Gifts of Siberia: Horsetail
A Chapter Revealing a Humble Herb Growing Beneath Our Feet and Holding an Array of Healing Powers...
Siberia is an endless verdant expanse, where every plant whispers its own story. Within this glorious landscape grow remarkable botanical curiosities, such as the horsetail, a modest but mysterious plant often called a 'living fossil'. Its ribbed stems carry ancient secrets spanning millions of years. Let's explore this fascinating plant.
A Survivor of Centuries and a Victor over Illness
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is one of the most ancient plants on Earth, tracing back to prehistoric times. This perennial plant belongs to the Equisetidae (horsetails) family. It is easily recognizable by its jointed stems resembling tiny pine trees. With its long creeping rhizome, it withstands drought and exhibits two stems forms: Spring stems, pinkish and unbranched up to 25 cm tall, and summer stems, green, branched, acarpous and 30-50 cm tall.
Founds across Russia except in deserts and the Far North, horsetail favors forest glades, riverbanks, ravines, sandy and moist soils, as well as abandoned fields, meadows and roadsides.
Despite its modest appearance, the pant boasts unique healing properties, known since Avicenna's time. The plant is now officially recognized in medicine and is used mainly for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and general restorative properties.
A Powerhouse of Natural Benefits
Horsetail's remarkable healing power lies in its unique composition, with silicic acid being a key component. It is present in soluble, organic compound-bound form, making it a bioavailable source of silicon -- a mineral crucial for our health. The silicon compounds in horsetail are, first and foremost, essential for maintaining the structure of connective tissue, making them true architects of health. They stimulate collagen production, strengthen bone tissue, support joint mobility and preserve the elasticity of blood vessels and the youthfulness of the skin. Besides, silicon acts as a natural detox agent by helping the body bind and eliminate heavy metals (especially lead and aluminum) and prevent the formation of kidney stones. It plays a crucial role in the immune system protection. All these qualities make horsetail an indispensable ally for our well-being.
The plant also includes flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin) known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, saponins (which increase urine flow and help with coughs), organic acids (malic, aconitic, glyceric), tannins, Vitamin C and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron).
The Green Healer with Superpowers
Horsetail is widely used in traditional and modern medicine thanks to its broad range of effects. Its main therapeutic properties include:
Diuretic – assisting in comprehensive therapy of edema caused by various issues (kidney dysfunction, chronic heart failure).
Anti-inflammatory – effectively reducing inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract (including cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis).
Antioxidant – slowing down aging and protecting blood vessels.
Hemostatic – effective in managing uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Wound-healing – promoting the repair of wounds, ulcers, skin cracks.
General tonic – boosting the immune system and removing toxins (including lead). A major source of natural silicon.
It is no wonder that a plant combining simplicity with potent therapeutic properties is included in Siberian Wellness products.
For example, Herbal Tea № 7 (Active Rhythm) by Baikal Tea Collection series (horsetail herb).
Natural herbal blend based on horsetail, marsh cinquefoil, lingonberry and currant normalizes the water-salt balance in connective tissues, accelerates recovery and reduces the negative effects of metabolic products.
Horsetail promotes an anti-inflammatory effect, aids in cleansing the joints of salt deposits, helps manage edema.
Did you know that this unassuming plant's stems hold a complete apothecary, all dedicated to your well-being?