Horsetail is one of those very important herbs used for its cosmetic properties. Horsetail is a seedless herb with vacuous, jointed stems and grows no taller than about 3 feet. As its name suggests, it resembles a young bamboo with its leaf-like branches. During ancient times, it has been used as a pot scrubber and to polish metals because of its abrasive compounds.
When taken every day, it can remove impurities of the body. It has also been believed to be effective in treating bone fractures and injuries in the connective tissues because of its high calcium content. Apart from calcium though, it is also very rich in silica which makes it very good for the hair and scalp, in general. In fact, horsetail is one of the five most popular hair regrowth remedies.
Aside from potassium, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, and fatty acids, horsetail is very high in silica content which makes it very good for the follicles, hair shafts, and scalp. Specifically, it prevents dandruff. It maintains the normal sebum production by repairing damaged oil glands; therefore, it is a very good treatment for oily hair.
In addition, it improves the general condition of the scalp and helps the scalp recover faster from rashes, fungal diseases, allergic reactions, and wounds. Most importantly, it can prevent premature hair loss and keeps the hair from breaking.
Horsetail is used either externally or internally. As a topical hair regrowth approach, several drops of its extract can be added to a shampoo. It also comes in forms of a supplement, an oral capsule, or as a tea.
There are precautions in using horsetail, however. When used improperly, horsetail may irritate the kidneys and the urinary system because it is very high in silica content.
Horsetail is also known to easily assimilate heavy metals and chemicals from its habitat; thus, it is precautionary to use only those properly grown herbs. Lastly, this herb should be prepared and cooked properly since it has enzymes called thiaminase that can destroy the available vitamin B1 in the body.
