A spreading, reed-like perennial plant growing to 3 ft (0.9 m) tall. The evergreen stems are cylindrical, about 1/3 in (0.8 cm) in diameter, jointed, hollow, usually unbranched, and have rough longitudinal ridges. The tiny leaves are joined together around the stem, forming a narrow black-green band or sheath at each joint. Like other Pteridophytes (ferns and their relatives), scouring rush does not produce flowers or seeds. Instead it develops a brown, cone-shaped, spore-producing strobilus at the tip of fertile stems, which are shorter than the infertile stems. The spores themselves are microscopic.

Abortifacient, astringent, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive and styptic (whole plant)

Plants For A Future

Aconitic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid (plant)

The whole plant has an appetite-stimulating effect. The plant is a useful diuretic when taken internally and is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems. A decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and promote healing. It has also been used for treating adenopathy, backache, cataract, cholecystosis, colds, conjunctivosis, constipation, cystosis, dermatosis, diarrhea, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, embolism, enuresis, fever, fistulas, gonorrhea, hemorrhoid, incontinence, ophthalmia, prostatosis, sores, syphilis, tuberculosis and water retention.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 666, CRC Press July 2002.