The plant around us. Volume 1 The plant around us. Volume I | Page 59

GASTRONOMIC USE
MEDICINAL USE
There are many species of horsetails. Wilde horsetails have an
unusual chemistry compared to most other plants. They are
rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and
various minerals.
Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) - cooked and
used as an asparagus substitute. Horsetail tea is an
herbal infusion with a historic reputation for
repairing tissue and bone problemsThis herb may
be used both internally and externally for a number
of ailments helping to heal and strengthen your
body.Horsetail tea contains a high level of silica and
calcium, as well as magnesium, iron, potassium,
selenium, zinc, and, manganese.
How To Make?
Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Step 2: Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried horsetail to a
teapot.
Step 3: Pour the hot water over the dried leaves.
Step 4: Steep the tea for about 8 minutes.
Horsetail is very astringent and makes an excellent clotting
agent, staunching wounds, stopping nosebleeds and reducing
the coughing up of blood.
It helps speed the repair of damaged connective tissue,
improving its strength and elasticity. The plant is anodyne,
antihaemorrhagic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative,
diaphoretic, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic and
vulnerary.
The plant is a useful diuretic when taken internally and is used
in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems, cystitis,
urethritis, prostate disease and internal bleeding, proving
especially useful when there is bleeding in the urinary tract.
Step 5: Strain the tea and add honey for flavor.
A decoction of the herb added to a bath benefits slow-healing
sprains and fractures, as well as certain irritable skin conditions such
as eczema.