Hello, fellow travelers! If there’s one thing I’ve learned after countless adventures across Teyvat, it’s that you can never underestimate the power of a simple ingredient. Take Horsetail, for example. This unassuming plant might look like just another patch of grass near the water, but it’s a little green lifesaver when you’re whipping up recipes or trying to reel in some rare fish. Back when I first started out, I’d run right past it without a second glance—big mistake! Now? I keep my eyes peeled because you never know when you’ll need a few stalks.

So, where exactly can you find this elusive herb? Well, let me share a couple of tricks I’ve picked up on my journey. The first and most straightforward method is to simply buy it. Yes, you heard that right—no climbing cliffs or dodging hilichurls required. Head over to Liyue Harbor and look for a friendly NPC named Herbalist Gui. He runs the Bubu Pharmacy and is more than happy to sell you Horsetail for a modest 240 Mora each. His stock usually replenishes every 1–3 days, so if you’re in a hurry, you can grab a handful and be on your way. I often joke that Gui is my personal grocery store for all things herbal—he’s saved my bacon more times than I can count.

Still, buying ingredients every time can get pricey if you’re saving up for that next weapon or artifact, so it’s worth knowing where to pick Horsetail in the wild. The plant loves damp areas, so riverbanks, marshes, and lakeshores are your best bet. I’ve personally found the most generous clusters around Dihua Marsh and Guili Plain, especially along the river sections. Stone Gate is another hotspot—wander near the water’s edge there and you’ll spot plenty of those familiar purplish-green stalks. Honestly, collecting Horsetail can feel like a little treasure hunt. The plant almost seems to play hide‑and‑seek among the reeds, and once your eyes get used to spotting it, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it before.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I even bother with this stuff?” Great question! While Horsetail isn’t used for character or weapon ascension (so no need to hoard hundreds of it), it plays a starring role in a few essential crafting recipes. First up, the Fake Fly Bait. If you’ve dived into Genshin Impact’s fishing system, you know how important bait is. This particular bait is perfect for luring Koi and Pufferfish—and their various colorful variants that some anglers spend hours chasing. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in using bait you made yourself to hook a rare fish, and Horsetail makes that possible.

One of my fondest memories involves Horsetail and a stubborn Pufferfish I had been tracking for weeks. I had run out of bait right when the fish appeared, and in a panic, I sprinted to the nearest riverbank, snatched some Horsetail, and crafted bait on the spot. That little plant literally saved my fishing streak. It’s moments like that which make you appreciate every ingredient, no matter how small.

But that’s not all. On the cooking front, Horsetail is a key ingredient for Rice Buns and Jueyun Guoba. Rice Buns are a simple yet handy dish that restores a healthy chunk of HP to your characters—perfect for when you’re deep in a domain and a Statue of The Seven feels too far away. Then there’s Jueyun Guoba, that beautifully plated dish that not only looks delicious but also provides a nice attack boost. I remember the first time I cooked it; the aroma (imaginary, of course) made my team feel invincible for a few precious minutes. If you enjoy making your own in‑game meals instead of relying solely on healing statues, keeping a stock of Horsetail is a must.

You might still be wondering whether it’s better to buy or gather. Honestly, it depends on your playstyle. If you’re the type who wants quick results and doesn’t mind spending some Mora, Herbalist Gui is your best friend. But if you love exploring and taking in the scenery of Liyue, hunting for Horsetail can be surprisingly relaxing. I often combine my gathering runs with daily commissions or material farming—it’s a nice way to multitask and makes the world feel even more alive.

In terms of respawn timers, wild Horsetail seems to refresh every 48 hours or so, similar to many other local specialties. So if you pick a spot clean, you’ll need to wait a couple of real‑world days before it grows back. Meanwhile, Herbalist Gui’s shop restocks daily to every three days, so you always have a backup source. My advice? Set aside a little time each week to sweep through Dihua Marsh and Guili Plain, and supplement with a few shop purchases if you’re running low. That way, you’ll never be caught without bait or a tasty meal boost.

To sum it up, Horsetail might be a modest ingredient, but it punches above its weight in the kitchen and by the fishing rod. It doesn’t ask for much—just a bit of water, some patience, or a handful of Mora. So next time you’re wandering the beautiful landscapes of Teyvat, give a little nod to those unassuming stalks. They’re more useful than you think. Happy hunting, and may your travels be ever full of good food and great catches! 🎣🍙