Habitat and Range
Horsetail inhabits swampy areas and moist meadows, but can also be found in open areas near streams. It is a water-loving plant is found in all parts of the Sierra below 9500 ft.
Physical Description
There are two forms of Horsetail every year. The fertile form that bears spores in a terminal cone-like strobilus is present in early spring and can still be found lingering in the summer. It is a hollow unbranching stem that has sheathed joints and can be brown to green in color. The sterile form of the plant has needle-like leaves arranged in whorls that point up when in their prime and down with age.
Food Uses
In the early spring, the tuberous-like growths on the root can be eaten raw or cooked. The inner core of the fertile growth (also in early spring) can be eaten raw, but is safer to boil*. Although rather tough in any season, the sterile growth can be boiled and eaten when the leaves still point upward.
*NOTE: Boil before consuming the fertile growth to denature the thiaminase, which depletes Vitamin B in your body.
Medicinal Uses
Horsetail has been commonly used to treat battle wounds and other hemmorhages as it has potent styptic qualities. The tea is used to help fight urinary tract infections. A tincture traditionally helps strengthen and rebuild lung tissue and is effective in treating ailments like tuberculosis and bronchitis. The plant is high in Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur and can be used to heal bone fractures and toothaches. The plant is also high in Silica, and has been used to clean hair, scrub pots, and act as a great substitute for steel wool.
|
