Horsetail Herb May Help Manage Bladder Problems, Wound Healing, And More
Horsetail is a plant that is used by many to make natural medicine. It was historically prepared as a juice, tea, or tincture for treating many diseases. Considered as one of the oldest medicinal herbs, it is rich in silica that is responsible for its numerous benefits. It also contains chemicals that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and work like "water pills" (diuretics) and increase urine output.
Below are some of the known health benefits of horsetail.
Hair & Skin, and Nail Health
Silica is believed to be key to the optimal synthesis of collagen, a building block that is essential to the strength and elasticity of the skin as well as in the health of our nails and hair.
A 2012 study published by the “Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology” showed that silica derived from Horsetail significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days. Moreover, a 2016 study found that hair with high amounts of silica was less likely to fall out and was also more lustrous than hair with lower levels of silica.
Meanwhile, the results of a study published in the Journal of Plastic Dermatology revealed that the topical use of horsetail on nails reduced splitting and fragility of nails as well as reduced longitudinal grooves.
Wound Healing
In a study, results showed that horsetail ointment (3%) improved wound healing on
healthy women who had surgery to induce childbirth. After using horsetail ointment on the wound for 10 days, half of the study participants experienced reduced pain and quick wound healing with no side effects. Silica helps to seal the wound, while flavonoids prevent infections.
Has Diuretic Properties
A 2014 study found that horsetail works as well as a conventional diuretic medicine (hydrochlorothiazide) without side effects such as significant changes to liver or kidney function or electrolyte balance.
Helps Strengthen Our Bones And Tendons
Horsetail can help prevent osteoporosis, cavities, and improve healing and may have positive effects on the flexibility of the tendons and the vessel walls.
Leg Swelling
Results of a study showed that horsetail extract achieved an effect similar to the standard diuretic in 36 healthy male volunteers, without disrupting the electrolyte balance.
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