Condition
Treatment Support
rich in silica
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)
Also know as Shavegrass
Botanical Information
Horsetail is a non-flowering primitive and ancient plant of wet places with straight, ribbed stems covered with whorled radiating branches. The plants often spread by underground runners.
Working with Horsetail
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“Horsetail, or shavegrass, is valuable for its high silica content, which makes it useful for strengthening and regenerating connective tissues. A number of commercial preparations containing horsetail extract are available and are recommended for strengthening the hair, nails, and for speeding healing of bones and connective tissue. It is also beneficial for urinary tract infections, and although it is considered a mild diuretic (aquaretic), because of its astringency, horsetail is used for incontinence and bedwetting in children. Horsetail helps reduce inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate. It is commonly used in Chinese medicine to reduce irritation and redness of the eyes. Externally, horsetail poultices are applied for bleeding wounds, rheumatism, fractures, and sprains.
Horsetail has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of NEUTRAL.”
Historical Uses
Horsetail has a long history of use in traditional medicine dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was commonly used for its diuretic properties, promoting urination and alleviating fluid retention. It was also used for wound healing, bone health, and as an astringent to stop bleeding.
Modern Clinical Uses
- Herbalists/Naturopaths:
- Urinary Health: Often used as a mild diuretic for kidney and bladder support.
- Bone and Joint Health: Advocated for strengthening bones and connective tissue due to its silica content, often used in treating fractures, osteoarthritis, and promoting hair, skin, and nail health.
- Antioxidant Effects: Sometimes used for its potential to fight oxidative stress.
- Chemistry and Pharmacology
- The key active constituents are silica (silicon dioxide), flavonoids, and alkaloids. Silica is particularly significant for its role in collagen formation and bone integrity.
- It has mild diuretic effects, likely due to flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Clinical Trials
- Bone Health: Some studies have suggested that horsetail supplementation may improve bone mineral density, especially in people with osteoporosis. However, clinical evidence remains limited and mixed.
- Diuretic and Antioxidant Effects: Limited human studies support its mild diuretic effects, but findings are not robust enough for broad recommendations.
- Wound Healing: Animal and in-vitro studies suggest horsetail might support tissue regeneration and wound healing, but human trials are sparse.
Conclusion
Horsetail has a rich history in herbal medicine, especially for bone, joint, and urinary health. While modern clinical evidence is still emerging, its high silica content and mild diuretic properties make it a popular choice among herbalists. Caution is recommended for prolonged use, especially in individuals with kidney issues. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy for various therapeutic applications.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Generally Safe when used appropriately for short periods.
Some concerns about kidney toxicity with prolonged use or large doses, particularly due to its diuretic effect, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
People with kidney disease or those taking diuretics should avoid it or use with caution.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Best avoided during pregnancy due to lack of safety data.
Consumption of fresh horsetail is reported to potentially lead to thiamine deficiency. Horsetail extract is safe to use because the thiaminase is broken down.
Conditions treated with Horsetail
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
urinary tract tonic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue regenerator
Application
extract in tablet form
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue strengthener
Application
tincture, tablet, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
connective tissue strengthener
Application
tablet, tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
silica containing
Application
extract (tablet) internally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
