Content
- Field horsetail can be dried well
- When is field horsetail collected?
- How to dry horsetail properly
- Attention: Avoid confusion with marsh horsetail
- Tea and cosmetics from dried horsetail
- Tips
Dried field horsetail can be used in many ways
Field horsetail can be dried well
Field horsetail or horsetail is widely regarded as weeds, yet the plant is valued as a natural remedy, for cosmetics and as a natural spray against fungal diseases of roses. The herb can be dried very well, so that it can be made in the winter teas and bath additives.
When is field horsetail collected?
Field horsetail contains a lot of silica and minerals. Through the silica crystals, the shoots always seem slightly dry. Therefore, horsetail is very good for drying.
The fresh cabbage is picked from May to the end of July. Later you should no longer collect field horsetail, as the stems lignify. From the lignified stems can be triggered only a little silica.
Horsetail, which grows on stony soils, contains a lot of silicic acid.
How to dry horsetail properly
Collect field horsetail on a sunny day, preferably in the morning. The herb should be as dry as possible.
Do not tie several stems together with a twine. Hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dry place. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
It only takes a few weeks for horsetail to be completely dry. It is then very brittle and breaks even with light touch. Store the herb in paper bags until use and store in a dry place.
Attention: Avoid confusion with marsh horsetail
Unfortunately, the non-toxic field horsetail and the poisonous marsh horsetail are very similar. Make sure you recognize the differences between the two plants well.
If you are not sure, you prefer to buy commercially available drugs from the pharmacy or the garden shop.
Tea and cosmetics from dried horsetail
From dried horsetail you can make many preparations for natural cosmetics and naturopathy:
Because of the high silica content, horsetail is used in cosmetics mainly for the care of hair and teeth. Even with problems with the connective tissue horsetail is recommended.
To dissolve the silica from the herb, field horsetail must be cooked for about half an hour. This also applies to teas.
Tips
For the production of fertilizers or pesticides for roses and other ornamental plants, you can use fresh or dried horsetail.