How to make a decoction of horsetail. Long and heavy periods. What does horsetail treat?

Everyone knows horsetail; at the beginning of spring, thin stems with oval-shaped cones on top sprout in thawed areas. However, not everyone is familiar with it healing properties. This wonderful medicinal plant will help a person cope with various diseases.

Plant properties

The horse's tail is used not only as medicinal drug, but also as an economic means. Our grandmothers knew how to use horsetail to boost immunity and improve the condition of the body after a long winter. Healers advise using the plant as excellent remedy against vitamin deficiency in the spring, eat soft shoots that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. The succulent shoots were collected in early spring and food was prepared from them: soups, omelettes, and used as a filling for pies. The tubers of the plant, which contain a lot of starch, were also consumed.

The strong stems have long been used to clean dishes and polish stone and wood. A grayish-yellow dye was obtained from the root, which was used to dye animal fur.

Today this plant causes many problems for summer residents and gardeners. This is a weed that is quite difficult to remove from the site. This is due to the fact that horsetail has a very long root, with the help of which it takes silicic acid from the ground in large volumes and accumulates it in its cell membranes.

Healing characteristics

Products based on horse tail have many beneficial effects: antibacterial, antihelminthic, diuretic, they stop bleeding, relieve spasms, fight viruses, strengthen the immune system, and heal wounds.

This allows the plant to be used for such ailments as:

• Inflammation of the oral cavity.
• Inflammation of the bronchi and lungs.
• Anomalies musculoskeletal system.
• Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
• Liver and kidney disease.
• Metabolic disorder.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
• Diseases genitourinary system.
• Joint diseases.
• Bleeding from hemorrhoids, from the nose or uterus.
• Inflammatory processes in women.
• a lack of useful substances or pathology of their absorption into the body of pensioners.
• Tuberculosis of the lungs and skin.
• Intoxication with heavy metals in acute or chronic form.
• External lingering purulent lesions, skin diseases.
• Diseases of the skin and scalp.

Restrictions to therapy

Contraindications to the use of horsetail are as follows:

• Nephritis and nephrosis.
• Severe bleeding of internal organs.
• Pregnancy condition (horsetail-based products can cause miscarriage).
• Breastfeeding period.
• Not for use by children under 3 years of age.
• Specific intolerance.

It is prohibited to use horsetail products for more than three months. The thiaminase contained in its composition breaks down vitamin B1, because of this, using the product for more than the specified period can lead to a lack of this vitamin.

The amount of potassium in the blood decreases, which, together with a pronounced diuretic effect, causes potassium deficiency in the body, as a result of which this index must be kept under control during therapy.

Important! Horsetail-based products should not be used together with lithium preparations, as this inhibits their normal elimination from the human body, which can provoke an increase in side effects.

Use in alternative medicine

Healing drink
Is released in low concentration active substances, therefore, it is prescribed to prevent the above ailments or at the initial stage of development of anomalies. In particular, it is recommended for pensioners and all people to drink it in autumn or winter.

Making a drink is not difficult, for this:

1. 2 small spoons of horsetail pour into a glass hot water and leave for half an hour. Then the composition is filtered.
2. 2 spoons of raw material are mixed with a glass of boiled, non-hot water and allowed to stand for 12 hours.

Drink the drink in small sips in four doses per day for 3 months.

Horsetail decoction
Place a spoonful of dry raw materials in a container, pour a glass of hot water, close and heat in a water bath for 30 minutes. Allow the broth to cool, filter, and squeeze out the herbs. The amount of broth is adjusted to a full glass using boiled water at room temperature.

Use the broth for renal swelling, inflammation of the genitourinary system, diseases gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, to prevent bleeding of internal organs during peptic ulcers, during heavy periods, fungal infections, inflammation of the oral cavity, wounds, skin diseases, ailments of the joints and bones. You need to drink 2 spoons three times a day, an hour after meals.

Horse tail tincture
spoon healing herb pour a cup of boiling water over it. The container is wrapped in a blanket and left for an hour, then the infusion is filtered.

It is taken for diseases such as:

• Stones in the kidneys.
• Inflammation of the liver and genitourinary system.
• Edema of cardiac origin.
• Inflammation of the female reproductive system.
• Joint diseases.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Fractures.
• Sluggish wounds, ulcers, ulcers and other skin ailments.
• Diseases of the larynx and oral cavity.
• Inflammation of the eyes.
• Used for curls as a rinse.

Take 2 spoons orally in four divided doses per day.

Healing juice
Natural grass is washed well under non-hot water, finely chopped and the juice is squeezed out.

Use medicinal nectar for:

• Various swelling.
• VSD therapy.
• Acute and chronic colds.
• Weak immune system.
• Bleeding wounds, ulcers.
• Regular nosebleeds (drop 3 drops).

Drink 2 spoons of juice three times a day.

Hood
It can be purchased at every pharmacy. Take the extract for:

• Therapy and to prevent urolithiasis.
• Reducing the elasticity of connective tissue.
• Brittle hair and nails.
• Diseases of joints and bones.
• Heavy metal poisoning.
• Cough and wheezing in the respiratory system.
• Tuberculosis of the lungs and skin.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Weakened immune system.
• Diseases of the larynx and oral cavity.
• Fungal diseases.

