Horsetail
Equisetum arvense
Ancient silica-rich plant supporting bones, joints, hair, and connective tissue
About Horsetail
Horsetail is a living fossil — one of the oldest plants on Earth, dating back over 350 million years to the Carboniferous period. It is the richest plant source of silica, a mineral essential for collagen formation, bone density, and connective tissue integrity. It has been used in European herbalism for centuries for urinary, bone, and skin health.
Key benefits
- Richest plant source of bioavailable silica for bone and joint health
- Supports hair, skin, and nail strength through collagen synthesis
- Traditionally used as a mild diuretic for urinary tract support
- May support wound healing and tissue repair
How to use
Simmer 2-3 tsp dried horsetail in 2 cups water for 15-20 minutes (decoction extracts silica best). Drink 1-2 cups daily. Use in cycles: 2-3 weeks on, 1 week off. Can also be used as a hair rinse for strengthening.
Did you know?
Horsetail's ancestors grew as tall as trees during the Carboniferous period, forming the massive forests that eventually became coal deposits. The plant is so rich in silica that Native Americans used it to polish arrows and pioneers used it to scrub pots — earning it the name 'scouring rush'.