What is Horsetail?

Horsetail is the only living genus in the Equisetaceae genus of vascular plants, plants that reproduce through spores rather than seeds. This ancient plant dominated the lowest levels (by height) of late Paleozoic forests over one hundred million years ago. The name "horsetail", often used for the entire group, arose because the branched species somewhat resemble a horse's tail.

This herb has been used therapeutically since ancient Roman and Greek times and the Greek physician Claudius Galenus first recorded its use, while the seventeenth century English herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper used it to treat ulcers, wounds, ruptures and inflammations in the skin. Indian Ayurvedic medicine, nineteenth century American Eclectic physicians, North American aborigine, as well as Asian herbal practitioners have made use of it.

Horsetail's Benefits for Skin

Horsetail is high in vegetal silica and has diuretic, astringent and wound healing properties, and is useful for improving circulation, as well as boosting and rejuvenating the connective tissue and regenerating skin cells. The high silica content also has a softening and smoothing effect on the skin and is assists a healthy skin composition.