Equisetum (also known as “cola de caballo” in Mexico) has a long history of medicinal uses, although modern sources include cautions with regard to its use. Apparently, these plants have a high content of thiaminase, which may induce edema and may cause lack of limb coordination, slow heart-rates, and cardiac irregularity.
Nevertheless, Equisetum has been widely used in many different cultures as a diuretic to reduce swelling caused by excess fluid retention and for urinary infections, bladder and kidney disorders. It has also found extensive application in medicine as a source of silica, which can amount to 25% of the plant’s dry weight.
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- E. myriochaetum – “habitat”
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- E. myriochaetum – stems
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- E. myriochaetum – stems
Collection Data (F.B. Matos 2397)
Classification & Common Names
- Class: Polypodiopsida
- Family: Equisetaceae
- Genus: Equisetum L.
- Species: Equisetum myriochaetum Schltdl. & Cham.
- Var./Subsp.:
- Common name(s): Cola de caballo
General Collection Data
- Date: 21-III-2014
- Primary Collector & #: F.B. Matos 2397
- Collection Party:
- Det. History: F.B. Matos, III.2014
- Habitat: Market
- Habit: Terrestrial
- Specimen Locations: MEXU, NY, UPCB
Additional Comments
Collection Location
- Location: Mercado Juárez – Oaxaca – – Oaxaca – Mexico.
- Coordinates: 17.058333, -96.726111
- Elevation:
