Horsetail: Benefits, Uses and How to Prepare It
Horsetail: Benefits, Uses and How to Prepare It IMPORTANT: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a valued plant, but it is not without precautions. It should be used for limited periods (usually courses of 2-4 weeks with breaks in between), because it contains an enzyme, thiaminase, that can break down vitamin B1 (thiamine) with prolonged use in large amounts. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in young children, in people with severe kidney or heart conditions, in those with edema caused by heart or kidney failure, and in people sensitive to nicotine (the plant contains traces). Be very careful not to confuse it with toxic Equisetum species, especially marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), which contains dangerous alkaloids. If you take diuretics, blood-pressure medication, lithium, or other drugs, talk to your doctor before using the plant. It does not replace a medical consultation or prescribed treatment. ...