Drink half a spoon three times a day. To prepare a liquid extract, dry raw materials, half a bag, are poured with a mug of hot water, put on fire and brought to a boil, boil for half an hour and filtered.

Alcohol infusion
It is a good tonic for the whole body and increases metabolism. A spoonful of raw materials is poured with a liter of white wine and left for a week. Then the infusion is filtered. Drink 2 spoons before meals, three times a week.

Healing cream
It is an excellent antiseptic and wound healing agent. Part of the dry raw material is crushed, 4 shares of Vaseline are added and mixed thoroughly. The resulting cream is applied to ulcers, cracks, and purulent wounds on the skin.

Therapeutic baths
100 grams of dry raw materials are poured with a liter of hot water. The resulting composition is poured into the bath.

Used for such ailments as:

• Pathology of blood circulation in the arms and legs.
• Metabolic disorder.
• Frostbite and suppuration of the skin.
• Rheumatism.
• Arthritis and gout.
• Excessive sweating of the extremities.

The bath should be used for a quarter of an hour, repeated every other day. Treatment duration is 15 baths.

Specialized formulations and medicinal preparations

Mixture for the treatment of tuberculous inflammation of the lymph nodes
Take 50 grams of the plant, 30 grams each of knotweed and gentian root. Mix everything thoroughly. 3 tablespoons of the resulting composition are poured into 0.5 liters of running water, placed on low heat and boiled for about 10 minutes. Take 100 ml of the mixture in four doses a day on an empty stomach.

Treatment of adenoids in children
You can use raw materials both in natural and dried form. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of herbs and pour a cup of boiling water over it. Cover the container with a blanket and leave for 40 minutes. Filter the composition. The product is prepared daily and is not stored in the refrigerator. The duration of therapy is a month. Drop 5 drops into each separate nostril three times a day.

In order for the product to penetrate deep into the sinuses, it is necessary to rinse the sinuses with a solution based on sea ​​salt. After 3 days there will be signs from the nose heavy discharge, it is impossible to stop therapy, this normal phenomenon with this treatment.

Explosion from the growth of inflammation of the skeletal bones, joint diseases
100 grams of raw materials are poured with a liter of water, put on low heat and boiled until the amount of broth is reduced by half. Clean the composition, add 250 grams of honey to it and place it in a water bath for half an hour, removing the formed foam. Drink a spoon 5 times throughout the day.

Explosion from urolithiasis Bladder
Ingredients:

• spoon of mushroom pusher;
• 2 spoons of knotweed;
• 6 tablespoons of rosehip rhizome.

All ingredients are mixed well and poured with 3 cups of running water. Place the container on low heat and cook for a quarter of an hour. Then the composition is allowed to brew for an hour. Drink ½ cup three times a day on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is a month.

Healing mixture for the treatment and prevention of ailments of joints and bones
Collection composition:

• 10 grams of horse tail;
• 10 g linden flowers, mallow, plantain leaves;
• 5 grams of elderberry, thyme, fennel berries.

Medicine for skin diseases
Horsetail is mixed with lime color in equal proportions. Take a spoonful of the mixture and pour a mug of boiling water over it. Leave for an hour. Wipe the infected areas of the skin with a non-cold mixture before going to bed. You can freeze the product in ice cube trays and wipe it skin covering faces.

Remedy for tired legs
2 tablespoons of horsetail are poured into a mug of boiling water and left for a while so that the composition is well infused. The resulting product is used as a compress for the feet or used to prepare foot baths.

Contraindications

Despite all the healing characteristics of the plant, its limitations are quite serious. Horse tail is a poisonous herb and should not be consumed in unlimited quantities. In case of overdose, intoxication with negative consequences may occur.

Contraindications:

• nephrosis;
• nephritis;
• pregnancy;
• breast-feeding.

When consumed wisely, this medicinal plant will perfectly cure cystitis, sore throat, baldness and other ailments.

Video: medicinal properties of horsetail

Many people know what horsetail grass is. The medicinal properties of the plant have been studied for a long time. Horsetail is a perennial. The plant grows approximately 60 centimeters in height. Horsetail is distributed throughout almost the entire territory of the CIS countries. Exception in in this case are the desert and the Far North. Translated from Latin, the name of this plant is translated as “horse tail”.

Is horsetail poisonous?

Many people have probably heard that horsetail is poisonous. Therefore, most people argue that the means alternative medicine should be used with caution, as it can seriously harm your health. Actually this is not true. Horsetail, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are already known, is harmless when used wisely. The same cannot be said about other varieties of this plant. And, as you know, there are a lot of them.

How to distinguish horsetail?

The main feature of this plant is its branches pointing upward. In other horsetails they are directed downward or located horizontally. In addition, the spikelets of this plant completely die off. And only after that does it grow in their place green part. Young shoots are medicinal raw materials. As for other varieties of horsetail, the spore spikes do not die off and are located at the tip of the green part of the plant. They are clearly visible even to the naked eye. If you don’t know exactly what a plant looks like, then after collecting it you should contact specialists in this field so that they can protect you from mistakes.

Initial use

The medicinal properties of horsetail were not immediately discovered. Initially, this plant was used exclusively for economic purposes. A decoction of its roots was used to dye wool. As for grass, it was usually used for grinding stones, polishing metal products, as well as for cleaning common kitchen utensils and pewter. It is worth noting that with the help of this plant even old wooden floors were washed white.

