A perennial spore-bearing plant with a thick rhizome and jointed hard overwintering stems. Spores mature in July.
Medicinal raw material is a herb.
The plant contains a large amount of silicic acid. In folk medicine, a decoction of herbs is drunk for articular rheumatism, as a diuretic for removing stones from the kidneys, an infusion – for tumors of the uterus (1 tablespoon of herbs in a glass of water, taken 2 times every day for half a glass).
In Chinese medicine, a decoction is used for inflammation of the eyes, in Mongolian – as a diaphoretic.