Snake grass plant or Equisetum hyemale, grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and can be called rough horsetail. These stems do not have leaves or flowers, and they are vertical. Because it can grow in many types of soil and spreads rapidly, it is considered an invasive species in many places. Beyond planting it, you will need to learn how to control it. Grass snake (Equisetum spp.) has the ability to spread via spores like ferns do. Snake grass is typically found in poorly drained soils with little competition from other plants. Also known as horsetail, this perennial weed is extremely difficult to remove once it has established itself. The United States has snake grass. Zones 3-11 of the Department of Agriculture.
Snake Grass Plant Health Benefits
These snake grass health benefits will blow your mind
Prevents Cancer
Snake grass leaf extract contains antioxidants and antiproliferative properties. In addition to this, it creates a cytotoxic effect that kills cancer cells. It is also a natural nutraceutical, which can help prevent skin cancer.
Reduces Herpes Infection
Snake grass’ anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating Herpes genitalis and Herpes zoster outbreaks caused by Herpesvirus infection. Making a tea from snake grass’ fresh or dried leaves is easy, or you can combine it with green tea to enhance its health benefits.
Prevents Insulin Resistance
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be triggered by hyperlipidemia. Insulin resistance may result in insulin resistance in the body. Its protocatechuic acid and chlorogenic acid prevent insulin resistance, and snake grass is no exception.
Controls Diabetes
Phytoconstituents, which occur naturally in plants, are found in the leaves of snake grass plants. Diabetes is controlled by the fact that *-glucosidase (diabetes-causing enzyme) is prevented from functioning.
Possess Anti-bacterial Properties
Regular leaf extracts of the Sabah snake grass plant have been shown to reduce the growth of :
- Staphylococcus aureus
- E. coli
- Propionibacterium acnes
- Staphylococcus epidermidis, and
- Bacillus cereus.
The bacteria it fights include Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, which cause periodontitis.
Manages Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia causes gout, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney problems. Snake grass leaf decoctions can relieve hyperuricemia and its accompanying ailments.
It plays an integral role in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, and Thai medicine. Several scientific studies that have been conducted in this field have demonstrated its effectiveness as modern medicine!
How To Kill Snake Grass Plant
Tilling the Soil
It can grow up to four feet underground with well-developed roots and underground stems, known as rhizomes. Many times, new roots can sprout even after stems above ground have been cut down to the ground, even after the ground has been tilled.
Although tilling uses up some of the nutrients stored in the roots, it also encourages more shoots to grow from the severed roots and rhizomes, creating a denser stand of choke weeds without eliminating the roots entirely. Tilling works best when combined with regular mowing to deplete the root system’s energy reserves and prevent it from spreading above ground.
Mowing Down Snake Grass
Regular mowing removes snake grass from the yard or garden and prevents it from replenishing its nutrient reserves. It also prevents spores from spreading and releasing from the plant. Snake grass needs to be cut down regularly every month in order to be effective.
Mowing will not, in most cases, completely kill snake grass in less than one growing season; the exact amount of time required will depend on the size and health of the plants, as well as local conditions.
Controlling Snake Grass
When compared to grass, weeds featuring thorns, and other plants with a rapid growth rate, snake grass spreads slowly. Increased competition for resources and the prevention of snake grass spread is achieved by encouraging the growth of other plants.