Shave grass also known as horsetail is a very popular herb that can be found throughout Europe, Asia and other countries. Historically, the young shoots of this plant were eaten both raw and cooked.
The stems of shave grass have been used medicinally as well and may even be found as ingredients in various shampoos, skincare products, and dietary aids. Due to its high tannin content, shave grass can also help slow bleeding.
For this reason, it has commonly been used for treating nosebleeds and haemorrhoids. When taken internally, the remedy can help stop bleeding ulcers or slow down heavy menstrual bleeding.
It can be enjoyed in many different ways and it exhibits a number of different health benefits.
When made into horsetail tea, it contains high amount of different minerals, including manganese, potassium, aluminium, and flavonoids. Studies have shown that drinking horsetail tea is often used for strengthening bones as well.
This makes this tea useful for those that suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis by increasing the density of brittle bones.
This is because horsetail helps the body to better absorb and use calcium, which is what results in the strengthening of bones.
To make horsetail tea, place one tea bag in a cup and add no more than 6 oz. of boiling water. Let steep for 3 minutes. Press the bag before removing to enhance the flavour. Add honey to sweeten.
This tea is also known to strengthen fingernails and hair, especially good for split ends. Helps body utilize and hold calcium and is used in herbal calcium combinations.
Women may find drinking horsetail tea or adding cooled horsetail tea to the bathwater eases premenstrual bloat, according to herbalist Jeanne Rose.
Horsetail tea or supplements promote a greater flow of urine, which may help the body recover from a number of kidney ailments and from oedema because of its diuretic property.
Horsetail is used medicinally to treat bladder infections and bladder weakness as well. Adults who experience occasional nocturnal incontinence (bed-wetting) may benefit from using horsetail preparations.
Horsetail tea is proven to be advantageous for bronchitis, dry cough, nasal blockage, and temperature associated with cold and influenza. Also, inhaling vapours from horsetail tea may help reduce nasal blockage.
For a cough and other respiratory illness you would want to drink horsetail tea 2-3 times daily. Talk to your physician, if symptoms last for more than five days.