Horsetail – shavegrass (Equisetum arvense)
Shavegrass Horsetail Herbs for Sale
Horsetail, commonly referred to as Field Horsetail, belongs to one of the oldest surviving family of plants on the planet with a history dating to the Paleozoic era. The Latin name Equisetum is from equus, horse, and seta, bristle. The plant gets its common name from the fact that the erect stems resemble a horse's tail. The fresh aerial parts of the herb are eaten as a spring vegetable, while the dried herb is used for teas and as a bath herb.
Horsetail is native to Pangaea. Considered to be a living fossil, it has changed very little in millions of years. Essentially identical to their prehistoric ancestors, but for the fact that ancient horsetail, based on fossil evidence, were 100-200 feet in height. Comprising huge forests, arborescent horsetails were dominant in the Carboniferous lowland swamps of prehistoric times. They are given their very own family with only one remaining genus, Equisetum, of 25 species of spreading rhizomatous, flowerless, often marginal, aquatic perennials.
This non-flowering plant, which is closely related to the fern, is the most abundant source of silica that exists, and is also rich in calcium and potassium.
Origin: Europe
Active Compounds: Minerals: Silicic acids and silicates, Potassium, Sulphur, Manganese, Magnesium; Flavonoids: Quercetin glycosides; Phenolic acids, Alkaloids, Equisetonin, Phytosterols: Cholesterol, Isofucosterol, Campesterol; Tannins.
Plant Part Used: Aerial parts
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dark cabinet in a tightly-sealed container.
Appearance and Aroma: Weedy and grass-like with a slightly sweet scent.
Cosmetic Uses: Use water-based infusions in homemade shampoos and conditioner. Infuse in oil for use in creams, lotions and balms.
Culinary Uses: Sprinkle over cooked vegetables, pasta and other foods. May be encapsulated as a dietary supplement.
Other Uses: Tonic for house and garden plants.
Flavor Profile: Mildly bitter, but lacks flavor otherwise. Combine with other herbs to improve taste in tea blends and in foods.
Safety: Those with kidney disorders or thiamine deficiency should avoid horsetail.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.