HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense)  aka - Shavegrass, Bottlebrush, Dutch Rushes

Its botanical name is derived from two Latin terms, equus, meaning horse, and seta for bristle. Horsetail is strongly astringent and is therefore used for both internal and external wounds. It has been used for centuries, as a diuretic aiding in resolving kidney infections, dropsy, and gravel. It is beneficial as an eye wash for swollen eyelids. And it’s also known to kill the eggs of parasites and dissolve tumors. Horsetail has large amounts of silica that helps to strengthen fingernails, increase the flow of urine and helps hold calcium in the body, facilitating the use of calcium by the body. Studies have shown that fractured bones will heal much faster when Horsetail is taken. It is used as a poultice to reduce menstrual bleeding; it is effective because it promotes coagulation; hence, decreases bleeding.