Some report that this plant can eliminate fungi, since it contains substances such as thymol and cineol.
Horsetail is a medicinal plant of the Equisetum arvense spice, which is used as a home remedy to combat fluid retention, helps with weight loss and strengthen bones.
In addition, due to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, horsetail can be used as an aid in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary infections, for example.
Hair cola tea, prepared from the dried stem, is the most widely used way to consume this plant, which can be found in health food stores and some drugstores. Another way to consume horsetail is in capsule form.
Although it has several health benefits, the use of horsetail can also produce several side effects, mainly when the plant is consumed in excessive amounts or for more than a week, such as severe headache or pancreatitis, for example. Therefore, its use should always be guided by a doctor or other health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.
Horsetail has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, healing and remineralizing properties, and can be used for various purposes.
The main indications of horsetail are:
Fight fluid retention
Horsetail has a diuretic effect due to the large amounts of flavonoids, such as quercetin and apigenin, phenolic compounds, such as caffeic and cinnamic acids, as well as mineral salts that act by increasing the production and elimination of liquids through the urine, combating swelling and fluid retention.
A study carried out showed that taking a daily dose of 900 mg of horsetail dry extract in a capsule has a more powerful diuretic effect than a pharmacy diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide, for example. However, more studies are still needed to verify this effect.
help lose weight
Horsetail helps to lose weight because it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and diuretic substances in its composition, such as flavonoids and caffeic acid, which increase localized fat burning and help eliminate fluids that can cause excess weight.
In addition, the caffeic acid in horsetail has a thermogenic effect, which helps increase metabolism and fat burning, contributing to weight loss.
Fight urinary tract infection
Due to its diuretic action, horsetail can be useful to combat urinary tract infections and other urinary and kidney problems such as cystitis or nephritis, for example. This is because by stimulating the elimination of urine, this plant also promotes the elimination of bacteria from the urinary tract that cause these diseases.
lower blood pressure
Horsetail helps lower blood pressure due to its diuretic action, which increases the elimination of fluids from the body. This causes the volume of liquids in the blood vessels to decrease, also reducing the effort that the heart makes to pump blood and, consequently, lower blood pressure.
Maintain bone health
Horsetail is rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are essential minerals to strengthen, increase resistance and maintain bone health.
In addition, some studies carried out in laboratories show that horsetail can inhibit bone degradation and stimulate the formation and regeneration of bone cells, preventing the development of diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia or rickets, for example.
Other studies show that, due to the high concentration of silica in its composition, horsetail helps improve the formation, density and consistency of bones and cartilage, as well as increasing collagen synthesis and improving calcium absorption in the bones .
However, human studies are still needed to prove these benefits.
Improve the appearance of nails and skin
The silica present in horsetail reduces brittleness and formation of deformities in the nails, in addition to improving hydration, hardening and strengthening that helps in the appearance and growth of the nails.
In addition, horsetail has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, helping to improve the quality of the skin, as it fights free radicals that cause cell damage and can cause early aging, in addition to reducing skin fat, fighting and preventing the appearance of acne.
Eliminate fungi and bacteria
Some studies show that horsetail has essential oils, such as thymol and cineole, which are capable of eliminating fungi, mainly those on the skin, such as Candida sp. and bacteria such as:
Escherichia coli which causes urinary infection and Staphylococcus aureus which causes lung, skin and bone infections.
However, more human studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
How to make horsetail tea
The infusion is obtained with a cup of boiling water and a tablespoon of horsetail.
Place the dried stem of the horsetail in the cup of boiling water and let it sit for regarding 5 to 10 minutes.
Strain and drink up to 2 cups a day, preferably following the main meals of the day.
This tea should not be used for more than 1 week in a row, to avoid dehydration and elimination of some essential minerals for the body.
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