The whole secret lies in the chemical composition of horsetail. It contains silicic acid. It was this substance that attracted the attention of herbalists and healers. As a result, horsetail became useful not only in agriculture, but also in medicine.

Chemical composition

Horsetail herb, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which will be described below, has a simply unique chemical composition. In the green part of the plant there is great amount microelements. Among them are zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and others.

In addition, the chemical composition of horsetail contains various organic acids. Among them are apple, silicon, aconite, oxalic, linoleic. Horsetail also contains vitamin C, carotene, proteins, tannins and flavonoids.

Horsetail: medicinal properties

Reviews about this plant indicate that preparations based on it are excellent in helping to cope with many ailments. How is it useful? So, horsetail extracts silicic acid from the soil and then deposits it in cell membranes. This substance is highly soluble in water. It is worth noting that silicic acid is one of the constituent parts human body. And to be more precise - nails, hair, skin and connective tissues. Over time, people learned to prepare preparations based on horsetail, which can significantly improve appearance.

5-glycoside luteolin can be isolated from the green part of the plant. This substance allows you to stop any inflammatory process in the body. In addition, thanks to this component, you can stop the bleeding and heal the wound much faster. The herb has a disinfectant and antiseptic effect. Preparations based on horsetail are effective for external and internal bleeding.

It is worth noting that various decoctions and infusions intended for oral administration act as diuretics. This is the result of a combination of saponin and flavonoids that horsetail contains. The medicinal properties and contraindications, reviews of which reveal the effectiveness of plant-based drugs, are determined by the chemical composition. And it, apparently, is quite rich in useful components.

Treatment with horsetail

The medicinal plant practically does not need recommendations. Its benefits are obvious to many. After all, preparations based on horsetail allow you to get rid of quite serious illnesses. Among similar diseases- atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain and heart, as well as tumors in the intestines and, of course, in the stomach.

The medicinal properties of horsetail do not end there. This plant, or rather preparations based on it, has a cardiotonic and restorative effect. It is worth noting that in traditional and, as a rule, in folk medicine the herb is more often used as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic for diseases of the bladder and kidneys. Infusion and decoction of this plant have the same effect as kidney tea. The drugs allow you to remove excess fluid from the body without affecting its salt composition. When taking such drugs, an improvement in metabolism is observed, swelling resulting from a fracture, bruise, or frostbite is significantly reduced. But that's not all. Preparations based on horsetail can even eliminate cardiac edema.

The extract of this plant allows you to increase filtration in renal glomeruli, as well as prevent the formation of stones and increase the elasticity of connective tissues. It is worth noting that this drug activates everything metabolic processes in nails and hair. Experiments have proven that horsetail helps cleanse the body of toxins, cholesterol and waste, in particular lead.

Horsetail, whose healing properties for hair are obvious, helps to cope with seborrhea, and is also effective for ulcers, fistulas and wounds on the skin.

When should horsetail be harvested?

Any plant is most useful at a certain period. Thus, horsetail, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are not known to everyone, is best harvested from June to August. You only need to collect the green stems, and then quickly dry them, of course, in the shade. It is best to do this in a well-ventilated room, for example, under a canopy or in the attic. Young shoots should be spread in a thin layer. Do not place wet horsetail in large piles. With slow drying, the raw material darkens and begins to lose its healing qualities. Properly dried horsetail consists of stems 20-30 centimeters long. At the same time, the raw material has a grayish-green tint, a weak aroma and a sour taste. As for storage, horsetail should be kept in paper or linen bags for no longer than 4 years.

Horsetail infusion for oral administration

To prepare this medicine, you need to brew 20 grams of horsetail with 200 milliliters of boiling water and leave for an hour. After this, the finished preparation should be strained. Accept this remedy 1-2 tablespoons, preferably 3-4 times a day. A properly prepared horsetail infusion is effective for hypertension, atherosclerosis, with gynecological diseases, with ailments associated with the liver, with inflammatory processes specifically in the bladder, edema of cardiac origin, as well as with urolithiasis.

The medicinal properties of horsetail, or rather an infusion based on the plant, allow you to get rid of ulcers, festering and long-term non-healing wounds, bedsores, porous skin, eczema, boils. It is enough to wash or wipe the affected area with the drug. Compresses with horsetail infusion can be applied to joints for pleurisy, rheumatism and gout. You can gargle for sore throat and other inflammatory processes.

Cautions and contraindications

Despite the fact that the medicinal properties of horsetail allow you to cope with many ailments, this plant has contraindications. Preparations based on this herb are strictly prohibited for those who have increased sensitivity to products containing iodine. Also, experts do not recommend using decoctions and infusions of horsetail for stomach ulcers, neuroses and tuberculosis.

In addition, preparations based on this plant are contraindicated in nursing and pregnant women, as well as those who suffer from chronic diseases kidney The use of such drugs can cause complications. Therefore, you should not self-medicate. Before taking any drug based on horsetail, you should consult with specialists.

The most important factor useful herb availability and low price. Horsetail - folk remedy in the fight against overweight. Females actively use different methods losing weight. Taking horsetail is a herbal medicine process.

Herbal weight loss reduces appetite, removes toxins and waste from the body, and returns to normal emotional condition person. We all know that excess weight comes from overeating. Often people who are stressed or overexerted try to eat away their bad mood.

