Giant horsetail (prèl)
Equisetum giganteum · Equisetaceae
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Giant horsetail
prèl
Grande prêle
Equisetum giganteum
prèl
Equisetaceae
Traditionally used
Prèl — the giant horsetail of tropical America, the living counterpart of the European field horsetail. Rich in silica, a decoction of the stems is taken as a diuretic and to help knit wounds and strengthen brittle nails and hair. ⚠ Not for prolonged use — about three weeks at most; it carries thiaminase, and is avoided in pregnancy and in kidney conditions.
In three languages
Kreyòl — ⚠ Pa gen itilizasyon pwolonje — twa semenn nan maksimòm; li gen tiaminaz ladan l, epi li pa bon pou fanm ansent oswa moun ki gen pwoblèm ren. Prèl se gwo prèl Amerik twopikal la, kontrepati vivan prèl chan ewopeyen an. Li chaje ak silis; yo bwè yon dekoksyon tij li kòm diyeretik epi pou ede blese fèmen ak ranfòse cheve ak zong, yon èd mineral ki lan.
Français — Prèl — la grande prêle d'Amérique tropicale, pendant vivant de la prêle des champs européenne. Riche en silice, une décoction des tiges se prend comme diurétique et pour aider à cicatriser et fortifier ongles et cheveux fragiles. ⚠ Pas d'usage prolongé — trois semaines au maximum ; elle contient de la thiaminase, et se déconseille pendant la grossesse et en cas d'affection rénale.
The crossing
E. giganteum is native to Haiti and the wider Caribbean; the remineralizing / diuretic use overlaps closely with E. arvense, and the same not-prolonged caution applies.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; silica pharmacology
Kept alongside