A pure natural product

Field horsetail, also known simply as horsetail or shavegrass, was already part of our flora around 400 million years ago. At that time it grew as tall as a tree and was found in European forests alongside other plants such as giant ferns. Because the plant has no flowers, it reproduces each year through spores. Field horsetail can be recognized in spring by its light brown, branchless shoots, which resemble mushrooms. Toward summer these shoots wither and make way for the green shoots that contain the important and healthy ingredients. These remain until autumn. These summer shoots are reminiscent of small conifers because of their special shape. Several small green branches grow from each stem. These replace the plant's leaves and have a diameter of around 3 to 5 millimeters. Although they look slightly bushy, they feel very hard. It is a perennial plant that grows to around 10 to 50 centimeters high. It is odorless and grows in Europe and northern Asia on fields, meadows or arable land. An important detail is the lowest segment of the plant. This is longer than the sheath of the main shoot. You should pay attention to this when picking, because there is a risk of confusing it with marsh horsetail, which is poisonous and likes to grow in damp areas.

Many useful ingredients

Field horsetail is characterized by its high silica content. In the past, the herb was used to polish pots and was considered a kind of sandpaper. Pots were often made of tin, which is how the German name "Zinnkraut" came about. It also contains other beneficial ingredients. Field horsetail was already used as a herbal remedy in the Middle Ages. Later, however, it fell into oblivion. It was only Pastor Sebastian Kneipp, regarded as the founder of hydrotherapy, who consciously used the herb again and appreciated its ingredients. The green summer shoots in particular contain many useful components. Around 10 percent mineral constituents are present in them, consisting of silica and other water-soluble silicates. They also contain 0.2 to 0.9 percent flavonoids, composed primarily of kaempferol and quercetin. Carboxylic acid, glycosides and potassium are also present. Alkaloids, such as nicotine, make up the smallest proportion.

Suitable for internal and external use

Field horsetail can be used in many different ways. Because its silica content is very high, it tastes rather woody. Nevertheless, the young shoots can be chopped or ground and added to sauces, soups or smoothies. Another option for internal use is to make tea with field horsetail. The herb can either be used fresh or dried after harvesting. One teaspoon of horsetail should then be poured over with 250 milliliters of cold water. This mixture is left to stand for several hours and then boiled. After straining the herbs, the tea can be enjoyed warm. It is even easier to buy ready-packaged tea, for example from VITALOVE. A field horsetail tincture can also be prepared. To do this, the herb is cut into small pieces and covered with high-proof alcohol in a sealable container. The liquid is then left to steep for four weeks. It then only needs to be filtered through a coffee filter. The tincture can be used both externally and internally. Another option for external use is to add field horsetail to bath water. Two teaspoons of the herb are enough as an addition to a full bath. Creams, ointments or compresses can also be made from the herb.
It is important, however, that when taking field horsetail, you make sure not to consume it for too long without medical supervision. Even though there are no real dosage guidelines, it is best to speak with a doctor about the plan before starting. Especially in cases of heart or kidney problems, it should not be taken.