Horsetail has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times.
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12 properties and benefits of taking horsetail
One of the components that makes this plant more special is silicon . In nature there are not many sources of this mineral, which gives many properties and benefits and makes horsetail highly recommended.
In any case, the beneficial substances present in horsetail are many more. Other minerals such as magnesium or potassium, alkaloids, glycosides such as saponin or flavonoids stand out. Below are the advantages of taking a horsetail infusion daily.
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1. Take care of the bones
Horsetail favors the bones thanks to its contribution in minerals . The molecular form in which the mineral salts are found in this plant have a high availability for absorption in the human body. For this reason they promote the maintenance of bone tissue and others such as articular cartilage.
2. Strengthens nails
This plant stands out as natural remedies to avoid having brittle nails . The minerals present in horsetail also take care of the nails, and the contribution of silicon in this section should be highlighted. It is a very important mineral even though the human body needs it in small quantities.
3. Gives hair vitality
Hair is another tissue that this plant manages to strengthen . If the body does not receive the nutrients it needs, the health of the hair suffers, especially due to deficiencies of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and chromium. Taking horsetail guarantees the amounts of these minerals, fighting against hair loss.
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4. It has diuretic properties
Horsetail also has diuretic properties . Metabolic waste removal is most effective by the human body when taken from horse. It also helps cleanse the kidneys and bladder of toxins, which helps prevent or relieve kidney stones. In turn, it is very useful to avoid fluid retention.
5. Fight urinary infections
This plant is also indicated for people with urinary incontinence . It is recommended at least in those cases in which the problem can be related to the previous point, that is, because it is the result of some type of infection. Urinary tract infections often prevent people from having normal, painless urination.
6. It has astringent properties
Horsetail is also used to take advantage of its astringent properties . This means that it is a plant with substances that are capable of shrinking tissues and having a healing action. These are the tannins, which act anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic.
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7. Lowers uric acid
The properties and benefits of this plant are also recommended for those who suffer from gout . Those who have uric acid can take the opportunity to drink horsetail infusions, as it has been shown to combat retention problems of this substance in the body.
8. Repair the skin
In the field of cosmetics, horsetail is used as a skin repairer . The healing properties of this plant make it promote cell regeneration, and the skin is one of the tissues that can benefit the most from it. There are cosmetic products against stretch marks, wrinkles and cellulite that contain horsetail.
9. Fight gases
It has been found that horsetail also serves to combat gases . This plant has anti-inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal tract, and manages to eliminate gases from the intestine. It is a property that benefits people with discomfort and swelling, increasing their quality of life.
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10. Eliminate fungi
Horsetail tea can also be applied to the skin to combat fungus . If applied with a clean gauze to the affected area, it can help reverse a skin condition caused by fungus. You can repeat the operation several times a day and add some natural essential oil such as tea tree.
11. Helps lose weight
Those who are overweight can turn to horsetail . Thanks to its diuretic and detoxifying properties, this plant represents an aid to lose weight. Taking a couple of daily infusions of horsetail may be enough to help the body, although it is necessary to accompany it with diet and exercise.
12. Fight fatigue
Horsetail can help in cases of fatigue . People who feel that they are going through a difficult time due to feeling tired, stressed or even anemia can benefit from the properties of horsetail. It is an extra help that the body appreciates, although the infusions of this plant should not be abused.
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Bibliographic references
- Arsdall, A.V. (2002). Medieval Herbal Remedies: The Old English Herbarium and Anglo-Saxon Medicine. Psychology Press.
- Lyle, E.C. y Simon, J.E. (1989) Species and medicinal plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture & Pharmacology.
- Rodríguez-Río, X. (2004): Essential terms of botany. Santiago de Compostela: University of Santiago de Compostela – Publications and Scientific Exchange Service.
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