Herb of the Week: Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a fern-like herb known for having a high silicon dioxide (silica) content. Also commonly known as “scouring rush,” as it was historically used as a natural, eco-friendly scouring pad due to that high silica content. So, if you’re out camping, find some of this to help you clean up some dishes! And, yes, its more common name is because of its close resemblance to horses’ tails. It’s also known as “shave grass” because of its rough, abrasive texture (due to the silica crystals).

But what can this herbal partner do besides scrub clean some pots and pans? Well, I don’t usually talk about an herb’s environmental effects but this herb is an aggressive grower and can outcompete other plants/herbs for sun and nutrients. It’s also hardier due to the high silicon dioxide which helps it deter pests and fungal infections. But, what makes it hardy and aggressive can also be used to strengthen other plants and herbs by taking it, brewing it into a decoction, then pouring that decoction into the dirt where you feel other plants need some fortification since it’s a natural bio-fungicide and structural fortifier.

For human consumption and health, it’s used in beauty and bodycare products (internally and externally) because it helps produce collagen to improve skin elasticity, help wound healing, and help hair to grow thicker and stronger. And, everyone is always talking about calcium and vitamin D for your bones but we also need silica. Which makes this definitely something to consider drinking a tea from if you’re worried about your bone density because it supports bone mineralization. What else does it do? It’s an anti-flammatory, a diuretic (reduces water retention), and it’s an antioxidant.

A few warnings about consuming horsetail concoctions internally -- raw horsetail does contain an enzyme called Thiaminase which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1) BUT boiling water destroys that enzyme so you’re good to drink it as a tea. There’s also a warning to not use this for longer than two weeks at a time so if you want to use the tea to help with collagen production and bone density, drink it for two weeks, take a week off, then repeat. A lot of these warnings don’t stem from actual testing so take the warning with a grain of salt.

In witchcraft, the structure of this herb is symbolic of the manifestation of energetic barriers, which makes sense if you think about its “armor” of silicon dioxide. Use this herb for rituals or spells that have to do with protection, strength, and/or boundary setting and reinforcement of any of those. And, because it spreads fast and furiously, look to use it in fertility sachets as well as rituals for prosperity.

Have you ever seen horsetail growing out in the wilds? It’s definitely easy to identify as it stands out pretty tall among other plants. Let me know in the comments.