HORSETAIL

Equisetum arense: Equisetaceae

PLANET: Saturn

ELEMENT: Earth

TASTE: sweet, bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: cool	DOSHAS: V+ P- K-

MERIDIANS: lungs, liver, gall bladder

ACTIONS: diuretic, alterative, diaphoretic, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing of bones, antilithic, vulnerary.

INDICATIONS: urinary stones, hematuria and hematemesis, kidney inflammations, enuresis and incontinence, edema, nephritis, cystitis, prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy, urethral burning, stomach ulcers, menorrhagia, venereal diseases, pink eye, conjunctivitis, tearing, blurred vision, cloudy eyes, broken bones, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, anal fistula, high Pita

PRECAUTIONS: high Vata, dry skin, can be irritating to UT if taken for long periods

CONSTITUENTS: silica, starch, volatile oil, resin, EQUISETIC ACID, alkaloids incl. nicotine & palustrine, flavonoids such as isoquercitrin, a saponin called EQUISITONIN, silicic acid, aconitic acid, dimethyl-sulphone

PREPARATION AND USE:
-standard infusion, 1 c boiling water over 1 tsp herb. Take hot for diaphoresis, cold fur diuresis
-strain for an eyewash, and take internally as well with eyebright for eye inflammation
-poultice for hemorrhoids or anal fistula
-stronger infusion as emmenagogue
-applied in poultice to wounds, will stop bleeding and speed healing
-often combined with hydrangea for prostate problems

NUTRITIONAL USE: sometimes used in herbal vinegars as a source of silica

USE IN MAGIC:
-whistles made of stem will call snakes to the player
-used in fertility charms and mixtures

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-Helps to clear out fiery emotions that are suppressed by feelings of loss or depression.
-Gives the clarity to vision needed during the trying times
-Activates hidden survival instincts
-gives the strength and endurance needed to clear internal or external blockages

"Once I trust that my own needs will be met, I can act upon the knowledge that any one of us will be whole only when the whole is healthy."