Contents : 100 VEGAN – CELLULOSE (HPMC) capsules

• Directions for use: 1 capsule daily, drink water.
• Storage conditions:  Store in a dry, dark place out of reach of children.
• NOTES:  Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women or children under 7 years of age.
• The product cannot be used as a substitute for a properly varied diet.

Horsetail – what plant is this?

A popular way to diversify the taste of yerba mate in South America is to add herbs to the dried product – both fresh and dried. We wrote about mate con yuyos, or yerba mate with herbs, on our blog some time ago. One of these herbs that can be found in the company of yerba mate is  horsetail – an extremely interesting plant with many properties . Horsetail, also known by its botanical, Latin name Equisetum arvense, is a plant that has certainly caught your attention more than once during walks in meadows or gardens. Although today horsetails are small, over 300 million years ago, in the Paleozoic era, they were trees 30 meters high! They are one of the oldest plants on our planet, and their appearance is truly characteristic. Horsetail has long, green shoots surrounded by small, thin leaves that slightly resemble pine shoots. Its common name in English is horsetail, and in Spanish is cola de caballo, which literally means “horse’s tail” – indeed, a bunch of freshly picked horsetail resembles a horse’s tail.

Horsetail is found almost all over the world, but is particularly common in Europe, where it grows wild in wet meadows, marshes, slopes and fields. Many consider it an annoying, useless weed, but in reality it is a source of many valuable ingredients! Centuries ago, horsetail was valued in folk medicine for its healing properties. It was used as an herbal remedy for skin inflammation, wounds, burns, sore throats and rheumatic pains, as well as to prevent heavy periods. Although the plant does not seem to be anything special, its healing properties are truly impressive, as confirmed by numerous studies.

Source of valuable silicon

As it turns out,  horsetail is a powerful source of silicon , which occurs in the plant in the form of easily absorbable silica (SiO2). Silicon, commonly called the “element of life”, is extremely important for our body. It is responsible for the condition of the skin, bones, nails and hair. Thanks to it, our hair is strong and shiny, nails are hard, and the skin is elastic and healthy. Silicon also takes part in the synthesis of collagen, which is crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance of the skin. Supplementing silicon deficiencies is especially important for older people, because it is one of the ingredients that decreases in the body with age.

But that’s not all! Horsetail is a real nutritional bomb. In addition to silicon,  it also contains proteins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols . These nutrients have various properties that support our health on many levels. For example, flavonoids act as strong antioxidants that help fight free radicals, helping to slow down the aging process of cells. Horsetail is also rich in  minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and iron . Calcium and phosphorus are essential for healthy bones and teeth, magnesium supports the functioning of the nervous system, and zinc is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system. Potassium, in turn, helps maintain the acid-base balance in the body, and iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. We cannot forget about  vitamin C , which is also found in horsetail. Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also supports the immune system, accelerates wound healing and improves the absorption of iron from food.

Properties of Horsetail. Its effects may surprise you!

The properties and effects of horsetail are truly impressive! First of all,  it has an antioxidant effect , which means that it helps fight free radicals. Free radicals are atoms found in the body that contribute to cell aging and can lead to various diseases. Thanks to the content of polyphenols, horsetail effectively neutralizes these harmful molecules, helping the body maintain health and youth. But this is not the only advantage of horsetail. What else does it help with? It has  a diuretic effect , which is extremely beneficial for the urinary system. It helps to remove excess water from the body, which can be beneficial in the case of swelling or kidney problems. Additionally, horsetail prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system, which is another argument for its regular consumption. Another advantage of horsetail is its  detoxification abilities . It helps to remove toxins from the body, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Better detoxification means a more efficient metabolism, which in turn translates into a more effective fight against unnecessary kilograms. Yes, horsetail for weight loss is a great choice! Finally, we cannot forget about  the effect of horsetail on the skin, hair and nails . Thanks to its high silica content, horsetail strengthens the hair, making it stronger and shinier. The nails also gain in hardness, and the skin becomes more elastic and healthy. This is a natural support for beauty that is worth appreciating!

Is horsetail safe to use? Beware of contraindications!

Although the use of horsetail has many benefits for the human body, it is unfortunately not without  potential side effects that are worth keeping in mind. First of all, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using the plant. Contraindications also include people taking certain medications, so it is always worth consulting a doctor before starting the treatment. One of the main problems with horsetail is its  ability to break down vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the body . Horsetail contains the enzyme thiaminase, which in larger quantities can lead to a deficiency of this important vitamin. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks from using horsetail or combine it with products rich in vitamin B1. The side effects of an overdose of horsetail can include stomach upset, kidney pain or heart palpitations. Therefore, it is important to use the plant in moderation and not exceed the recommended doses. If you notice any disturbing symptoms, such as abdominal pain, kidney problems or irregular heartbeat, stop using horsetail immediately and consult your doctor!

Horsetail is a plant that definitely deserves more recognition and a place in our daily diet. However, as with any medicinal plant, caution should be exercised. A good way to benefit from its properties is to drink yerba mate with the addition of horsetail. In this way, horsetail is just one of many ingredients, but we can still benefit from its beneficial properties without worrying about overdosing. Let’s enjoy what nature has to offer us and use (with caution) the wealth of horsetail!

People taking medications should consult their doctor or pharmacist before use.