-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Equisetum spp. (Horsetail Rush)
Botanicals


definition

botanical name(s): Equisetum arvense
synonyms: horsetail rush, horsetail, shave grass, scouring rush, bottle brush, paddock pipes, dutch rushes, pewterwort, schachtelhalm, zinnkraut, prele, pribe des champs, cola de caballo
part(s) used: above ground portion (barren stem, harvested early in the season)
» note: this plant should be collected early in the spring from young plants; old plants are too high in silicic acid. Harvest plants whose needles are pointing skyward; by the time the needles parallel the ground, the plant is too old.
qualities: sweet, bitter, cool
affinities:urinary tract
actions: astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic, alterative, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary
dosage:
» infusion: 1 - 3 cups per day
» powder: 400 - 800 mg
» tincture (with 20 to 30% alcohol): 2-4 ml.; take for maximum of 1 month continuously: depletes Vitamin B1
therapy: urinary tract infections, enuresis, urinary tract stones, hemorrhage, hematuria (Felter and Scudder), incontinence (Hoffman); prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy; menorrhagia; fracture; edema; wounds and sores; leukorrhea
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2d; contraindicated in cardiac or renal dysfunction (McGuffin)
toxicity: 1
» contraindicated in cases of hypertension and/or cardiovascular disease (Brinker, Brooks) though a study showed its hemostatic substance is not a vasoconstrictor and it has no effect on blood pressure when taken orally (Gibelli)
» contraindicated in states of vitamin B1 deficiency due to thiaminase activity of plants (Brinker)
» may reduce or prevent lactation and affect nutritional quality and flavor (Muenscher, p. 19)
» The presence of silicates within this plant suggests that it should be used with caution as a diuretic, especially in individuals with a family history of, or genetic predisposition for, the formation of silicate stones in the urinary tract.
» large amounts and long-term use can be irritating; chronic toxicity shows up as symptoms of beriberi
constituents: silicic acid, aconitic acid, thiaminase, flavon glycosides, equisetonin (saponin), nicotine, palustrine
drug interactions:
» digitalis and its cardiac glycosides may become more toxic due to the loss of potassium from its diuretic effect (Brinker, Gutierrez)
» causes breakdown of thiamine (Brinker)


footnotes


Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brooks S (ed.). 1995. Botanical Toxicology. Protocol J Bot. Med, 1:147-58.

Felter, H.W. & Scudder, John K., 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati, Ohio. Reprinted in 1985 by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, OR.

Gibelli C. 1931.The hemostatic action of Equisetum. Arch. intern. pharmacodynamie, 41:419-29. (C.A. 26:6019)

Gutierrez RMP, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. 1985. Diuretic Activity of Mexican Equisetum, J Ethnopharmacol., 14:269-72.

Hoffman, D. 1994. The Information Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine. The Crossing Press, Freedom, CA.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.