Shavegrass (7% Silica)

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Botanical:  Equisetum arvense
Family: Equisetaceae (horsetail)
                                                
Other common names: Horsetail, Pewterwort, Scouring Rush, Equisetum, Queue de Cheval,  Bottlebrush, Dutch Rushes, Giant Horsetail

For healthy hair, skin and nails, try Shavegrass.   Of all the known herbs, Shavegrass is said to contain the highest amount of silica, which is an important nutrient for healthy hair, skin, nails and connective tissues throughout the body. Since ancient times, Horsetail has also been used to heal wounds, treat urinary infections and to strengthen bones.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Shavegrass is widely distributed throughout the temperate climate zones of the northern hemisphere, including Asia, North America and Europe.  During the Carboniferous Period, Horsetail was a predominant plant, growing up to forty feet tall or more.  It reproduces by spores, rather than pollen.  Cut off just above the root, the stems are used in their entirety, and only the barren stems of the plant are used medicinally, appearing after the fruiting stems have died down.  Shavegrass's botanical name, Equisetum, is derived from two Latin words, equus, meaning "horse" and setum, meaning "bristle," an obvious reference to the plant's brush-like appearance.  The folk names, Scouring Rush, Bottle Brush and Shave Grass, allude to this plant's utility as a very fine grade of sandpaper, and it has been used to file stone projectile points, polish wood and scour cookware.  Since it was first recommended by the ancient physician, Galen, several cultures have employed Shavegrass as a folk remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, arthritis, bleeding ulcers and tuberculosis.  Shavegrass has been used for centuries in both Chinese and European herbology to treat external wounds.  Because of its high tannin content, Shavegrass helps to halt bleeding, making it a popular treatment for nosebleeds and hemorrhoids.  Shavegrass is also said to alleviate painful urination, reduce inflammation of the prostate gland, and it helps to eliminate some cases of adolescent bed wetting.  Primary chemical constituents of Shavegrass include flavonoids, bitter principle, alkaloids (equisetin, nicotine, palustrine, palustrinine), silica, calcium, manganese, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, phytosterols and tannin.  Shavegrass is very rich in silicic acid and silicates, which provide approximately two-to-three percent elemental silicon.  The presence of bioflavonoids are believed to cause a diuretic action, while the silica content is said to exert a connective tissue-strengthening and anti-arthritic action.  Some experts have suggested that the element, silica, is a vital component for bone and cartilage formations.  This would indicate that Shavegrass may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women or men with prostate cancer should avoid Shavegrass.  This herb should not be used for prolonged periods of time nor in excessive amounts (many times the recommended dosage). Older adults, children and people with cardiac disease or high blood pressure should not use the herb without first consulting a physician.

Capsule Information:
Our Shavegrass supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.