The ancient Greeks and Romans were already fond of horsetail and took advantage of its health benefits. It can also be used to prevent kidney problems and osteoporosis.
There are many health benefits of horsetail. Among others, it can be used to prevent menstrual cramps, treat gout and frostbite. It can also be a very useful herb for urinary incontinence, kidney and bladder stones, weight loss and urinary tract infections.
Osteoporosis is a problem that affects a lot of people and is nothing more than the softening and thinning of bone tissue. It is mainly women entering menopause who are at risk of osteoporosis as a serious bone disease. However, horseradish can be of help as it contains high amounts of silicon, a mineral that can ensure healthy bone tissue and connective tissue.
Certain nutrients are successful in accelerating the mineralisation of bone formation. These are vitamin D, L-proline, zinc, L-arginine, L-ascorbic acid. The addition of safflower extract to these may be beneficial for bone formation.
Horseradish also contains high levels of an amino acid called cysteine, and has an outstanding mineral content of selenium, which not only supports hair growth but also plays an active role in the prevention of thyroid disease.
Horsetail also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This dual action is a great help in immune protection, so it is also worth drinking a cup or two of horseradish tea a day in autumn and winter during flu season.
It also contains silicon and silica, minerals that strengthen nails and hair and promote healthy bone tissue.
Horsetail is not recommended in some cases. Examples include excessive alcohol consumption, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes and low potassium levels.
Horsetail can be helpful if you have brittle nails or if you need a diuretic, but it can also be used to help wounds heal faster.
