Equisetum
arvense, Linn
Potters Cyclopedia 1988
Compiled by Ivor
Hughes
HORSETAIL Equisetum
arvense L.
Fam. Equisetaceae Habitat: Common on wet ground and waste places all
over Britain.
Description: A perennial herb reaching up to 80cm but usually less.
Stems hollow, grooved, green, bearing whorls of branches at the nodes,
leaves reduced to sheaths above the nodes.
Taste and odour slight.
Part Used: Herb.
Constituents: (i) Alkaloids, including nicotine, palustrine and
palustrinine [713] (ii) Flavonoids such as isoquercitrin and equicetrin [2]
(iii) Sterols including cholesterol, isofucosterol, campesterol and others
[714] (iv) Silicic acid, 5-8% [2] (v) Miscellaneous; a saponin equisitonin,
dimethyl-sulphone, thiaminase and aconitic acid [2, 715].
Medicinal Use:
Haemostatic, astringent.
Horsetail is used for genito-urinary complaints such as cystitis,
prostatitis, urethritis and enuresis. It may be used internally as an
antihaemorrhagic and externally as a styptic and vulnerary.
The haemostatic substance has been shown to act orally, it has no effect on
blood pressure and is not a vasoconstrictor [716].
Preparations: Liquid Extract, dose: 2-4 ml. Potter's Products: Kasbah Remedy Medicinal Tea Bags, Antitis Tablets.
Regulatory Status: GSL. (General Sales List)
