ENGLISH NAME: Field Horsetail
LATIN NAME: Equisetum arvense
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgian: მინდვრის შვიტა
COUNTRY: Georgia (all
regions)
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Damp meadows, fields, riverbanks, roadsides
Elevation: From lowlands to moderate uplands
Terrain: Moist, well-drained soils; often on disturbed ground
DESCRIPTION:
A perennial spore-bearing plant with hollow, jointed, bamboo-like stems 20–50
cm tall. Stems are green and furrowed, marked by black nodes. True leaves are
reduced to small scales at each joint. Below ground it spreads via creeping
rhizomes, forming dense colonies. Reproduction occurs through spores in
cone-like strobili atop fertile shoots.
USABLE PARTS: Stems; spores
(strobili); rhizomes
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Stems: Rich in silica;
traditionally used as a diuretic, to support urinary health, and to strengthen
connective tissues (skin, hair, nails).
Spores
(Strobili):
Historically employed in poultices for wound-healing and skin irritations.
Rhizomes: Contain similar
constituents to stems; used in infusions or decoctions for diuretic and
connective-tissue support.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Contains alkaloids (nicotine, palustrine) and the enzyme thiaminase; prolonged
or excessive use can risk thiamine deficiency, gastrointestinal upset, or
alkaloid toxicity. High silica intake may contribute to kidney stones in
susceptible individuals.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with birch or nettle for enhanced diuretic action. Caution
advised if used alongside pharmaceutical diuretics, or with other
thiaminase-containing herbs.
PREPARATION:
Herbal Tea
(Stems):
1 tsp dried stems per cup hot water; steep 10–15 min; strain.
Decoction (Stems
or Rhizomes):
Simmer 1–2 tsp chopped material in 1 cup water for 15–20 min; strain.
Tincture (Stems
or Rhizomes):
Macerate dried material in 5 parts alcohol for 4–6 weeks; strain; dilute before
use.
Poultice (Stems,
Spores, or Rhizomes): Crush fresh or dried parts to a paste; apply
externally to skin.
Spore Infusion: Steep spores in
hot water 5–10 min; strain; consume sparingly.
HARVEST TIME:
Stems: Spring (when
fertile and sterile shoots appear)
Spores
(Strobili):
Late spring to early summer (when cones mature)
Rhizomes: Late autumn or
early spring (dormant period)
HARVEST METHOD:
Stems: Snip tender
upper segments with clean shears.
Spores: Gently shake
mature strobili over a clean surface to collect spores.
Rhizomes: Dig around clump
with fork or spade; lift rhizomes; shake off excess soil.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Drying: Air-dry stems,
spores, and rhizomes separately in a shaded, well-ventilated area until crisp.
Storage: Store completely
dried material in airtight glass containers in a cool, dark place. Inspect
periodically for moisture or mold; discard any compromised material.