Horsetail is the common name of Equisetum arvense species, from Equisetaceae family.
Also known as: shave grass, scouring rush, bottle brush, pewter wort.
Horsetail branches in whorls
Image credit: MiikaS
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Features of Horsetail
Height to 8-32 inches. Zone 4-10. Hardy herbaceous perennial
tuber root.
brown, needle-like leaf.
(The leaves of horsetail are quite invisible. The brush-like green branches are actualy stems.)
lacking flower.
(Horsetail does not flower. It reproduces through spores.)
Growing Horsetail
Using Horsetail
Culinary
Vegetable
Young shoots can be cooked as an asparagus substitute. (Use stem)
Medicinal
First-aid
Apply decoction to wounds to staunch bleeding. (Use stem)
Medicine
Use medicinally to treat urinary, prostate, and kidney problems. (Use stem)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Dosage » Large doses is toxic. Do not use to self-medicate.
- Please consult with your doctor before using horsetail for health related purposes.
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