Horsetail Herb, Cut & Sifted

Botanical Name Equisetum arvense

A perennial grass that is dimorphic, having a fertile stem in the spring which dies back and is replaced by a sterile stem in early summer. The fertile stem is brownish in color, shorter and unbranched. The sterile stem is green with whorls of needle-like leaves and jointed stems.

Horsetail, also known as Shavegrass and Snake Grass, is known as a living fossil because it is the only surviving species in its genus. The plant gets its common name from the fact that the erect stems resemble a horse's tail.

The fresh aerial parts of the herb are eaten as a spring vegetable, while the dried herb is used for teas and as a bath herb.

Use water-based infusions in homemade shampoos and conditioner. Infuse in oil for use in creams, lotions and balms.

Sprinkle over cooked vegetables, pasta and other foods. May be encapsulated as a dietary supplement.