Horsetail - Herb of the Week

Horsetail is an ancient herb approximately 350 million years old and considered a living fossil. You can find this plant everywhere in the world apart from Antarctica. It’s considered an invasive weed by many but to us it is extremely versatile edible and medicinal plant.

🌳

It’s considered the most abundant source of silica found in nature sitting at 35%! Which is known to help strengthen bones, tendons, hair and nails. Silica is responsible for creating collagen, collagen is responsible for developing and maintaining connective skin tissue due to these reasons it’s a popular ingredient in skin care products. Silica is helpful for memory loss issues and cognitive functions because it helps connect nerve cells and spinal cord. It also known to absorb and use calcium to enhance bone flexibility, helpful for fractured bones and dislocated joints.

Working as a powerful diuretic it’s great for treating kidney problems. Not recommend to use if you are trying to become pregnant or currently are.

🌳

Used as an ingredient in tea historically to treat the bacteria and sebum that produces acne and helps fight respiratory infections. The flavour comes across mild and grassy. A great way to utilize this plant is by infusing it in raw apple cider vinegar for a couple of months or tallow /oil for lotions, balms and salves. We use the infused vinegar as a base in salad dressings, cut the mixture with water for a face toner, use as hair rinses and add a little into our baths. Try grinding it up and adding as an ingredient in toothpaste.

🌳

Fun fact, herbicides such as glyphosate have minimal effect on horsetail due to the plants lack of leaf, deep root system and rhizomes. Making it a great resilient plant that can keep you fed and healthy. Maybe that is why it’s one of the oldest plants around.

🌳

We have bags of dried horsetail available at markets or if you would like fresh bundles please reach out to us.