Horsetail for horses
Horsetail is a native plant in Europe that is winterhardy and does not have flowers, leaves, or seeds. Horsetail reproduces through spores.
The ancient Greeks used horsetail for wound healing, and the Romans used it to strengthen connective tissue and stop bleeding. The fresh stem of the horsetail is used for its medicinal properties.
Scientific name:
Equisetum Arvense
Type:
Plant
Effects of horsetail for horses:
- Support for connective tissue
- Diuretic
Nutrients in Horsetail
Silicon is one of the most important minerals in horsetail, but it is also rich in silica and potassium. Horsetail also contains flavonoids, saponins, and traces of alkaloids.
Horsetail for connective tissue
Due to the high amount of silicon, horsetail is a very healthy addition for connective tissue. It promotes the production, repair, elasticity, and flexibility of connective tissue. It also has a remineralizing effect on connective tissue.
Horsetail also helps to excrete uric acid, preventing crystallization of uric acid in the joints. This helps horses to stay more supple and have fewer joint problems.
Is Horsetail toxic or not?
There are always different opinions about the toxicity of horsetail. Horsetail contains alkaloids, and this group of substances is often known to be toxic, but this is not entirely correct. Not all alkaloids are toxic, but toxic plants often contain a lot of alkaloids. There are also species of Equisetum (palustre and silvaticum) that are toxic, so be sure to use the correct one (Equisetum Arvense) when using it. The marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is often confused with the common horsetail, but the marsh horsetail is toxic. Pay close attention to which one you are using.