Horsetail
is among the richest plant sources of the mineral silicon, in the
form of the compound monosilicic acid, which the body can readily
use. The makes it an excellent herb for treating a number of conditions.
Horsetail has anti-aging properties.
With age and declining hormonal activity, levels off the mineral
silicon decrease in the arteries and skin. Low oestrogen levels
decrease the body's ability to absorb silicon. Silicon also plays
a role in the repair of bone, cartilage and connective tissues.
Horsetail is a long-time folk remedy for fractures, torn ligaments
and related injuries.
French research suggests that silicon
helps prevent osteoporosis and can be used to treat bone fractures.
Horsetail tea is, therefore, a useful tonic for preventing osteoporosis.
Horsetail can be used to treat bursitis and teninitis. A number
of studies show that silicon plays an important role in the health
and resilience of both cartilage and connective tissues such as
tendons.
This herb is also useful for treating baldness.
The minerals selenium and silicon both promote circulation to the
scalp, and as a result, they help maintain hair, according to naturopaths.
Both minerals abound in Horsetail.
Horsetail is also used for kidney stones and
the general health of the urinary tract (it increases urine output).
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