Organic Field Horsetail Herbal Tea — Siliceous plant of herbal tradition

Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a primitive perennial plant belonging to a plant group that appeared over 300 million years ago, long before flowering plants. Its characteristic articulated stems and green branches make it an easily identifiable plant along roadsides and in the damp terrain of Europe. Recognized in traditional herbalism for its exceptional richness in organic silica, it has been used in infusions for centuries. Herberry offers you dried field horsetail stems, certified organic.

Botanical overview

Equisetum arvense is the only species of the Equisetum genus recommended in herbalism — other species (notably E. palustre) contain toxic alkaloids (palustrine). It is recognizable by its green, hollow, articulated sterile stems, bearing whorls of fine branches. Horsetail does not produce flowers: it reproduces by spores. It colonizes roadsides, damp embankments, and clay soils throughout Europe.

The stems contain a remarkable amount of silica (5 to 8% of dry matter), largely in soluble form (orthosilicic acid), as well as flavonoids (equisetin, luteolin), saponins (equisetonin), phenolic acids, and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium).

Aromatic and taste profile

Field horsetail infusion offers a clear, slightly greenish to pale yellow liquor. Its taste is very mild and herbaceous, almost neutral, with a slight vegetal note. The bitterness is very low, making it an enjoyable herbal tea even for those unaccustomed to plant infusions. It pairs easily with other more aromatic plants.

How to prepare the infusion

• Quantity: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried stems (about 1.5 to 2 g) per cup
• Water: simmering, about 90-95°C — a gentle decoction (5 minutes at a low simmer) improves silica extraction
• Infusion: 10 to 15 minutes, covered
• Strain carefully and enjoy lukewarm
• Frequency: 2 to 3 cups per day

Composition

Precautions for use

• Ensure the product is indeed the species Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) and not other potentially toxic species (E. palustre)
• Not recommended for people suffering from heart or kidney failure without medical advice
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice
• Not recommended for children under 12 years of age
• In case of diuretic treatment, consult a doctor before use
• Do not exceed the recommended usage amounts
• Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet

FAQ

Is Herberry's organic field horsetail certified?

Yes, this field horsetail is certified organic, guaranteeing the absence of pesticides and synthetic chemical inputs.

Why is field horsetail so rich in silica?

Horsetail is a primitive plant that, over the course of evolution, has developed an exceptional ability to accumulate silica from the soil in its tissues. This silica is present partly in the form of orthosilicic acid, which is the most bioavailable form for the body. It is this characteristic that distinguishes horsetail from most other plants.

How to distinguish field horsetail from other horsetails?

Field horsetail (E. arvense) is recognizable by its bright green sterile stems, its fine branches grouped in whorls, and its hollow, articulated stems. Marsh horsetail (E. palustre), which is toxic, has more robust stems and a larger central canal. At Herberry, the horsetail is botanically identified to ensure the correct species.

How should I store my pouch of field horsetail?

Away from direct light, heat, and humidity. Consume preferably within 12 months of opening the resealable pouch.

Discover other Herberry herbal teas: See the entire Herberry range