1. Teas & Infusions (Internal Use)
- Bone strength, nail repair, and urinary support
- Preparation: Steep dried or fresh horsetail in hot (not boiling) water for 20–30 mins.
- Drink as a daily mineral tea (1–2 cups).
- Can be blended with nettle, oatstraw, or peppermint.
Tip: Long steeping helps extract silica. Use a mason jar and let it sit overnight for a stronger effect.
2. Tinctures
- Deep support for joints, bones, bladder infections, and tissue healing
- Horsetail is especially helpful post-fracture or surgery.
- Tincture in alcohol or vinegar for 4–6 weeks.
Dose: 15–30 drops daily for adults.
3. Salves & Balms (External Use)
- Great for cracked skin, diaper rash, eczema, and wounds
- Infuse dried horsetail in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba) for 4–6 weeks or gently warm it in a double boiler.
- Strain and mix with beeswax for a silica-rich healing balm.
Optional Add-ins: Calendula, comfrey, yarrow, or lavender.
4. Lip Balms
- Use the same infused oil in your lip balm base.
- Helps with chapped lips, skin regeneration, and elasticity.
5. Hair Rinses & Sprays
- Silica = stronger hair + scalp repair
- Steep horsetail in water, cool, and use as a rinse post-shampoo.
- Spray onto the scalp to stimulate growth and reduce dandruff.
6. Baths & Foot Soaks
- Add a big handful of dried horsetail to your bath or foot soak.
- Ideal for soothing tired feet, inflammation, or skin irritation.
7. Poultices & Compresses
- Apply fresh or steamed horsetail directly to sprains, strains, or wounds.
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory and speeds tissue healing.
8. Culinary Use (In Small Amounts)
- Only the early spring shoots are edible and should be harvested before they become woody.
- Peel and blanch young shoots and add to soups or stir-fries (use sparingly).
- Caution: Do not consume in large amounts due to thiaminase (can block vitamin B1 if overused).
9. Oral Care
- Use as an ingredient in natural tooth powders or mouth rinses for gum health due to its antibacterial and mineral content.
10. Herbal Vinegars or Mineral Broths
- Steep horsetail in apple cider vinegar for 3–4 weeks.
- Strain and use the vinegar in dressings or dilute as a tonic shot.
- Add to a simmering pot of broth with nettles and seaweed for a nutrient boost.