Horsetail (Dried)

Equisetum arvense
 
Horsetail, (Equisetum) got its name due to its resemblance to the tail of a horse. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, coagulant, demulcent, diuretic and astringent activity.
 
Horsetail contains silica, which is thought to improve hair growth speed and strength, (and if you have hair like I do, it is a gift from the goddess) along with potentially reducing dandruff. Also supports bone health, helps with nail strength (yes to nail health, I need all the help I can get.)
 
It is also used for balding; tuberculosis; jaundice; hepatitis; brittle fingernails; joint diseases; gout; osteoarthritis; weak bones (osteoporosis); frostbite; weight loss; heavy menstrual periods; and uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) of the nose, lung, or stomach.  Horsetail is used for “fluid retention” (edema), kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, the inability to control urination (incontinence), and general disturbances of the kidney and bladder.
 
Horsetail is derived from huge, tree-like plants that thrived 400 million years ago during the Paleozoic era.  It was around with the Dinosaurs, just love that little fact. A close relative of the fern, horsetail is a non-flowering weed found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
 
The plant is a perennial (returns each year) with hollow stems and shoots that look like asparagus at first. As the plant dries, silica crystals that form in the stems and branches look like feathery tails and give the plant a scratching effect. That accounts for its historic use in polishing metal, particularly pewter.