Although horsetail or horsetail is widely considered a weed, the plant is valued as a natural remedy, for cosmetics and as a natural spray against fungal diseases in roses. The herb can be dried very well so that teas and bath additives can also be made from it in winter.

Dried field horsetail can be used in many ways

When is field horsetail collected?

Field horsetail contains a lot of silica and minerals. Due to the silicic acid crystals, the shoots always appear slightly dry. This is why horsetail is very suitable for drying.

The fresh herb is picked from May to the end of July. You should not collect field horsetail later, as the stalks become woody. Only a little silicic acid can be released from the woody stems.

Horsetail, which grows on stony soil, contains a particularly large amount of silicic acid.

How to properly dry horsetail

Collect field horsetail on a sunny day, preferably in the morning. The herb should be as dry as possible.

Do not tie multiple stems together too tightly with twine. Hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dry place. You should avoid direct sunlight.

It only takes a few weeks for horsetail to be completely dry. It is then very brittle and breaks with the slightest touch. Place the herb in paper bags and keep in a dry place until ready to use.

Attention: Avoid confusion with marsh horsetail

Unfortunately, the non-poisonous field horsetail and the poisonous marsh horsetail look very similar. Pay close attention to being able to clearly see the differences between the two plants.

If you are not sure, it is better to use commercially available preparations from pharmacies or specialist garden shops.

Tea and cosmetics made from dried horsetail

Many preparations for natural cosmetics and naturopathy can be made from dried horsetail:

  • tea
  • bath additive
  • shampoo
  • sitz baths
  • hair conditioners

Because of the high silicic acid content, horsetail is used in cosmetics mainly for the care of hair and teeth. Horsetail is also recommended for problems with the connective tissue.

In order to remove the silicic acid from the herb, horsetail has to be boiled for about half an hour. This also applies to teas.

tips

You can use fresh or dried horsetail to make fertilizer or pesticides for roses and other ornamental plants.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

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Category:

Herbs