Horsetail, also known as shavegrass, is a wonderful medicinal herb that grows wild throughout much of the world. It is packed with vitamin C & B-complex as well as minerals such as silica, calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Horsetail contains powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties that are known to benefit multiple health concerns. It is excellent for strengthening brittle bones, teeth, hair, and nails and it can improve bone density, enhance bone flexibility, and heal fractured bones, pulled hamstrings, and dislocated joints. It has also been shown to aid those with type 2 diabetes by significantly lowering their blood glucose levels within 1.5-2 hours. Horsetail contains natural diuretic properties that can reduce edema, bloat, swelling, water retention, and kidney stones. It is a great source of silica which has been shown to strengthen the connective tissues of the brain, nerve cells, and spinal cord thereby improving memory and helping to prevent memory loss. Horsetail has also been shown to be effective against incontinence, bladder weakness, and urinary tract infections. It is also well known for its anti-aging, anti-wrinkle properties due to its ability to help form collagen and repair damaged skin to produce a more youthful glow. Horsetail is commonly used as a mouthwash as a natural remedy for tonsillitis, gingivitis, canker sores, and bleeding gums. It also works incredibly well to help heal foot infections such as athlete’s foot and to help treat frostbite, boils, carbuncles, cracked and blistered feet. Horsetail tea is a delicious medicinal tea that can be made by adding 2 teaspoons of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water and allowed to steep for at least 15 minutes or more. This tea can also be cooled and then soaked with a cloth and applied to skin for a gentle and effective compress or used as a hair rinse, mouthwash, or foot soak. Horsetail can be found in tincture, capsule, tea, extract, and cream form online or at your local health food store.