Equisetum Hyemale (Horsetail) FAQ's

Equisetum Hyemale (Horsetail) FAQ's

Powder Questions:

Q: Do I ingest this powder?

A: Yes! This is a dietary supplement. Use 1 teaspoon and mix with a small amount of water to ingest (do NOT heat this product). You will want to do this for 6-10 days and then take 3-4 weeks off. Then repeat.

Q: Do I brush my teeth with this?

A: No. This is not a tooth powder to brush your teeth with. This is abrasive and could be damaging. Though, if you have a cavity or a problem area, you can create a paste and pack the tooth to help improve the tooth health.

Q: How long does a 1-ounce package last?

A: This package contains 30 servings. This will last 1-3 months depending on how you are using it. If you are simply following the instructions and ingesting for 6-10 days on, you'll get the full 3 months. However, if you are using it for treating dental issues in addition to the ingestion, it may be closer to the 1 month supply. 

Q: Can I give this to my children?

A: Absolutely. Cut the dose in half for children under 12.

Q: Why should I only take hyemale 6-10 days a month?

A: Hyemale contains a chemical called thiaminase. This breaks down the vitamin thiamine. When this happens. the effect could lead to thiamine deficiency.

Q: I can easily find Equisetum Arvense. Isn't this the same thing?

A: Though it is from the same family, it is not the same product. Both are high in silica, but hyemale is higher and better for long-term use where arvense is better for short-term use. You also don't want to use arvense directly on your teeth and gums. 

Q: I found hyemale through another source much cheaper. Why go through you?

A: Great question. First, do be sure it is hyemale and not arvense. There is a difference. Second, do be sure to send us the link to what you found as we always want to know what our competition is offering so we can be sure our prices are still appropriate. Third, do your research to determine where the product is sourced from as you want to be sure you are ingesting a quality product. Finally, remember that our product comes with learning materials and access to support for questions and answers! :)

Q: Where is this plant sourced?

A: This is carefully harvested from the most pristine of natural habitats, far from any chemical residues or toxins in the Gila Forest in New Mexico by Doug Simons.

Q: Is this an organic product?

A: This plant is wildcrafted. Wildcrafted and organic plants are similar. Organic plants are not subjected to environmental stressors the way wildcrafted plants are because they are grown in a controlled environment and this is what permits the "organic" label via the government. This product is not grown in a controlled environment, but rather in a pristine area in the Gila forest.  

Q: Can I mix this with vitamins?

A: Absolutely. There is no harm in that. Just avoid mixing in a tea or heated liquid.

Plant Questions (no longer for sale through TGN):

Q: I have found horsetail seeds that I can buy. Is this a good idea?

A: If someone is selling you a horsetail seed, the chances are, it's not the hyemale species. Equisetum Hyemale grows by rhizomes and not by seed. Here are some sources for you to review:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=c670
• https://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/palette/060813.html
• https://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-horsetail-39482.html
• https://garden.lovetoknow.com/lawns-ornamental-grasses/growing-horsetail-plants

There are plenty of sources out there that expand on the fact that this is a seedless plant. 

Q: How do I plant this product?

A: This is a very hardy plant. If you live in a zone where there is no frost or the frost is already done for the season, you can plant outside. This plant likes damp and nutrient rich soil for getting the roots started. After that, it withstands just about any environment. If there is a frost, plant inside in sunny window. Warm, damp, nutrient-rich soil will work best in the indoor planter. 

Q: My plant isn't growing! How frustrating.

A: This plant is very different than others you are used to. They grow from rhizomes and this can take time to establish. Some see results quickly, others find it takes 6 months or so. Be patient and wait for the sprouts to grow.

Q: Is this plant going to survive the winter?

A: As long as the roots are already established, absolutely!

Q. When is the plant ready?

A. Allow the plant time to get acclimated in the soil. This is usually a few months time. The plant is not one that will grow out of control or very large. Instead, it may look exactly the same as when you initially planted it. But, as long as it continues to look green and healthy, it's fine. Take small trimmings off the plant leaving at least 2 knuckles. Dry for a few days and then grind into a powder (see instructions for powder use above).

**Note that you can actually create more plants from a cutting....simply cut and put into water into roots form and then plant. :) 

Q: How does this plant reproduce?

A: This plant is considered an invasive species and can quickly reproduce. If you are looking to help it along, you can trim the stems, place the cuttings in water, and wait for the roots to sprout. Once they do, transplant into the soil.

Q: Do these plants spread?

A: Yes, they do. Some might call them invasive, so keep them in a planter of you don't want them to take over your garden.

Q: How tall do the babies get?

A: These are not actually babies. These are adult plants that were trimmed for healthy transport. They may get as tall as 2-3 feet.

General Questions:

Q: Is there a subscription available?

A: There sure is! We offer a discounted rate to those who purchase a subscription. This can be canceled at anytime.

Q: Will there be other group buy opportunities?

A: Great question!! The purpose of the group buy is for us to determine if we have enough of a community interest to keep offering this product. We will no longer hold group buy opportunities for the plants, but do hope to offer opportunities for the powder.

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: We sure wish we could, but due to customs and border restrictions, we are unable to ship across country borders. This is a US sale only. We have, however, been told this is a good international option: Customised Health

Q: How does this ship?

A: All of our products are shipped via USPS First Class mail. For group buys, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Q: I am unhappy with the product. Can this be returned?

A: Absolutely! Please email [e-mail] for assistance with returns. Unopened packages may be shipped to: The Grow Network c/o Nikki Follis, 71 Wendelton Road, Troy MI 48084