EQUISETUM

Homeopathy

EQUISETUM

Equisetum hyemale & E. arvense
Rough horsetail, field horsetail.

Key Uses:

Bed-wetting in children during nightmares or other dreams

Painful irritation of the bladder

Origin : Found mainly in Asia, particularly China, and in Europe and North America.

Background : This primitive genus has been used to heal wounds since at least the 1st century BCE. Strongly abrasive, it was used between the Middle Ages and the 18th century as a pot-scourer.

Preparation : The fresh plant of either species, including the root, is first pulped, then steeped in alcohol.

Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to this remedy are irritable and easily tired. Equisetum is used chiefly for painful irritation of the bladder, which is aching, full, and tender. There is typically a sensation of painful pressure on either side of the lower abdomen and bladder. The pain becomes worse at the end of urination. There may be a constant desire to urinate, possibly with dribbling of urine, or mucus in the urine. The remedy is also given to children who wet their bed during nightmares or other dreams.

Symptoms Better : For lying on the back; for walking.

Symptoms Worse : For being touched; for movement; for pressure on the painful area.