Rough horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) is the oldest known plant in the world, and also makes beautiful music. Dating back to 150 million years ago, it's a seasoned survivor. Rough horsetail has medicinal benefits and a toxic streak.
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E. hyemale grows in marshes, wetlands, sandy soil, riparian zones of rivers, lakes and creeks, anywhere the soil is perpetually moist. It's widespread over temperate to arctic zones.
In some places it's considered invasive; in others, a living fossil. The hollow reeds can be cut to make musical instruments such as woodwinds; whistles, flutes and pipes. They could be the same kind of reeds once used by a Mediterranean goat-god to dance the night away.
This is a plant of wisdom. It knows many stories passed down through the ages. Used as a flute it can tell them, too. Even today makers of musical instruments use the stems to shape the reeds of instruments such as clarinets or saxophones.
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In 1753 Linnaeus identified the scouring rush plant as Equisetum hyemale. The rough horsetail is used to scour pots and pans, a natural scrubbing tool. The reeds can also be used as sandpaper.
The plant has some medical benefits and some toxic warnings. Taking this plant for a week or longer can cause liver problems. It's used as a diuretic and to treat venereal disease, sore genitals, burning pains on urination, nasal congestion and respiratory ailments.
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Rough horsetail is toxic in high amounts or over a period of time. It destroys B vitamins, but improves the health of skin and hair. Prolonged use can cause liver and kidney damage. It's not recommended to use this plant every day.
Horsetail relates to the planet Saturn, having both strong positive and negative qualities. It can increase willpower and help define limits or boundaries. It can be used to strengthen affirmations and commitments. It's protective against undesirable energy and helps purify one's space.
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It's an herb of good judgment and prosperous returns for sincere efforts. Saturn is an agriculture god. The mythological reign of Saturn is portrayed as a Golden Age of peace and abundance. It's celebrated each year at Saturnalia.
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