The Field Horsetail is a living fossil and one of the oldest plant species on our planet.
Name:
German: Ackerschachtelhalm, Zinnkraut
English: Field Horsetail
Latin: Equisetum arvense
Plant Group / Family:
Family: Equisetaceae
Subgroup: Horsetails
Distribution:
Native origin: Europe, North America, Asia
Current distribution: Found worldwide in temperate climates
Identification
Height: Up to 50 cm
Leaves: Scale-like leaves arranged in whorls around the stem
Flowers: No flowers, reproduces via spores
Fruit: No fruit, spore capsules located at the tips of the stems
Bark/Stem: Thin, green, segmented stems with a rough surface
Uses:
Medicinal:
- Acts as a diuretic, used in the treatment of urinary tract infections
- Promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation
- Strengthens connective tissue, skin, and nails
Culinary: Young shoots can be eaten in small quantities, but caution is advised due to the plant’s chemical compounds.
Decorative: Suitable for natural garden designs.
Other:
- Used in plant fortification due to its high silica content
- Historically used to polish tinware
Toxicity:
Toxic Parts: All parts – contains thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B1
Symptoms: Overconsumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. In horses and cattle, it can lead to poisoning
First Aid: In case of poisoning, seek immediate medical help
Look-alike Species
Similar Plants: Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre), Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia)
Differences:
Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia): Larger with thicker stems
Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre): Thicker, unbranched stems, grows in marshy, wet soils, and can be toxic with higher concentrations of alkaloids
Additional Information:
Care: Prefers moist soils; can become invasive in gardens
Growth Conditions: Thrives in moist, sandy or loamy soils with plenty of sunlight
Caution: Due to its invasive nature, use care when planting in gardens
Field Horsetail Tea
Horsetail Tea
Equipment
- small lidded saucepan water cooker
- tea strainer or paper filter
- kitchen scale or measuring spoons
- heatproof jug or cups
Ingredients
- 5-10 g dried horsetail coarsely cut
- 500 ml cold water
- optional a splash of lemon juice after straining
Instructions
- Place the herb and cold water in the saucepan and bring to a boil once.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer very gently for 30–40 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve or filter, let cool for about 10 minutes, and drink fresh.
- Suggested use 1–2 cups per day, as a short course for 1–2 weeks if appropriate.
Notes
- What “decoction” means A decoction is an extraction where plant material is brought to a boil and gently simmered for an extended time. This suits tougher plant parts and helps release constituents like soluble silica.
- Quality and safety Use only common horsetail Equisetum arvense; do not confuse with marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre. Ideally use pharmacopeia grade material.
- Caution Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding, not for children. Use caution with heart or kidney conditions and with diuretics. For longer-term use, seek medical advice.
- Garden use For a plant-strengthening spray simmer 40–60 minutes, cool, dilute 1 to 5 with water, and mist the leaves.
- Taste tip Blend with nettle or linden blossoms for a softer flavor.
- Storage Best consumed fresh. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 12 hours.
Field Horsetail Compress
Horsetail Compresses
Equipment
- small saucepan or kettle
- heatproof bowl
- measuring cup
- tea strainer or cheesecloth
- clean cloth or sterile gauze
- tongs or a clean spoon for handling the hot cloth
- clean towel for drying the area
- kitchen thermometer optional, to check lukewarm temperature
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried horsetail
- 500 ml hot water
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Place the dried horsetail in a heatproof bowl.
- Pour the boiling water over the herb.
- Let the infusion cool until lukewarm.
- Soak a clean cloth or sterile gauze in the liquid and wring out gently.
Notes
Sautéed Field Horsetail with Sesame and Soy Sauce
Sautéed Horsetail with Sesame and Soy Sauce
Equipment
- cutting board and knife
- colander
- medium saucepan
- bowl with ice water
- large skillet or wok
- measuring spoons
- spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 200 g fresh young horsetail shoots tender tips only
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup optional for a touch of sweetness
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the horsetail shoots thoroughly and trim away any tough parts so only the tender tips remain.
- Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Blanch the shoots for 1–2 minutes, then plunge into ice water to keep their green color. Drain very well.
- Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the horsetail shoots and stir fry for 3–5 minutes until tender but still bright.
- Stir in soy sauce and the optional maple syrup and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Serving suggestion Serve with steamed rice or as part of an Asian style meal. The flavor is lightly nutty and savory.
For best edibility always use very young, tender horsetail shoots. Older parts become tough and fibrous. - Source and safety Use only correctly identified common horsetail from a clean, uncontaminated source.
- Horsetail can accumulate heavy metals from polluted soils.
- The quick blanch and ice bath improve texture and help reduce bitterness.
- Optional additions A pinch of chili flakes for heat or 1 teaspoon rice vinegar at the end for brightness.
Tin Polishing with Horsetail
Cleaning Tin with Horsetail
Equipment
- Soft, lint-free cloth
- Small bowl of clean water
- Optional thin gloves for sensitive skin
Ingredients
- Rough stems of common horsetail fresh
Instructions
- Lightly dampen the tin surface.
- Rub the horsetail stems over the tin in even, circular motions to lift tarnish and grime.
- Work section by section until a sheen returns.
- Wipe away plant residue with a soft, damp cloth.
- Dry thoroughly and buff to a shine.
Notes
- Why it works: Horsetail contains fine silica that acts as an ultra-gentle abrasive polish.
- Patch test first on an inconspicuous area. Do not use on lacquered, coated, or highly plated surfaces.
- Aftercare: A tiny film of neutral oil can be applied and buffed for extra protection.
- Use only fresh, green stems; dry stems crumble and may scratch.
Medical Disclaimer
The recipes and information provided here are for informational purposes only and do not replace the advice of a physician or other healthcare professional. If you have any health concerns or uncertainties, you should always consult a doctor.