Phytotherapy treatment is inexpensive and effective, as you can achieve the desired result in a short period of time. Using herbal remedies will help you lose excess weight.

The list of herbs that are often used for weight loss includes horsetail. It has a strong diuretic effect. Thanks to this, the process of weight loss begins, harmful excess liquid. In this article we will try to consider the methods of application, its characteristics, and qualities.

Characteristics of horsetail

The drug is used for weight loss, reduces appetite, and normalizes a person’s condition. Those who want to lose weight choose this remedy because it is cheap, effective, safe, and less harmless.

Since ancient times, horsetail has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, arthritis, influenza, hemorrhoids, edema, ulcers, eye disease, and kidney disease. Horsetail is now used for weight loss.

The plant is known to everyone by its appearance. Height 40 cm, grows in fields, lawns, near forests. Horsetail primarily lives in cool, temperate climates.

The herb can be used either separately or combined with another drug. Doctors advise to use herbal tea, the effect will be better. The course of treatment lasts 30 days, then you need to pause so as not to harm the body.

Horsetail infusion and decoction are carefully used for weight loss. At high blood pressure It is not recommended to take the drug, and together with the drug prescribed by the attending physician.

The herbal infusion reduces the amount of protein, increases urination, improves the metabolic process, relieves swelling and inflammation, and reduces weight.

The stem of the plant is straight, ribbed, green. It dies off in the winter and rejuvenates in the spring. It has the shape of a spore-bearing spikelet and reproduces by spores. The product is harvested in the fall, because at this time it contains less toxic substances.

The decoction is prepared simply; to do this, take dry raw materials, add water and boil. Let it brew for 1.5 hours and drink in small sips throughout the day.

Properties of horsetail

Horsetail accelerates the removal of fluid from the body, flushes out toxins and waste. Uncontrolled use of the drug can lead to dehydration, which will negatively affect internal organs and the system as a whole.

It is advised to drink 2.5 liters of plain water to get rid of toxins. Horsetail decoction is very harmful for kidney disease; using the remedy, you can greatly harm yourself.

Horsetail herb is used for dropsy, stomach tumors, intestinal disorder. Upper part plants are used in cooking, cosmetology, and medicine.

The young stalk is used to prepare omelettes and casseroles. Greens can be fried, boiled, or added to the filling for dough products.

Composition of horsetail

In addition to useful substances, the herb also contains saponin, oils, alkaloids, carotene, iron, vitamin C, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Healing qualities of horsetail

Horsetail is used for:

• treatment of bladder stones, relieves inflammation;
• kidney stones, cholelithiasis;
• removing waste from the urinary system;
• strengthens adrenal function;
• increases immunity;
• accelerates water balance;
• improves blood clotting;
• heals boils, ulcers;
• cardiac system disorders;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• relieves swelling and toxins;
• tuberculosis;
• promotes hair growth;
• for colds;
• for weight loss;
• against tumor;
• acts as a vitamin supplement.

Compresses and herbal lotions are used to treat eczema, lichen, and boils. Increases the body's resistance if you drink tea or take a bath.

Can relieve inflammation oral cavity, stomatitis. Use the prepared infusion for rinsing.

Horsetail juice is drunk for bladder and kidney diseases. Prevents baldness, hair loss, and dandruff.

remember, that medicinal herb Not suitable for everyone due to personal intolerance.

Medicinal use of horsetail

Horsetail powder is used to treat animals and is applied to wounds. After this, the affected area quickly heals and goes away.

