Horsetail extract (Equisetum arvense), one of the most important ‘cosmetic herbs,’ can be found in PHYTO5’s Facial Cleansing Gel and Water element Phyt’Ether serum and Horsetail-Buckwheat Shampoo. Horsetail is a very rich source of silica and a basic component of hair, skin and nails. The silica in horsetail (70% silica in soluble form) is very bio-available making horsetail an extremely effective constituent in skincare and nutritional supplementation.
Silica rich horsetail is very beneficial for use in anti-aging and acne skincare products. Horsetail in PHYTO5’s Water element Phyt’Ether serum for skin, scalp and body works to soften lines and firm and tone. Because of its silica content it promotes elasticity and helps rejuvenate skin. This potent ingredient also acts as astringent tightening the skin.
Horsetail helps cleanse the body of impurities and excess water and as a result reduces swelling and puffiness while restoring color to the skin. It helps strengthen the kidneys, the organ associated with the Water element according to traditional Chinese medicine.
It can help heal skin damaged by fungal diseases, allergies and rashes such as eczema, skin irritated by shaving or disfigured by acne or blemishes.
Horsetail also improves the health of brittle fingernails and cuticles.
PHYTO5’s Water element Horsetail-Buckwheat Shampoo provides horsetail as a perfect primary unique ingredient because it gives body to lifeless hair and improves the condition of the scalp. It naturally helps create lather for the shampoo and acts on scalp's blood vessels to stimulate 1) circulation in the scalp; 2) the function of silica and sulfur which are both anti-seborrhea;* 3) the function of the amino acid cystine which acts as a bridge in the structure of hair.
Horsetail discourages dandruff and restores scalp oil glands to their proper working order. It’s known to hasten the scalp’s recovery from rashes, fungal diseases and allergic reactions and it helps to prevent hair loss.
Research shows that plants that have adapted to survive in difficult conditions often contain phytochemicals with medicinal value to humans and horsetail is one of those plants. The fern plant horsetail has been used medicinally by Native Americans, Tibetans, the Chinese and ancient Greeks and Romans.
Horsetail when used for skin is also stimulating, soothing, healing, and nourishing. It assists skin to increase its own defense mechanism. Because of its rich mineral content, it helps regulate the skin. The silicic acid present in horsetail makes it able to strengthen connective tissue and capillary walls..
Additional constituents of horsetail extract are amino acids citruline (antioxidant and skin conditioning agent), valine (tissue recovery and repair), lysine (collagen builder), serine (natural moisturizing agent) and asparaginic acid (strengthens skin’s natural defense system and helps slow signs of aging caused by environmental damage).
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Endnotes:
* working against excessive discharge of sebum from the sebaceous glands
Michalun, M. Varinia, and Joseph C. Dinardo. Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Milady, 2015.
Arrowsmith, Nancy. Essential Herbal Wisdom A Complete Exploration of 50 Remarkable Herbs. Llewellyn Publications. 2009
Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening Association. Bio-dynamics Issues 182-202. Cornell University. 1992.
Jones, Pamela. Just Weeds: History, Myths and Uses. Prentice Hall Press. 2009.
Schoffro Cook, Michelle. Be Your Own Herbalist Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking. New World Library. 2016.
Photo by Julia Schwab at Pixabay.