How to make a natural fungicide using Horsetail Weed

Horsetail is a common weed found in almost every backyard in the UK. You'll find them in an uncut or unmaintained lawn. As with most weeds, they're often overlooked as something that just needs to be thrown away. However, few people know how majestic this weed is and how beneficial it can be to your health.

Horsetail has been on the planet since the time the dinosaurs were on the Earth. Their fossils have been dated to around 350 million years ago. In that time, horsetail grew to be well over 30 metres high. Nowadays the most common form of horsetail only grows to about less than a metre high.

Horsetail is known by different names such as bottlebrush in scouring brush which was typically named because of its uses in cleaning dishes and its course gritty like features.

Horsetail is typically found near wetlands or moist soil. As a matter of fact, you're most likely to find it in the part of your lawn that seems to hold the water for long periods of time. Perhaps an area that is trodden and stays filled with rain puddles for the longest. That's where I normally find them.

Fungicide

Horsetail is a plant that has many benefits and uses. One of its most notable benefits is its antifungal qualities. This means that it can help to prevent fungus from growing, and it can also repel insects and bugs.

The plant contains a substance called silica, which is known for its ability to kill fungus. In addition, horsetail has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin. The plant is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for herbal remedies.

When used topically, horsetail can help to treat conditions such as athlete's foot, nail fungus, and dandruff. It can also be taken internally in order to boost immune system function. Overall, horsetail is a versatile and effective herb that offers many benefits.

When it comes to horsetail, quality is important. The best horsetail is non-GMO and organic, and has been approved by the USDA.

Biokoma is a reputable brand for non-chemical natural dried herbs. It comes in a resealable moisture prevention pouch, which is essential for preventing the herb from losing its potency.

At the time of writing this cost $14.90 for 1.7oz

Check today's Prices on Amazon

Horsetail recipe:

• 150 gm of chopped horsetail

• 1 large onion

• 1 bulb of garlic

• 1 tblsp of oil

• 1 litre of water

Instructions:

1. Chop all the herbs, and onions and garlic.

2. Boil 1 litre of water and add all the chopped ingredients with the oil.

3. Cook on low flame for 15 minutes.

4. Filter, cool and store in glass jar.

5. For use as a fungicide,

6. 1 part of the infusion diluted with 5 parts of water.

Other Benefits of Horsetail

Horsetail is not just a great fungicide, there are other uses that are worth the mention like:

1. Bio-available Silica

2. Urinary Tract and kidney help

3. Wound healing

4. Hair benefits

1. Bio-available Silica

Horsetail is well sought after because of its bioavailable silica content, which is a substance that is used for elasticity and connective tissue. Silica is used for bodily cell repair and it also reduces mucus due to its astringent qualities, by way of contracting blood vessels and blood tissues. This is why it is key in the production of bone cells and joints and if you look at the horsetail closely you'll see that it actually resembles bones and joints on the human body. I found out that it's not uncommon for nature to give us clues as to what plants can be used for based on their appearance.

2. Urinary tract and kidney help

Horsetail is an internationally recognized medicinal herb for urinary tract infections. This is because of its astringent and healing qualities. It is also a diuretic that helps the body regulate urine. Therefore it helps the body remove toxins by increasing the flow of urination.

3. Wound Healing

Due to the silica content which is a natural cell repair, horsetail is exemplified for healing wounds quicker and promoting white blood cells to help fight off infection. The astringent effects also help prevent swelling and fluid retention.

4. Hair Benefits

The silica content within horsetail makes it a perfect herbal remedy for hair growth and strengthening. Silica promotes the bodily production of collagen and collagen is what we need to grow hair and nails. Horsetail can be made into a tea, once cooled it can be applied to the hair after washing. Furthermore, it can be taken as a tea to gain the bioavailable silica content within horsetail.

Sources

https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/horsetail

https://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2015/5/21/ancient-equisetum

https://www.richters.com/show.cgi?page=QandA/Medicinal/20010513-1.html