• Infusion. You will need grass and boiling water. Fill the drug with water, leave for 60 minutes, strain. You need to take 1 tbsp. three times a day at female disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, bladder disorders. Besides internal reception, the infusion is used externally. Wipe the bedsore porous skin, festering wound, boil. Relieves inflammation during sore throat, gargle.
• Decoction. Brew horsetail, boil for half an hour, strain. Use 1 tbsp. three times a day after meals. A decoction is used for pleurisy and inflammation of urolithiasis. Apply a compress to a sore joint, ulcer, or eczema.
• Juice. Extract juice from fresh herbs. You need to take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. It is recommended to wash a festering wound or a bleeding wound. The product should be stored in a cool place. Used for nosebleeds, 2 drops are dripped into the nose.
• For rejuvenation. Pour water over the herb, boil for 20 minutes, and pour the broth into the bathroom. Lie in it for about half an hour, the skin will be smooth and silky. After regular use, the skin will tighten, stretch marks, wrinkles, and cellulite will be smoothed out. On a face with an oily face, problem skin it is necessary to apply a lotion from the infusion.
• Osteochondrosis. To prepare the potion you will need: strawberry leaves, horsetail, knotweed, barberry, agrimony. Place the entire mixture in a vessel and bring to a boil. Use 100 g. 3 times a day. The treatment lasts a month, then a break is taken, and the course is repeated again. It is very good to stick to the product fasting days, go to gymnastics.
• For weight loss. Place the horsetail in a vessel with water and heat for a couple of 25 minutes. Cool the broth, remove the herb and you can take it. The infusion should be stored for 2 days. Drink half a glass three times a day 60 minutes before meals.
• When bleeding. Pour the raw materials into a thermos and fill boiled water. Leave it overnight and then douche in the evening and in the morning. Apply until improvement.
• During menstruation. Brew the herb in the same way and drink every 2 hours. This will help avoid pain, cramps, and reduce the amount of discharge.
• With uterine bleeding. Horsetail Fresh Juice You need to take 1 teaspoon 3 to 6 times a day.
• For sore throat, stomatitis. Gargle the throat and mouth with the herbal infusion. The drug is poured with boiled, cooled water and infused for 24 hours. Then rinse the mouth and throat.
• For inflammation of the gums. Boil the horsetail, strain and rinse the gums with the prepared broth.
• For sweaty feet. Use a foot bath with horsetail added. The level of sweating of the feet decreases.
• For diarrhea. Dissolve horsetail powder in boiled water. Drink 1 glass in the morning and evening.
• For cardiovascular failure. Use 1 tbsp of horsetail juice. three times a day. Herbal decoction cleanses the blood of cholesterol, enhances cardiac function.
• For kidney disease. Brew the herb in a teapot and drink throughout the day.
• Stones in gallbladder. The decoction is prepared as follows: lingonberry leaf, knotweed, bear's ear grass, hernia grass, horsetail. Place the collection in a saucepan with water and boil for 30 minutes. Strain, infuse the broth and drink 25 ml. before meals twice a day. Have another drink after that olive oil 1 tablespoon. Then lie down and place a warm heating pad on the location of the gallbladder. Before use fatty foods do not eat, preferably grapefruit, lemon juice.
• With pyelonephritis. You can cook and drink the prepared decoction. Pour dry leaves of horsetail and bearberry with water and boil for 20 minutes. Strain the infusion. Drink a third of a glass of the decoction half an hour before meals.
• For atherosclerosis. Take horsetail, yarrow, mistletoe herbs, pour garlic with dill and drink 50 ml. three times a day.
• For the prostate gland. Place a compress from the plant on your stomach. It is advisable to pour the raw material kept over the steam onto linen fabric and wrap it to the body. After this, wrap yourself warmly and rinse for 2 hours.
• At inguinal hernia and dysentery you need to drink a herbal decoction.
• When urinating. Horsetail and chamomile are brewed, strained and drunk 1 glass 3 times a day.
• For kidney stones. Boil the drug over low heat for 15 minutes. Then it cools down, and take half a glass of it on an empty stomach for 2 months. Gradually the pain will subside, harmful sand will be removed from the urinary tract.
• For neuritis and cystitis. Boil the herb and let it brew. The decoction can be drunk and used as a compress.
• For varicose ulcers. Use a bath with the prepared decoction. Regular use will bring results.
• For diabetes. The prepared decoction is consumed 3 tablespoons 4 times a day before meals.
• For coronary heart disease. Drink 1 tablespoon of fresh horsetail juice 5 times a day. They also prepare a drink from dry horsetail and hot water. Take half a glass of decoction.
• For tumors and stomach cancer. Apply a compress to the stomach 2 times a day for 1.5–2 hours. It is effective for atony of the bladder and prostate gland. It is recommended to drink the decoctions in small sips 4 times a day.

Doctors' opinion about horsetail

Initial use of treatment may cause kidney failure. Since it has a strong diuretic effect. Therefore, along with the infusion taken, you need to drink plain water no more than 2 liters per day. But the nutritionist is skeptical about the product. After all, without using physical activity One dose of horsetail will not bring noticeable results. You should also adhere to a diet, proper low-calorie nutrition.

Treatment with herbs is prohibited for people who suffer from neurosis or nephritis. The most important thing to remember is that horsetail contains a toxic substance. Excessive consumption of it can have a detrimental effect on your health.

Contraindications to the use of horsetail

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers are prohibited from consuming horsetail.

If you have a chronic disease, see a doctor before starting treatment. He will prescribe the dosage, conduct an examination, and monitor you. Do not treat yourself under any circumstances, so as not to cause serious harm to the body. People who suffer from potassium deficiency are not recommended to take horsetail.

You should not drink the infusion together with another drug (lithium, for example) because a side effect from the drug taken may occur.

It should be used with caution if you have diabetes, as the plant lowers blood sugar levels. May cause hypoglycemia.

ABOUT medicinal properties You will learn about horsetail from this video:

Horsetail is beneficial and, at the same time, dangerous plant. There are many varieties of it. The following types are known: forest, swamp, wintering, meadow and others. But horsetail has gained popularity. Only it is not poisonous, and therefore is used in folk medicine. What are the beneficial properties and contraindications of horsetail? This question is asked by people who use the plant for medicinal purposes.

Description

Horsetail (ephedra) is a herbaceous medicinal plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It has articulated rhizomes with round nodules in the form of nuts. The branches are arranged in rings at the nodes of the stem and are erect. The medicinal plant bears fruit in early spring; spores arise between April and May.

The grass is found everywhere except the Far North and deserts. She adapts to different natural conditions and grows on any soil. Beneficial features Horsetail is used in medicine and cooking. It is used to prepare various dishes. Previously, housewives used it to clean pewter dishes, but today horsetail is not used for such purposes.

Collection and storage

For treatment, green stems are used, which are cut at summer period. They are dried in the shade outdoors or in ventilated attics. If you spread horsetail in a thick layer, it will darken when dried slowly and lose its healing properties. The finished raw material has a sour taste and a faint odor. After harvesting, it is recommended to use it within 4 years, otherwise medicinal benefits is lost.

