Horsetail for the Hair, Skin and Nails

Horsetail for the hair, skin and nails
 
Horsetail stems have a lot of silica & silicic acids; this plant contains the most silica known in the plant kingdom. Silica forms collagen, a protein found in skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments & connective tissues. Silica also helps bind protein molecules to many tissues in body. The silica content helps strengthen weak, brittle, damaged hair, giving it vitality & shine with regular use.

There is a high mineral level as well including potassium, selenium & manganese. The saponins & flavonoids it contains help skin regenerate, improving elasticity of skin & hair, promoting hair growth. Since bone, hair & fingernails require high mineral levels, horsetail is taken as a tea, tincture or applied topically as shampoo, conditioner, soak or healing balm. As a healing balm, its used in many treatments for pattern balding.

Those with very dry hair should take note: Horsetail has a powerful antiseptic property which means excessive use could further dry out your hair. On other hand, astringent herb helps eliminate excessive oiliness for those with oily scalps, & also aids in removing styling product build up. Used in shampoo & conditioner horsetail is a useful
remedy for dandruff, eczema, psoriasis & other troubling skin ailments. Because it promotes circulation, horsetail assists in nourishing & strengthening hair follicles.

Using Horsetail

Many shampoos, conditioners and hair growth aids contain horsetail extract. To create your own hair rinse:

2-4 teaspoons dried horsetail
Cup of boiled water

Add horsetail to 1 cup boiled water (still hot but not boiling). Let steep 15-20 minutes; strain; cool. Rinse through hair & leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse & style as usual. You can also strain & drink this tea warm 2-3 times per day with honey. Taking tea internally is believed to help hair, skin & nails same way as applying topically.