subject: Horsetail - Key Health Benefits [print this page] Horsetail - Key Health Benefits Horsetail - Key Health Benefits
Horsetail is a plant that rich in silica and is often used as medicine for a number of ailments including kidney problems, weak bones, and skin and problems. This plant, usually 12-24 inches in height, mostly grows in wet grasslands and meadows such as farmlands, orchards, and nurseries where the soil is acidic and wet. Although horsetail is available throughout the world, it is commonly found in temperate regions of Europe Northern America and Russia.
Horsetail has been found effective in relieving a number of ailments and diseases that appear as you age, including type II diabetes, kidney and urinary tract problems, and weak bones.
Kidney and Bladder stones
Horsetail has been used for ages by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and native North Americans for curing kidney stones and bladder problems. It was also used for treating prostatitis, urinary incontinence and gonorrhea in the early 19th century. According to a study, having horsetail tea three times a day has helped people suffering from uric acid kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI). Because of horsetail's diuretic activity, the patients' urine discharge increased, enabling them to flush out the kidney stones, also relieving them of the UTI symptoms.
Horsetail and Diabetes
Horsetail can also help reduce the blood sugar levels and control type II diabetes, according to a study. One thing you should remember here is that horsetail may not be a medicine in itself for diabetes, but it can increase the effects of diabetic medications. In any case, you should carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and consult the doctor before use horsetail for to manage your sugar levels.
Horsetail and Osteoporosis
Horsetail contains huge proportions of silica which regulates the growth of collagen in bone, collective tissue and cartilage that are essential for strong bones. Studies in Italy have shown that horsetail capsules when taken in combination with calcium have been effective in treating osteoporosis (thinning of bones). However, as the study was poorly conducted, more research would be necessary to establish these results strongly.
Stay Young Naturally
Horsetail is also used in anti-aging and skin care products, as it works on improving the skin's elasticity and tone. Because of its silica content, horsetail can also be used to treat hair fall, dull and splitting hair, dandruff problems, brittle nails and weak tooth enamel.
Others
Besides the above, horsetail can also be used for treating hepatitis, frostbite, obesity, heavy and uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage of nose, lung or stomach. It can also be used for different kinds of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies, but should not be applied directly on open wounds.
Precautions before Use
As horsetail contains a chemical called thiaminase that can lead to thiamine deficiency, you should take care to check if the horsetail supplements you buy are safe enough to use. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing, infants under age of two, people who have impaired heart of kidney functions should avoid taking horsetail.
As horsetail can also remove the excess potassium from the body, you should avoid it if your potassium levels are low. Also, it is suggested that horsetail should not be taken with lithium, areca, chromium supplements, and alcohol. In any case, you should remember to consult your physician before taking any dosages of horsetail, to avoid health risks.
