Equisetum is a genus of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds. The genus includes 15 species commonly known as horsetails and scouring rushes. It is the only living genus in class Equisetopsida, formerly of the division Equisetophyta (Arthrophyta in older works), though recent molecular analyses place the genus within the ferns (Pteridophyta). Other classes and orders of Equisetopsida are known from the fossil record, where they were important members of the world flora during the Carboniferous period.
Horsetail was also known as sharegrass and bottlebrush.
It was used to treat kidney and bladder disorders and urinary infections. Disorders of the prostate gland and some disorders of the digestive system were also treated with it.
Externally, it was used in the curing of open sores, wounds and chilblains.
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