Horsetail, Cut & Sifted (Organic)
Horsetail is a plant out of time. A direct descendant of the great tree-ferns that covered the earth 350 million years ago, it has survived every mass extinction, every ice age, every geological upheaval the planet has thrown at it. It is one of the oldest vascular plants still living, and it carries within it something that no other common herb can match: an extraordinary concentration of bioavailable silica. Silicon dioxide — the mineral that builds the strength and flexibility of connective tissue, that gives hair its luster and nails their hardness, that maintains the integrity of bones and blood vessels. Horsetail is, in the most literal sense, a mineral herb from another age.
Our horsetail is certified organic, cut and sifted from the sterile aerial stems of Equisetum arvense — harvested at peak potency and gently dried to preserve its remarkable silica content and the flavonoids that support its diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Mild, slightly grassy, with a clean and neutral flavor that blends easily. Also known as shavegrass, horsetail has been used for centuries in both European and Native American herbal traditions. Equisetum arvense — field horsetail, the most medicinal of the horsetail species, and one of the great mineral herbs of the Western apothecary.
Traditionally Used to Support
- Hair, skin & nail support — horsetail's most popular modern use; the highest plant source of bioavailable silica, which is essential for the production of collagen and keratin; traditionally used to strengthen brittle nails, support healthy hair growth and thickness, and promote skin elasticity and healthy aging; works best with consistent long-term use
- Bone & connective tissue support — silica is a critical cofactor in bone mineralization and collagen synthesis; traditionally used as a tonic for bone health, joint integrity, and the strength and flexibility of tendons and ligaments; a classic herb for recovery from injury and for long-term structural support
- Urinary tract support — a gentle diuretic with a long tradition of use for urinary health; traditionally used to support healthy kidney function, promote urine flow, and support the body's natural cleansing processes; used in European phytomedicine for urinary tract and kidney support for centuries
- Mineral & nutritive support — exceptionally rich in silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese; one of the most mineral-dense herbs available; traditionally used as a nourishing tonic for overall mineral status and structural health
- Anti-inflammatory support — the flavonoids (isoquercitrin, kaempferol) support the body's healthy inflammatory response; traditionally used for inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, urinary tract, and connective tissue
How to Use
- As a tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of cut horsetail in 8 oz of just-boiled water for 10–15 minutes, covered. Strain and enjoy. Mild and grassy with a clean, neutral flavor — one of the easiest herbs to drink daily. For maximum silica extraction, a longer steep or gentle simmer is beneficial. Horsetail is a tonic herb that works best with consistent daily use over weeks and months.
- Decoction: For a more mineral-rich preparation, simmer 1–2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water for 20 minutes, covered. Strain and drink. The longer extraction time increases silica availability and produces a richer, more potent cup.
- Blending: Horsetail pairs beautifully with nettle and oatstraw for a classic mineral-rich nourishing blend, red raspberry leaf for a women's structural tonic, or cleavers and dandelion leaf for a kidney and lymphatic support formula.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, cut horsetail retains its mineral content and potency for 1–2 years.
Not recommended for long-term continuous use without breaks. Avoid if you have kidney disease or are taking diuretic medications. Contains trace amounts of thiaminase — not a concern with normal use but avoid very high doses over extended periods.
Certified organic. Cut & sifted. Small batch sourced.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.