Horsetail tea: find out if you lose weight and how to do it

Teas can be a great alternative for those looking for healthier lifestyle habits. Some have been used for years due to their therapeutic effects.

Among these very popular drinks is horsetail tea. Do you want to know what it is for and how to prepare it? Check out the text:

Contents

Equisetum arvense : what is horsetail tea?

Horsetail tea is an infusion prepared with a plant that bears the scientific name of Equisetum arvense . It is quite similar to a horse’s tail. It can also be known as horsetail, horse tail or horse glue.

It is known that this herbal plant is quite common in Europe and America. And it has been consumed for its medicinal effects since ancient times in Greece and Rome. Since antiquity, it was used to treat wounds or because it is a natural diuretic, that is, to increase the amount of urine eliminated.

Among its nutrients, there are some important minerals for the body such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, in addition to antioxidants.

What is horsetail tea for?

Horsetail tea is a drink that can offer several health benefits as well as body aesthetics. Among its most sought after uses is that of natural diuretic, helping to deflate the body.

See below for details of some of the benefits attributed to horsetail tea, highlighting that some are the result of ongoing studies or tests on animals, without necessarily having scientific evidence in humans:

  • Promotes bone health: it is believed that tea improves bone density due to the presence of the mineral silica, which acts in bone regeneration, and can help prevent osteoporosis. It is noteworthy that research in humans has not yet been carried out to prove the effects of horsetail tea on bone health.
  • Strengthens hair: as it helps in the production of collagen, the drink can also promote hair growth, in addition to giving more strength and shine to the strands.
  • It is good for the skin : as it contains antioxidants, horsetail tea inhibits cell damage and can delay premature skin aging and increase elasticity, improving appearance and reducing wrinkles.
  • Relieves pain : frequent consumption can also be beneficial to relieve pain, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Controls diabetes : it can also have positive anti-diabetic effects, as it has been shown to lower blood sugar.
  • Controls bleeding : it can also help in the treatment of heavy bleeding and menstruation.
  • Assist in healing : the topical application of horsetail tea on the skin helps promote wound healing and relieve pain.

Does it help you lose weight?

Indirectly, yes. Horsetail tea is famous for its natural diuretic effects, that is, it helps to eliminate liquids in the urine. But it is worth noting that it does not contribute to the loss of fat, only water.

Even so, it can be an ally of weight loss because it contains substances such as saponins and flavonoids, which help to reduce swelling and eliminate toxins from the body.

It is worth mentioning that to enjoy this benefit of horsetail tea it is important to have healthy eating habits and to practice regular physical activity.

How to make horsetail tea?

Horsetail tea can be prepared only with hot water or have other supplements such as sweeteners, hibiscus , ginger , cinnamon and lemon.

It is very important to pay attention to the form of preparation, as this determines the flavor of the drink. It is essential to keep an eye on the temperature and time of the preparation.

The recommendation is not to spend more than 10 minutes in the pot to prevent the tea from getting bitter and you don’t need to boil the drink either.

Regarding the quantity, the ideal is to drink two to three cups of tea a day at most.

See below how to make some combinations that can enhance the benefits and even increase the taste of horsetail tea.

With hibiscus

Joining horsetail tea with hibiscus can contribute to weight loss. The plant Hibiscus sabdariffa (scientific name of Hibiscus), as well as mackerel has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And these herbs are easily found in health food stores.

Ingredients

  • 5 teaspoons of hibiscus;
  • 3 teaspoons of horsetail;
  • 1 liter of water.

Preparation mode

Put the water to a boil. Then add the herbs and turn off the heat. Cover and let stand for five minutes. If you like, sweeten it with honey or brown sugar before drinking.

With ginger

Known for its flavor and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger can be a food that goes well with horsetail herb. It is known that ginger has the ability to increase body temperature, which helps the body to burn more calories, in addition to reducing appetite.

Ingredients

  • 500 mL of water;
  • 1 tablespoon of mackerel;
  • 1 tablespoon of sliced ​​ginger.

Preparation mode

Place all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Leave the pot on the fire until it starts to boil. Turn off and leave it covered for five minutes. Strain and consume still warm.

With cinnamon

Used as a condiment, cinnamon can fight infections and contains antioxidant properties. In addition, together with the horsetail it can add an extra flavor to the infusion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cinnamon sticks;
  • 1 tablespoon of mackerel;
  • 250mL of water.

Preparation mode

In a saucepan, place the water and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and bring to a boil. Add the horsetail. After five minutes, turn off the heat and serve the tea while it is still warm.

With lemon

This citrus fruit stands out for its sour taste in the recipes and is indicated for different types of teas due to its nutritional properties. Including the lemon in drops or the peel in an infusion with the herb horsetail can increase the benefits of the drink, such as boosting immunity.

Ingredients

  • Peel of a medium lemon;
  • 1 tablespoon of mackerel;
  • 160mL of water.

Preparation mode

Heat the water with the lemon peel for about five minutes. Then put out the fire and put the horsetail. Cover the pan and wait a few minutes before serving.

What are the contraindications?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume horsetail tea without medical advice. This is because research has not yet been carried out to prove whether the drink is safe in these cases.

As for the side effects of mackerel, its use can cause interactions with some medications such as the antiretroviral cocktail indicated for people with HIV .

Long-term use by people who have low levels of thiamine can lead to vitamin B1 deficiencies.

Some people may experience stomach discomfort, diarrhea and excessive urination after consuming horsetail tea.

And the drink is also not recommended for those who have problems with low blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease.

Is it bad for the liver?

Yes, if it is consumed in excess. Some herbs, despite being natural, can cause some health problems, especially if consumption is abundant.

Research is still being carried out to see if the horsetail herb is toxic to the liver (known as hepatotoxicity) and causes some damage to the organ.

What is known is that quantity can make a difference. When in doubt, it is better to check with a doctor if the horsetail tea can be harmful, especially for those who already have some type of liver problem.

According to the Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH), the horsetail herb can cause liver changes when consumed in doses greater than 600mg per day for three to eighteen weeks of use.

Therefore, researchers believe that the horsetail herb, when consumed in the long term and frequently, can cause chronic hepatitis, that is, severe liver infection or liver cirrhosis , a serious disease that can block blood circulation and hinder the functioning of the organ.

However, the good news is that there is an improvement in the condition after the interruption of consumption and these situations occur only with excessive and prolonged use of horsetail tea.

Pull or am I?

No. Horsetail tea does not contain caffeine in its composition. Therefore, it does not cause insomnia or any other difficulty sleeping.

It can even be an important ally to reduce anxiety , helping you to relax and contribute to the quality of sleep, when consumed at night.


Teas can be combined with health and well-being. With medicinal properties and important nutrients for the body, the regular consumption of some plants can have positive effects on the body. And horsetail tea is one of those famous drinks!

Find out more about teas and well-being at Hickey solution!

Loading...