Mu Zei
Equisetum hiemale L.
☯ TCM Properties
Disperses Wind-Heat; Brightens the Eyes and Removes Visual Obstructions; Stops Bleeding
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Equisetum hyemale (Equisetaceae), the rough horsetail or scouring rush, is an evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial pteridophyte forming dense colonies of unbranched, hollow, jointed, dark-green stems 50-150 cm tall and 4-10 mm thick. The stems are deeply ridged (16-40 ridges) and impregnated with silica, giving them a sandpaper texture historically used for polishing wood and pewter. Tiny scale leaves are fused into blackish toothed sheaths at each node. Reproductive cones (strobili) 1-2 cm long, with a sharp apical point, develop atop fertile stems in summer and release spores. The species is circumboreal, growing in damp sandy soils along streams, ditches, and forest edges. The dried aerial stems are Mu Zei. (Sources: POWO; Wikipedia; PFAF)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mu Zei (scouring rush, horsetail herb) is a bitter, neutral herb used in Chinese medicine primarily for eye conditions — particularly those caused by Wind-Heat or Liver Heat affecting the eyes, including red, inflamed, excessively tearing eyes and visual cloudiness. Its mild hemostatic properties also address bleeding conditions, and its secondary action of clearing Wind-Heat from the exterior makes it appropriate for early-stage Wind-Heat exterior patterns. As an herb with both ophthalmic and hemostatic applications, it represents a distinct role in the Chinese materia medica.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.