INCI Name

Description

What is it?

Whole plant from Hungary/Croatia. Horsetail was traditionally used to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote rapid healing. It is a good spring cleaning detoxification herb. Parts used are the whole plant. When collecting Horsetail it is important to gather the right variety (Equisetum palustre is poisonous). Horsetail contains the highest amounts of Silica (5-8%) of all known herbs. In addition to Silica, Horsetail contains large amounts of potassium as well as starch and many fatty acids and 5% saponins.

Action/Benefits

• Often called the ‘Beauty Herb’, Horsetail is considered to strengthen connective tissue and skin.
• Horsetail is clarifying; is astringent and it closes the pores.
• Horsetail stimulates the production of new skin cells when used to treat eczema. Because of its high silica content the whole plant is used as an abrasive.
• A strong Decoction is used externally for Baths, Foot Baths and Compresses in the treatment of problematic sores, psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot and other fungicidal ailments.
• As Horsetail has a high Silica content, it is excellent for adding strength, thickness and shininess to hair.

Which products to use it in

• Use in a Compress for sores, psoriasis, eczema, chilblains and varicose veins. It will soothe and reduce itchiness.
• The herb can be ground to produce an abrasive powder that is used to remove tartar on the teeth.
• A strong Decoction of Horsetail can be added to Shampoo recipes to add strength, thickness and shine to hair.
• Make a decoction by boiling the horsetail herb for at least 20 minutes.  Can be added to Creams, Lotions, Gels, Baths, Shampoos, Hair Rinses, and Shower Gels etc.
• Bathe and use a compress to treat wounds that are hard to heal.
• Add Horsetail to a Hair Rinse and use regularly for an effective tonic against dandruff and fungi.
• Take internally to improve the condition of your skin and nails.

Water or oil-soluble?

Water soluble.

Can I add it to ready-made products?

No, but the grinded herb can be used as an exfoliating agent.

How to use in products

For an in depth article on how to use Herbs in your products please refer to the Skin Care Library at the bottom of this page.

Storage and Shelf Life

2-3 years. Store in the dark and keep dry.

Tips/Extra Information

Horsetail herb can be used as a decoction in skin rejuvenation creams, lotions, baths etc.

Related/Synergistic Products

1. The Horsetail herb is very important in the treatment of psoriasis. You can also combine the silica in Horsetail with Zinc Powder in these products.
2. For Nail Care combine silica powder with D-Panthenol as this helps to strengthen brittle nails.
   

 

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