Chemical composition

The composition of the conifer is varied. Due to this, the benefits of the plant are determined. Ephedra contains organic acids, alkaloids, tannins, silicic acid, vitamin C, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, carotene and others useful components.

Healing properties

Horsetail is a medicinal product that copes with a large number diseases. Therefore, the herb is used in folk medicine. It can help with digestive disorders and is used in the treatment of stomach and liver tumors. The above-ground part of the plant is mainly used. Horsetail is known for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and tonic properties. It stops bleeding, relieves swelling, relieves cough, and also relieves women from cystitis. The herb is used as a detoxifying agent, cleansing from substances that harm the body. The medicinal properties of horsetail allow it to be used in dentistry; it relieves inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. It is used for dandruff and is suitable for treating hair, preventing hair loss.

Horsetail and its other species (wintering and others) are used in the form of tea or baths. It tones the body and supports its functions. The grass relieves excessive sweating, eliminates unpleasant odor.

Young shoots of the plant are used in cooking to prepare fried and boiled dishes, casseroles. But before using them, contraindications should be carefully considered.

Treatment of diseases

Horsetail cures a whole list of diseases. It helps from:

• cystitis;
• rheumatism;
• jaundice;
• atherosclerosis;
• gout;
• dysentery;
• bladder diseases;
• diarrhea;
• tuberculosis;
• dermatitis;
• stomatitis;
• bleeding wounds;
• eczema;
• depriving;
• boils and other ailments.

Traditional medicine recipes

All types of plants have medicinal properties: wintering, meadow and others, but the main benefits are known from horsetail. Other varieties of the herb are poisonous, meaning they will cause harm if used incorrectly.

The following recipes exist:

When cystitis, liver dysfunction occurs, gynecological diseases For women, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of horsetail. To do this, 20 g of raw material is brewed in 200 ml of hot water and infused for 20 minutes. The product is used 2 tablespoons three times a day. Except internal use, it is recommended to use it externally to wash wounds that do not heal for a long time and fester.

• You can infuse the herb in hot or cold cold water. To do this, 50 g of raw material is poured with 500 ml of liquid and left for a day. Then the infusion is filtered and used to treat ulcers, sore joints, and rinse weakened hair. The medicine is applied in the form of compresses to the affected areas.
• A decoction of ephedra helps against cystitis, is used for hair loss, and relieves swelling. To prepare, 25 g of the plant is poured with a glass of boiling water and then kept on fire for 30 minutes. After this, the broth is filtered and taken 1 tablespoon three times a day.
• It is recommended to make an ointment from the ephedra if wounds do not heal for a long time. To do this, the plant extract is mixed with butter or petroleum jelly, maintaining a ratio of 1:4. The ointment is known to be useful for bedsores and eczema. Juice is squeezed out of crushed and thoroughly washed ephedra. It is used to get rid of cystitis and relieve swelling. It is used to treat ulcers and festering wounds. Ephedra juice treats frequent nosebleeds and is used to rinse hair if first diluted with water.
• To rinse the mouth, the raw material (2 tablespoons) is steamed overnight in 2 glasses of hot water.

For gynecological diseases in women, for external use (rinsing hair, wounds), horsetail can be used in herbal teas. You just need to carefully study the contraindications.

Hot tea made from ephedra and chamomile flowers helps relieve pain when urinating. To do this, take herbs in equal proportions and steam them in a glass of boiling water. Add sugar or honey to taste. It is recommended to drink three glasses of this tea per day.

When bladder spasms, cystitis and other similar diseases occur, a steam is prepared consisting of cornflower and ephedra flowers, which are mixed equally. This medicine also helps with hair loss.

The benefits of horsetail are priceless, but it should be remembered that this plant also has contraindications, so uncontrolled use can cause harm to the body. And it doesn’t matter what it is used for - in the treatment of cystitis or externally for hair loss - you must first consult a doctor.

Contraindications

Despite the benefits of horsetail, it has some contraindications that can cause harm to the body. It is not recommended to use the herb for kidney diseases, which include nephritis, nephrosis and others. Contraindications also apply to nursing mothers. Horsetail will also cause harm during pregnancy.

Field needles are a storehouse of valuable substances. It is the only herb of its kind that does not contain toxic substances Therefore, it is used in medicine, cooking, cosmetology (for rinsing hair). Despite this, contraindications also affected her. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with them first so as not to cause harm to your own body.

Horsetail - unpretentious plant, which can be found literally everywhere, just go out into a field or meadow. It is distinguished from other plants by its appearance, which resembles the shoot of a young pine. For this feature, horsetail is popularly called “horse tail”, “pusher” or “field tree”.

Along with fern, horsetail is one of the oldest plants on Earth, which has been repeatedly confirmed by archaeological excavations. Moreover, modern horsetails are very reminiscent of their prehistoric ancestors, with the only difference being that horsetails used to be gigantic in size, and modern plants do not exceed 50 cm in height.

Today, scientists count more than 20 species of horsetail, of which the field horsetail is the most valuable. This plant is considered medicinal, because according to historical references, Avicenna also used horsetail in medical practice, using it to treat tumors, ulcers and bloody diarrhea.

Let's take a closer look at this extraordinary plant, and at the same time find out what potential horsetail has and how this herb helps maintain health.

