Horsetail and Sage
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Karen
Posted on: September 1, 1998

Please tell me what horsetail and sage are used for and how much to take.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is used in urinary tract disorders such as inflamed prostate, urethra or bladder, for its diuretic and styptic properties, and for healing tissue such as in the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, lung, muscles and joints. It contains silica, which helps with the repair of tissue, growth of hair and nails, and helps to prevent osteoporosis. Dosage of the dried herb is one half to one teaspoon per cup of water, simmered for 5 minutes, then left to steep for 30 minutes, three times a day. Purchased tinctures vary in strength. Follow the directions on the bottle. It should not be used for a period longer than a month without a break, and should be used only with consultation with a holistic practitioner.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, making it useful in sore throat, mouth or gums, and in laryngitis and pharyngitis. It is cooling, helping to stop night sweats and hot flashes. It is a circulation stimulant used to improve memory by stimulating blood flow to the brain. Its digestive properties make it useful in flatulence and loss of appetite. One half to one teaspoon of the dried herb is steeped in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, three times a day. Sage should not be taken in pregnancy, high blood pressure or epilepsy.

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