Horsetail Tea

The Horsetail plant gets its name from the fact that this plant used to be tied to the horse's tail to ward off flies. This plant has a high content of sand-like gravelly contents in its tissue which is a rich source of silicic acid, aluminum, potassium, manganese, and other flavonoids.

That is the reason why this tea was derived, so that these properties could be utilized. There are several benefits that this beverage provides for. Let us see what some of these are.

The following is the procedure for brewing tea.

• The green sections of the horsetail plant are used in the preparation of tea.
• Take these and dry them.
• Once dry, soak about 1-2 tsp. of this in a cup of cold water.
• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• Alternately, one could use the dried parts and simmer in a cup of water for 15 minutes.

• This will allow the essence and flavors to be sufficiently brought out.
• Now, strain the liquid.
• You can have this either as a hot or a cold beverage.
• Depending on your taste preferences, add a little bit of honey to it.
• The recommended dosage is about 2 cups everyday.
• The health effects of horsetail tea will be felt after a period of about 2 weeks.

The main component of horsetail tea is silicic acid. This strengthens the walls of the air sacs in the lungs as well as increases resistance. Along with that, it also promotes expectoration and relieves a person of the discomfort of coughing continuously. It is extremely beneficial in treating ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

Treats Urinary Infections
This tea has been touted as a diuretic and is therefore responsible for washing away the toxins and wastes of the body and lending a cleansing effect to the kidneys. It thereby relieves the kidneys of any strain without washing away the important nutrients and minerals.

Reduces Swellings
Horsetail tea has excellent medicinal properties and is very effective in reducing swellings in the body, along with getting rid of water retention.

Promotes Joint Health
Silicic acid that is found in abundance in this beverage is responsible for strengthening the connective tissues in the body and thereby leading to strengthened joints. It also heals joint injuries, skin disorders, rheumatism, and gout.

This tea makes for an excellent supplementary drink and is a favored choice for promoting women's health. It promotes clotting of blood by strengthening the walls of the blood vessels.

It thereby showcases healing properties and helps in regularizing irregular menstruation and the pain from cramps. Since it helps in clotting of blood, it also helps in treating and preventing bleeding gums and bloody noses.

Promotes Bone Health
This tea helps to strengthen bones and cartilage and is therefore responsible for promoting strong bones. It also helps to fight against arthritis and osteoporosis.

Promotes Hair Growth
Horsetail tea is an excellent choice to make because it promotes hair growth. In addition to that, it is also responsible for treating dandruff and other similar scalp conditions.

Given here are a few other benefits of this tea which are listed as follows:

• It helps in treating varicose veins because of its ability to tighten tissues and blood vessels. Place a cotton swab soaked in horsetail tea for relief.
• This tea is used to fight mouth sores and other infections and wounds in the mouth.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent choice to make for treating and healing burns and wounds.
• It helps maintain digestive health by treating disorders like acidity and ulcers.
• Horsetail tea also promotes the growth of strong nails.

This tea is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, for children, and for people who have kidney stones. There are certain side effects of this tea which include the following―nausea, muscle weakness, electrolyte imbalance, certain skin problems, fever, abnormal pulse rate, and deficiency of thiamine.

All these effects are seen when an overdose of the supplement is taken. This tea should not be had with a combination of alcohol or licorice.

Before starting out on horsetail tea, make sure to consult the doctor to check if you have a thiamine deficiency or weak heart. It is not recommended for these conditions.

One of the most ingenious things about horsetail tea is that it can be used both internally and externally and therefore makes for an excellent choice of drink for health and well-being.

Disclaimer - This is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.