Chemical composition of horsetail

To appreciate the potential of this plant, just look at it valuable composition. It includes:

• vitamins: A, C, D, E, K, as well as B vitamins;
• minerals: iron, zinc, copper and phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium;
• carbohydrates: pectins, galactose, glucose, arabinose, mannose;
• alkaloids: equisetin, nicotine and trimethoxypyridine;
• flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, glucoside;
• tannins: phenol, tannin and other astringents;
• organic acids: malic, nicotinic, quinic, oxalic, aconitic and gluconic acid;
• phenolcarboxylic acids: gallic, vanillic, caffeic, ferulic and protocatechinic acid;
• fatty oils: sitosterol, campesterol, isofucosterol;
• silicic acid salts;
• saponins (equisetonin, etc.);
• carotene;
• bitterness;
• resin.

Medicinal properties of horsetail

Comprehensive studies of this field plant and numerous experiments have revealed 4 key medicinal properties of horsetail:

Diuretic property

Practice shows that the diuretic properties of this plant are many times superior to any kidney preparations, as well as many medications(incl. kidney tea Orthosiphon and diuretic drug Diuretin). This feature allows the person receiving medicines based on horsetail, fight diseases genitourinary area and prevent the formation of bladder stones.

Choleretic property

Due to the presence of organic acids, as well as silicic acid salts, field fir activates the outflow of bile, helping to fight against stagnation and preventing the formation of gallstones. Moreover, horsetail prevents fluid stagnation in the lungs and soft tissues, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and fights the leaching of calcium from the skeletal system.

General strengthening property

Regenerative property

Horsetail supplies the body with a variety of valuable vitamins and mineral compounds that actively restore the body of a person who has suffered major surgery, faced vitamin deficiency or was sick for a long time. The pusher improves metabolic processes in the body, enhances the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and therefore promotes speedy healing wound

In addition to those listed, the ponytail has other properties, in particular:

• antimicrobial;
• expectorant;
• astringent;
• hemostatic;
• anthelmintic;
• antispasmodic;
• antiseptic.

Diseases that horsetail treats

Considering the listed properties of horsetail, this plant is used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• Pathologies of the heart and blood vessels (atherosclerosis, ischemic disease heart, hypertension, chronic cardiac and cardiopulmonary failure, as well as heart defects).
• Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis and radiculitis, bone fractures, osteochondrosis and osteoporosis).
• Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract ( peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis, cholecystitis and cholangitis, cholelithiasis and pancreatitis).
• Respiratory diseases ( chronic bronchitis and tonsillitis, bronchial asthma, as well as pleurisy with a large accumulation of exudate).
• Diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease).
• Pathologies urinary tract(cystitis, urethritis, and urolithiasis).
• Metabolic problems (obesity, diabetes, gout).
• Skin pathologies (ulcers, purulent and non-healing wounds, psoriasis and eczema, dermatitis and neurodermatitis, furunculosis, seborrhea and hyperkeratosis).

Procurement of raw materials

Horsetail can be purchased at a pharmacy. Such raw materials are sold in transparent bags of 100 and 150 g of dried herbs. However, you can always make your own ponytail by collecting the horsetail stems and then drying them outdoors in the shade or in a well-ventilated room. The shelf life of dried horsetail is 4 years.

The benefits of horsetail for women

The ability of the plant in question to stop blood, as well as its extraordinary diuretic abilities, have found their application in the treatment of diseases of the female genital area. In this regard, the field tree helps with heavy and prolonged menstrual flow, with irregular cycle and uterine fibroids. Moreover, this medicinal plant perfectly cleanses and heals the skin, improves hair condition and even helps in weight loss.

The benefits of horsetail for men

For the strong half of humanity, this remedy is prescribed in cases where it is necessary to intensify protein metabolism and thereby increase muscle mass, as well as heal wounds and cuts. But more importantly, horsetail-based products stimulate the adrenal glands and increase testosterone production, which allows you to maintain your virility and fight impotence.

Folk recipes with horsetail

Cystitis

To treat this inflammatory disease Place 20 g of field Christmas tree in a jar, pour in 100 ml of vodka, close the vessel and infuse the mixture for a week. Ready product take 20 drops 3 times a day before meals.

For those who are not suitable for tincture, we can recommend a water solution. To prepare it, pour 50 g of medicinal herb into 600 ml of water, place on fire and boil for 30 minutes over low heat. Let the broth cool, strain it and take half a glass 3-4 times a day.

Stones in the kidneys

Modern pharmacology produces drugs for removing kidney stones based on horsetail. These are medications such as Phytolysin, Cyston and Canephron.

As an alternative to medications, you can also offer an effective folk remedy. 1 tsp pour 200 ml of water into the pusher and cook the product over low heat for 5 minutes. Strain the finished broth and drink the entire volume in the morning, before meals. The course of therapy is 2-3 months.

Strengthening the immune system

To strengthen protective forces the body should use a decoction of horsetail. To prepare it, 2 tbsp. crushed raw materials, pour 0.5 liters of water and send the mixture to the fire. Simmer it over low heat for 15 minutes, then remove from the stove and let cool. After straining the warm infusion, you can take half a glass of it in the morning and evening. Duration of therapy is 1-2 months.

Improved testosterone production

To improve testosterone synthesis and thereby strengthen male power, use horsetail tincture. It is prepared simply: fill a half-liter jar with fresh horsetail, fill it up to the neck with vodka, close the lid and place in a dark place for 3 weeks. Don't forget to shake the tincture periodically. When the time is right, strain the product and you can begin treatment.

