Apologies for sending this again but there was no response from the last
one - I know how quickly messages can get out of date on newsgroups.
Please help if you can...
I hold the NCCPG National collection of Equisetum (Horsetails) - I know,
most gardeners are trying to get rid of them! - and I have recently been
contacted by a lady who is trying urgently to find a source of fresh
shoots of Equisetum arvense (field horsetail). She has a serious medical
condition which responds very well to a drink made from fresh shoots but
not to anything else. The plants have died back in most parts of Britain
and her local sources have literally dried up. She is anxious to find a
supply of fresh shoots between now and next spring when they will return
in abundance(!).
I wonder if anyone living in a very mild part of Britain or indeed
elsewhere, might have shoots still green in their garden and could send
her some. Apparently, she needs about four shoots a day which must be
fresh, not dried or frozen (so the commercial herbal medicine supplies
aren't of use). She would be happy to cover any reasonable costs for
postage, etc.
If anyone can help, please call Sian Griffiths on 01446 781255 directly
(+44 1446 781255).
If you have any queries about identifying the plant etc. you can e-mail
me at Info at Equisetum.org.uk
Apparently, only arvense has been used so I don't know whether any other
Equisetum species may be effective. Arvense is likely to be the most
readily available anyway.
Apologies for cross posting - I wanted to reach a wide audience.
Thanks.
Anthony Pigott
