liver. The whole root boiled in beer with Juniper berries is used for dropsy. Precaution: the beer should be from the old-time, naturally aged process, not artificial, fast-cured beer( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1965).
HORSE RADISH Armoracia rusticana, Lam.( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, Minsk, 1966)
HORSE TAIL Equisetum arvense, L.( N. O.: Equisetaceae)
Common Names: Shave Grass, Bottlebrush, Pewterwort. Features: Horse tail, Equisetum arvense, is among the many species of Horsetail. A perennial plant rising from creeping-root stocks, the numerous stems are furrowed, many-jointed; fruitication in terminal cone-like spikes. The spikes are the first to appear in the spring( can be prepared like asparagus) but they die after a few weeks and are followed by a clump of stems of which the outer layer contains a quality of silica. The plant grows in sand and gravel, along roadsides and railway tracks and in wet places.
The Indians and Mexicans used the stems for scouring pots; can also be used for polishing hardwood, ivory and brass( hence the common name Pewterwort). Medicinal Part: The plant. Solvent: Boiling water. Bodily Influence: Diuretic, Astringent. Uses: The Indians and early settlers used the stems as a stimulating diuretic in kidney and dropsical disorders. Horse tail is very much used today by Herbalists for eye and skin treatment because of the considerable amount of silica. Homoeopathic tablets of silica are used for catarrhal conditions with offensive, pus-like discharges of ear, nose, throat, glandular discharge, skin disorders, offensive perspiration, especially of the feet. It is also found beneficial in dropsy, gravel and all kinds of kidney affections. It strengthens the heart and lungs and is an excellent tonic when the whole system is enfeebled. For discomfort and difficulty in discharging urine, it is not to be replaced. A specific in bleeding of all kinds, taken internally, but should be discontinued when taken alone for bleeding when cessation takes place.
Internally in all indicated conditions the following is used:
Tincture of Shave grass( Equisetum arvense), 5 – 20 drops Tincture of Couch Grass( Triticum repens), 20 – 40 drops Tincture of Corn Silk( Stigma maydis), 10 – 20 drops.
In water three or more times a day as required by condition. As a herbal tea by itself, or combined