To strengthen male power take horsetail tincture every morning, 1 tbsp. before meals. Duration of therapy is 2-3 months. In addition, this product will strengthen the immune system, improve protein metabolism, and if you wipe the skin with it, it will remove pimples, blackheads, acne and seborrhea.

Long and heavy periods

Take 3 tbsp. crushed raw materials, fill it with 2 glasses of water and bring to a boil. Remove the product from the heat, close the lid, wrap it in a warm cloth and leave for 30 minutes. From start to finish menstrual flow take the prepared decoction, 1 tbsp. every 2 hours. Treatment duration is 3 menstrual cycles.

Irregular periods

2 tbsp. crushed pusher, pour 300 ml of water, and, bringing to a boil, keep on fire for 1 minute, then remove and wrap in warm clothes. After 20 minutes, the product must be filtered and the finished medicine should be drunk during the day, dividing it into several equal parts.

By the way, this decoction is suitable for treating uterine fibroids. Only for this disease, you should drink 1/4 glass up to four times a day for 2 months.

Furunculosis, acne and purulent wounds

Pour 5 tbsp with two glasses of water. horse tail and put the mixture on the fire. Boil the product for 15 minutes, and then let the broth cool and saturate for 30 minutes. Strain the finished medicine and you can use it for its intended purpose, that is, moisten it in it cotton swab and wipe the affected skin daily 4-6 times a day.

When purulent wounds It is more effective to use compresses. To do this, gauze soaked in horsetail decoction should be applied to the wounds for 30 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

Acne and pimples

To combat acne, grind horsetail greens into powder, then mix 1 tsp. powder with 4 tsp. Vaseline or butter, and lubricate acne or pimples with this mixture once a day.

Warts

It seems surprising, but horsetail can even cope with warts. To do this, boil 2 tbsp. field Christmas tree in 200 ml of water for 15 minutes. After cooling and straining the product, apply gauze compresses with this decoction to the wart in the mornings and evenings for 1 hour. After about a month, the wart will disappear.

Skin rejuvenation

If your skin begins to dull, wither and lose its former elasticity, try to improve its tone with the help of special baths. To do this, pour 4 cups of chopped horsetail with 4 liters of water and boil this mixture over low heat for 20 minutes. Filter the finished product and pour it into a filled bath. Take a bath for 15–20 minutes twice a week for 2 months. At the end of the rejuvenation course, you will be surprised at how your skin has transformed.

Hair strengthening

To strengthen your hair and prevent hair loss, use pusher juice. To do this, collect fresh horsetail, rinse it, let it dry, and then put it through a juicer. Apply the finished juice to the scalp, while massaging the hair roots. In addition, soak a comb in horsetail juice and comb your hair, distributing the healing liquid along the entire length of the strands. Carry out the procedures 2 times a week and after 1.5–2 months you will notice that your hair has become voluminous and does not fall out as before.

Hair saturation

If you need to revitalize and nourish your hair, return it to its natural freshness and natural shine, take ½ cup of horsetail decoction and combine it with 1 chicken egg. Ready mask Apply to the scalp and distribute throughout the entire length of the hair. Put a cellophane cap on top and wrap your head with a terry towel. And after 30 minutes, wash your hair with shampoo. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times per week for two months.

Facial rejuvenation

To rejuvenate the skin of the face, as well as to maintain the correct oval of the face, it is enough to prepare a decoction of horsetail from 2 tbsp. raw materials and 300 ml of water which need to be boiled for 5 minutes. After moistening a cotton pad in the cooled broth, wipe the skin of the face and décolleté in the morning and evening, and after 20 minutes, rinse off the product with running water. Alternatively, you can moisten several cotton pads at once and apply lotions to your face for literally 20 minutes. These procedures must be performed 2-3 times a week.

Another way to tone the skin is the juice of the plant in question. Just squeeze out the pusher juice, freeze it in a mold, and when the healing moisture turns into ice, wipe your face with an ice cube twice a day. The reflection in the mirror will soon make you very happy!

How to lose weight with horsetail

The greens in question are suitable for combating excess weight and gaining slim figure. For this purpose, prepare an infusion of horsetail from 2 tablespoons every day. raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water, infusing the mixture for 30 minutes. Divide the finished product into 4 doses and drink throughout the day, preferably 30 minutes before meals. The duration of a weight loss course is limited to a month, and 2 similar courses are allowed per year.

By the way, to enhance the effectiveness of weight loss, horsetail is recommended to be mixed in equal proportions with chamomile, birch leaves, buckthorn bark or nettle.

Contraindications and side effects of horsetail use

Given the undeniable benefits of the field Christmas tree, you need to remember that taking remedies based on this medicinal plant Not everyone can. Contraindications to taking horsetail are:

• Acute nephritis and nephrosis. The diuretic properties of horsetail create additional stress on the kidneys, which only aggravates the course of the disease.
• Abundant internal bleeding, and uterine bleeding caused by infectious processes.
• Pregnancy. Components of the cauda equina cause contractions of the uterus, which can cause miscarriage.
• Breastfeeding period.
• Individual intolerance to horsetail components.
• Child's age is up to 3 years.

Finally, if you have chronic diseases, as well as kidney or heart failure, taking horsetail-based products should be discussed with your doctor.
Take care of your health!