Let’s learn horsetail!
Horsetail, Equisetum arvense, is an ancient plant that has been around for over 300 million years and is most commonly found in nature near our ponds and lakes. In ancient times, this plant use to grow as tall as palm trees but are now usually found to grow up to a few feet tall.
Horsetail grows in large numbers and is very hard to get rid of due to it's deep horizontal roots, strong bamboo-like stem, and reproductive process via spores.
Some people have identified horsetail as being a weed, however, the Equisetum species has been found in ancient texts to be used for it's healing medicinal properties.
This enriching herb has the most abundant source of silica which is used to assist our body’s natural formation of collagen. Collagen is an essential component for the building of connective tissue. This type of tissue is found all throughout our body, specifically in our cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, teeth, hair, skin, and nails. We naturally produce both collagen and silica but as we age, our levels decline. As a result, our skin looses elasticity causing wrinkles and fine lines while our hair and nails become brittle and prone to breakage.
Silica, chemically known as silicon dioxide, is made up of the two most abundant elements known on earth, silicon and oxygen. This essential trace mineral provides strength and flexibility to our connective tissues and is naturally found in the human body in higher concentration than calcium, iron and copper. According to research, silica provides more nutrients for the strength and quality of our bones and connective tissues than calcium provides.
How do you know if you are silica deficient?
Here are some signs and conditions to consider but always consult your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any major health concerns
bone, joint, or cartilage deterioration
tooth and gum loss
dry and distressed skin
brittle nails, thinning hair
I personally love what the amazing benefits of horsetail provided due to it's silica concentration so I made sure to implement this abundant herb in my Super Silica Hair Skin & Nails vegan supplement which is a blend of multiple herbs grown organically and wildcrafted!
Silica-rich food and herbs
Silica can naturally be found in the following items:
whole grains (bread, pasta, rice, oatmeal)
bananas, mangos
leafy greens, green beans, bell peppers, cucumbers
horsetail, nettle and alfalfa (to name a few)
Apart from providing strength and support to our connective tissues, hair, skin and nails, this herb also:
acts as a diuretic increasing urine output
cleanses our urinary system from toxins and UTIs
supports kidney health
offers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant healing benefits
Horsetail in Spirituality & Astrology
The beautiful offerings of horsetail doesn’t end with physically nourishing us. This herb is abundant by nature in every way. Let's dive into the spiritual and astrological aspects of horsetail
Element: Earth
Zodiac: Capricorn
Planet: Saturn
One can intentionally use this herb in rituals to strengthen their boundaries, strengthen their protection, amplify their natural beauty, prevent the effects of aging, and call forward good health to their bones. Remember that the horsetail plant is naturally abundant in healing minerals. We can work with the energy of this divine herb to reveal the abundance in our life that has already been written for us.
When working with this herb be sure to first become one with it. Cleanse and speak beautiful life into the herb while honoring it's healing offerings. Remember where it comes from, understand how it grows, and the enormous strength it represents. See your reflection in this herb and embody all of it's qualities.
Thank you for reading up on our first ever Divine Herbology blog post!
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Peace and blessings!
The sharing of this knowledge is for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please be advised, before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
References:
Chilukoti, Bhavyajyoti. “7 Common Food Sources of Silica You MUST Know!” The Health Site, 15 July 2016.
“The Difference between Collagen and Silica.” Herbs of Gold, 23 July 2017.
Kharon, Elise. “Horsetail.” Wild Foods and Medicine.
Nice, Glenn, and Peter Sikkema. “The Ancient Horsetail.” Purdue University, Purdue Extension Weed Science, 2007.
“Silica and Silicon: Amazing New Health Benefits from This Trace Element.” Insiders Health, 17 Nov 2008.