Pruunrohi

Pruunrohi is the Estonian name for a plant commonly known in English as field horsetail. Its scientific name is *Equisetum arvense*. This perennial plant is a member of the *Equisetum* genus, which are ancient plants with a long evolutionary history, sometimes referred to as "living fossils." Field horsetail is characterized by its distinctive appearance, featuring jointed, hollow stems. It reproduces via spores rather than seeds.

The plant has a widespread distribution across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, often found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It can be considered a weed in agricultural settings due to its vigorous growth and ability to spread. Historically, *Equisetum arvense* has been utilized in traditional medicine for various purposes, often attributed to its silica content. Preparations made from field horsetail have been used as diuretics and for treating ailments related to the urinary tract and skin. It has also been employed in dyeing processes. While some traditional uses persist, scientific evidence supporting many of these claims is limited or inconclusive, and it's important to note that certain species of horsetail can be toxic.

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