The Efficacy and Functions of Herba Equiseti
Equisetum hyemale is mild in nature and has a sweet and bitter taste, similar to Ephedra. It possesses effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood to stop bleeding, improving vision and removing corneal opacity, reducing inflammation, and antioxidant activity. The specific functions are analyzed as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Equisetum hyemale is neutral in nature with a sweet and bitter flavor, resembling Ephedra. It can clear heat, dispel wind, induce sweating, and relieve muscle discomfort. It is used to treat conditions such as sore throat, swelling, and abscesses.
2. Cooling Blood and Stopping Bleeding
Equisetum hyemale can moisten dryness, reduce internal fire, cool the blood, and stop bleeding. When combined with Chaenomeles fruit (Mu Mian Bao), Aurantium Fructus (Zhi Ke), Sophora japonica fruit (Huai Jiao), Poria (Fu Ling), and Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), ground into a fine powder, decocted into a strong solution, and taken with jujube decoction, it shows certain therapeutic effects on diarrhea, dysentery, excessive uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, and hemorrhoidal bleeding.
3. Improving Vision and Removing Corneal Opacity
Its properties resemble those of Ephedra, with similar dispersing actions; however, it is not pungent or hot in nature. It enters the Gallbladder meridian (Foot-Shaoyang) and Liver meridian (Foot-Jueyin). It effectively clears wind-heat from the blood level within these two meridians, promoting blood flow upward to the eyes. Therefore, it is a key herb for removing corneal cloudiness and improving vision.

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Equisetum hyemale also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and shows good inhibitory effects against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Shigella.
5. Antioxidant Activity
Equisetum hyemale contains antioxidant substances that help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. This is important for slowing the aging process and maintaining overall health.
It is recommended to use Equisetum hyemale under the guidance of a physician. Do not use it indiscriminately or alter the dosage without professional advice. If any adverse reactions occur after using Equisetum hyemale, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.