Not all gold are lustrous.  Again, not all gold are dug up in the mines.  Its not possible to raise a golden egg bearing duck, but its possible to grow an herb that stores gold.

"Grow a horsetail!"

    Horsetail is a hardy perennial. It grows to about 18 inches high. In the spring makes sure plant is under control, it spreads quickly. During the summer cut back plants that are beginning to die back to stop the spores spreading. After the harvest in the fall, cut down to the ground, again this stops the spores spreading.

             Horsetail has the ability to absorb gold from the ground and fuse it with water.  In actuality, 1 ton of fresh stalk can yield about 4 ounces of gold, so in a way, it is possible to grow gold.

             For this reason, ancient cultures used this plant as a polishing material, and to this day is known by name nicknames according to its uses.  For an example, it is also known as pewter wort, for it was used to polish pewter (metal alloy made of tin, copper and lead), and scouring rush, for it was used for cleaning pots (made possible by its high silica content).

             Another interesting fact is that some physicians prescribe gold to treat arthritic pain, and horsetail was traditionally used to treat arthritis.  Ancient Chinese doctors also used horsetail to treat arthritis, treat injury, hemorrhoids, and dysentery, and is still used today to treat these diseases in oriental medicine.

             Nicholas Culpepper, 17th century British herbal scholar, referred to horsetail as very effective in stopping bleeding, and treating ulcer, and various injuries.

             During 19th century, horsetail was used as diuretic, treat incontinence, kidney stone, and congestive heart failure, and in homeopathy to treat cystitis, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence, urethritis and more. 

             Horsetail is especially good for prostatism, and gout, for it is a rich source of silica (over 10%).  Because is contains more silica than any other herbs, most of its commercial products are marketed as Silica.

Indication:

1. Arthritis and gout

             Horsetail tea contains small amount of gold, but this is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and in oriental medicine its commonly used

2. Diuretic

             Horsetail contains small amount of diuretic substance called Equisetonin, it is good for urinary organs and can also be used for prostate disorders.

3. Giving up smoking

             It contains very small amount of nicotine (0.00004%), not enough to satisfy smoker''s desires, but some herbalists use it to stop smoking.

4. Promotes healing of fractures

5. Externally used as hemostatic to stop bleeding due to injury and promotes healing

6. Can be used as a gargle for oral infections

             In addition, horsetail bath is used to promote metabolism through skin, and especially good for circulatory disorders.

             In oriental medicine is known as Mu Zei, and is sweet, bitter and neutral in properties.  It is used to disperse wind-heat – red, painful eyes, blurred vision, pterygium, and to clear heat to stop bleeding (blood in stool, hemorrhoids). 

Preparation:

1. For dropsy or rheumatoid arthritis, steep 1-2 teaspoonful of dried herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and drink 2-3 times daily.

2. Can be made into a wine

             Fill 1 pint bottle with well-washed and dried horsetail stem.  Fill to the top of the bottle with vodka or soju.  After 2-3 weeks, drink 1/2-1 teaspoonful 2-3 times daily.  Not for children under 2, and for elderly patients, use smaller dosage.

3. Wet compress (for arthritis)

             Place a cloth soaked in horsetail water on the painful area.  Or grind fresh horsetail and apply to the affected area.

Caution:

1. Horsetail contains rather large amounts of selenium, essential dietary mineral, also can be toxic in large doses.  Large amount of selenium may harm the fetus, hence, is should be avoided during pregnancy.  Especially since horsetail grown in well-fertilized, damp area may contain larger amounts of selenium, caution must be taken.

2. Use with caution in patient with constant fatigue or diarrhea

             Horsetail is safe, effective herb for a short term uses.  However, in case of any doubt, consult a herbalist before use.