The efficacy and function of Equisetum arvense

Equisetum arvense is a very good medicinal material. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients. It has extremely high medicinal value. Let us take a look at several aspects of Equisetum arvense.

[Other names] Small pen holder grass, small horsetail, pen holder grass, horsetail grass, eyebrow grass, continuation grass, and betway grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Equisetum arvense, a plant of the Equisetaceae family.

[Original form] Perennial herb, stem height can reach 60cm. The rhizome is horizontal, black, with long yellow-brown hairs on the nodes and roots. The stem is green, 2-3mm in diameter, with many and dense branches. The main branches have 6-10 ridges with a row of small wart-like protrusions on the ridges. The leaves are degenerate and whorled, the sheath tube is narrow and long, the sheath teeth are lanceolate, the tip is caudate, there are 2 ridges on the back, there are small wart-like protrusions on the ridges, and the sheath teeth do not fall off. The side branches are slender with 4-8 ridges. The sporangium spike is cylindrical, 1-4 cm long, with a blunt tip and elongated petiole when mature.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: grows in open and moist sandy land.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The stem is 20-50cm long, branched at the base, each branch is hollow, with 6-20 ridges, rough, and each node has fine and dense whorled branches. The leaves are degenerate and united into sheaths at the lower part. There are two ridges on the back of the sheath. The sheath teeth are short triangular, black and do not fall off. Slight odor, light taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; slightly bitter; neutral

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and promotes diuresis; improves eyesight and removes cataracts; sets bones. It is mainly used for colds and fever; difficulty urinating; red and swollen eyes; cataracts covering the eyes; and fractures caused by falls.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash fresh product for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the detailed introduction of Equisetum arvense, I believe everyone has a certain understanding and can better improve our common sense in life.