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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Horsetail (horsetel in tagalog)


(Shavegrass, Scouring Rush) – (Equisetum arvense) Part used: Tops. Properties: Astringent, diuretic, lithotriptic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, nutritive, vulnerary. What it affects: Kidneys, blood, heart and lungs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 45 min. Take a mouthful 4 times daily or 1-2 cups daily. Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 2 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 5-30 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 5 drops 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, shaveness is a reliable diuretic and used for all urinary disorders. Take a decoction of 1 cup 2-3 times a day or 2 Tbsp. every hour. The early settlers used shaveness as a diuretic in kidney problems and dropsy. It is specific, not only for urine retention, but for internal bleeding. It stops bleeding by helping to coagulate the blood.
  • Shaveness can be used for skin and eye conditions, and is good for glandular swelling and discharges of pus. It clears fevers, releases nervous tension, and calms an overactive liver. It strengthens the heart and lungs and removes gravel from the bladder and kidneys. Fractured bones heal more quickly when shaveness is taken. The Chinese use it as a healing eyewash. It can also be used for bed-wetting, gallbladder diseases, skin diseases, edema, and spitting of blood. Use it for muscle cramps and spasms. It used for bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rickets.
  • Early settlers used shaveness to scour their pots and pans, hence its other name. Because it is ridged with silica, it is an outstanding scouring pad. Fine cabinetmakers use it for polishing wood finishes.

Externally, a fomentation can be placed on bleeding wounds, ulcers and burns.

Note: Early spring shaveness is the best to use.

Warning: Excessive use of shaveness will irritate the kidneys and intestines; so only take infrequently and in small doses for a short time. After 2-3 weeks, do not use it for a week. Then the treatment can be repeated. Continued use interferes with the absorption of thiamine (vitaminB1).

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