Equisetum

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale & E. arvense

Those who respond best to this remedy are irritable and easily tired. Equisetum is used chiefly for painful irritation of the bladder, which is aching, full, and tender. There is typically a sensation of painful pressure on either side of the lower abdomen and bladder. The pain becomes worse at the end of urination. There may be a constant desire to urinate, possibly with dribbling of urine, or mucus in the urine.

This primitive genus has been used to heal wounds since at least the 1st century BCE. Strongly abrasive, Equisetum was used between the Middle Ages and the 18th century as a pot-scourer.

The fresh plant of either species, including the root, is first pulped, then steeped in alcohol.

Uses

Although poisonous to livestock, Equisetum has been used to heal wounds since ancient times. Chinese doctors use the horsetail to treat eye disorders, dysentery, flu, and hemorrhoids.
Equisetum is used for symptoms associated with an irritable bladder, and dribbling of urine or mucus in the urine. Although the symptoms are similar to cystitis, there is no infection present. The remedy is also good for treating bedwetting in children that occurs during dreams or nightmares.

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