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Equisetum hyemale - L.
Common Name Family Synonyms
Dutch Rush Equisetaceae

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[172], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[65]. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. The plant also contains equisetic acid - see the notes on medicinal uses for more information[213]. Shady streambanks etc, to 500 metres[17]. Temperate regions of Europe, including Britain, N. America and Asia.

Habitats

Range

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Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary
Equisetum species - horsetail family are Creeping, perenial, Branching rootstocks, rooted at the nodes. The Arial stems may be annual or Perennial, are cylindrical, fluted, simple or with whorled branches at the jointed nodes. The internodes are usually hollow. The Surfaces of the stems are covered with Silica. The Cones are terminal.

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Physical Characteristics

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Equisetum hyemale is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is hardy to zone 5. The seeds ripen from Jul to August. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Habitats
Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root; Stem. Edible Uses: Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) - cooked[177]. An asparagus substitute. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Roots - dried and then cooked[257]. A source of starch[177]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. A further report says that the peeled stems, base of the plant, root and tubers were eaten raw by the N. American Indians, the report went on to say that this may be inadvisable[85].

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsib ility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional b efore using a plant medicinally. Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Appetizer; Cancer; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Hypotensive; Parasiticide; Styptic. Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants[238]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals[238, 279]. The plant is anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive and styptic[147, 176. 218, 279]. It also has an appetite-stimulating effect[279]]. The barren stems are used, they are most active when fresh but can also be dried and sometimes the ashes of the pant are used[4]. The plant is a useful diuretic when taken internally and is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems[4]. A decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and promote healing[4]. The plant contains polyphenolic flavonoids with bactericidal activity[218].

Other Uses
Dye; Fungicide; Liquid feed; Musical; Paper; Parasiticide; Polish; Sandpaper; Scourer. The stems are very rich in silica[4]. They are used for scouring and polishing metal[1, 4, 46, 61, 99] and as a fine sandpaper[54, 99]. The stems are first bleached by repeated wetting and drying in the sun[74]. They can also be used as a polish for wooden floors and furniture[46, 178]. The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[14]. It also makes a good liquid feed[54]. Used as a hair rinse it can eliminate fleas, lice and mites[213, 257]. A light pink dye is obtained from the stem[99]. The hollow stems have been used as whistles[257]. Another report says that the stem joints are pulled apart and used by children to produce a whistling sound[257].

Cultivation details
Prefers a moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5[200]. Plants are hardy to about -30c[200]. The stems of this species were once exported to Britain in quantity from Holland so that they could be used as an abrasive for cleaning pots and pans[238]. Plants have a deep and penetrating root system and can be invasive. If grown in the garden they are best kept in bounds by planting them in a large container which can be sunk into the ground[200].

Propagation
Spores - best collected as soon as they are ripe in the spring and surface-sown immediately on a sterile compost. Keep moist and pot up as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. Very difficult[200]. Division. The plants usually spread very freely when well sited and should not really need any assistance.

Expert comment

Author
L.

Botanical References
117

Links / References

Readers comment
Elizabeth H. Little Bit Farm Thu Jul 24 2008 Growing up we used these as whistles. We would separate the sections and then blow across the end of the section. Each section is a little higher or lower in tone depending upon its place in the reed. Sections toward the base are lower, because they are larger. Sections toward the top are higher being smaller. I have also heard that horsetail is highly antifungal. Sometimes it is used to treat nail fungus by soaking the affected part in the tea. It is not listed in your

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medicinal uses, but is listed as anti-fungal against fungal disease on roses.

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