferative activities of different horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) extracts. J Med Food. 2010 Apr;13(2):452-9. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2008.0159. PubMed PMID: 20170379.
4. Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol. 1985;14(2-3):269-272.
5. Wright CI, Van-Buren L, Kroner CI, Koning MM. Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 8;114(1):1-31.
