horsetail
any tracheophyte plant of the genus Equisetum, having jointed stems with whorls of small dark toothlike leaves and producing spores within conelike structures at the tips of the stems: phylum Sphenophyta
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
horsetail
horsetail
A strange plant that starts with having fertile off-white beige stalks with scaly fingers on top in the spring, which wither and get replaced by non-fertile green stems resembling horse tails. These plants are very high in silica, but not as absorbable as bamboo, which has 7 times more useable silica. Fresh horsetail contains and enzyme that robs the body of vitamin B, so do not take large amounts. Horsetail is used in treating urinary tract infections, prostate inflammation, very good astringent for stopping bleeding, blood coagulation (thickens blood), helps broken bones heal faster, brittle nails and hair, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, anemia. Boil in water for clearing skin, acne and soaking feet. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. High amounts toxic.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz
horsetail
[′hȯrs‚tāl] (botany)
The common name for plants of the genus Equisetum composing the order Equisetales. Also known as scouring rush.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.