Horsetail is one of those herbs for hair that you are not really aware of until someone mentions it and then you see it popping up on most of your organic hair care products list. The plant is called horsetail because of the thin; branchlike leaves which in some ways are similar to the hair of a horse’s tail. There is a reason why horsetail seem to be omnipresent in natural product preparations, it contains high mineral levels including silica and contains other ingredients such as potassium, selenium and manganese. Horsetail is also used in traditional herb remedies for swelling and fluid retention, as a diuretic, bladder infections, kidney stones, wound healer and said to be effective against some tumors and cancers.
Horsetail Hair Benefits
Horsetail contains silicon, which helps to strengthen tissues in your body. It is beneficial for cartilage and bone formation, and very good at strengthening hair and encouraging hair growth.
The silica in horsetail helps to keep hair and skin healthy and improves the elasticity of both skin and hair. Silica also helps bind protein molecules to many tissues in the body which makes horsetail perfect for weak, brittle, damaged hair, giving it vitality and shine with regular use.
Horsetail is used as a healing balm and is used in many pattern balding treatments.
Horsetail is a natural hair clarifier it has powerful antiseptic properties, it eliminates excessive oiliness and is quite effective at removing styling product build up. Excessive use of horsetail by persons with dry hair can result in further dryness. However, when combined with other tea rinses like hibiscus, the result is softened hair with great slip.
Horsetail is a useful remedy for dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and other troubling skin and scalp conditions.
Horsetail Uses
Horsetail can be added to shampoos, conditioners, tea rinses, ACV and hair oils to incorporate its nutrients in your general hair regimen.
Horsetail Tea Rinse
Horsetail can be had as tea for the same great results mentioned in hair benefits. Externally it can be used as a rinse and it is very easy to do. The general rule for making horsetail tea rinse is 1 Tablespoon of dried horsetail to a cup of water. Boil the water and pour on your horsetail. Cover the container, let it sit for 30 minutes or more. Make sure that it is cool before you strain it. Use as your final rinse and style hair as usual.
Suggestions: If you are interested in getting a super tea rinse you can add hibiscus and nettle tea to the horsetail.
Contraindications
It is recommended that only 6 grams of herb should be used per day of horsetail. Horsetail is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Excessive intake of horsetail may destroy thiamine (vitamin B) and result in beriberi. If using supplements with horsetail follow the manufacturers recommendations.
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