Horsetail

Overview:

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an herbal remedy dating back to at least ancient Roman and Greek medicine. It was used traditionally to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, and treat tuberculosis and kidney problems. The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus, meaning "horse," and seta, meaning "bristle."

Horsetail contains silicon, which plays a role in strengthening bone. For that reason, it is sometimes suggested as a treatment for osteoporosis. It is also used as a diuretic, and as an ingredient in come cosmetics. However, very few studies have looked at horsetail's effect in humans.

Plant Description:

Horsetail is descended from huge, tree-like plants that thrived 400 million years ago during the Paleozoic era. A close relative of the fern, horsetail is a non-flowering weed found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The plant is a perennial (returns each year) with hollow stems and shoots that look like asparagus at first. As the plant dries, silica crystals that form in the stems and branches look like feathery tails and give the plant a scratching effect. That accounts for its historic use in polishing metal, particularly pewter.

Parts Used:

The aboveground parts of horsetail (fresh or dried) are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Very few studies have been done of horsetail's effect in humans. Horsetail has traditionally been used as a diuretic (helps rid the body of excess fluid by increasing urine output). One study examined the use of horsetail by people who had a history of uric acid kidney stones. The people who took horsetail did see an increase in diuresis (urine output).

Osteoporosis

Horsetail has been suggested as a treatment for osteoporosis (thinning bone), because it contains silicon, a mineral needed for bone health. However, only one study has examined horsetail for osteoporosis. In that study, 122 Italian women took horsetail dry extract or Osteosil calcium 270 mg twice daily (a horsetail-calcium combination used in Italy for osteoporosis and fractures). Although both groups who took horsetail did improve bone density, the study was poorly designed. More research is needed to see whether horsetail has any effect on bone density.

Other

Horsetail is sometimes suggested for the following conditions, although there is no evidence whether it works or not:

Available Forms:

Horsetail is available in the following forms:

Horsetail preparations should be stored in well-sealed containers to ensure protection from light.

How to Take It:
Pediatric

Because horsetail contains traces of nicotine, it is not recommended for young children.

Adult

Be sure to drink enough fluids when taking horsetail preparations by mouth.

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified health care provider trained in the field of botanical medicine.

Horsetail remedies prepared from Equisetum arvense are generally considered safe. Another species of horsetail, however, called Equisetum palustre is poisonous to horses. To be safe, never take that form of horsetail. Be sure to buy products made by an established company with a good reputation. When possible, select products with guaranteed potency or standardized extracts.

Prolonged use of even the safe form of horsetail (E. arvense) is also not advised.

Taking horsetail by mouth may cause levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) in the body to drop. If you take horsetail on a regular basis, you should also take a quality multivitamin or at least a B complex supplement daily.

People with heart or kidney disorders, diabetes, or gout should not use horsetail.

Do not drink alcohol regularly while taking horsetail, because horsetail may cause levels of thiamin to drop.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take horsetail.

Possible Interactions:

The effects of horsetail may enhance the effects of certain medications. For this reason, people taking prescription medications should not take horsetail without first consulting a health care provider.

Alcohol -- People who are chronic drinkers may have low levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin). Because horsetail can also cause low levels of thiamin, you should not take horsetail if you drink heavily.

Nicotine patches or gum -- Horsetail contains some nicotine, and should not be used if you are also using nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) -- Horsetail may cause low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) in the body. People with heart arrhythmias and those taking digoxin should not use horsetail.

Diuretics (water pills) -- Horsetail may have weak diuretic properties, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid. People who take diuretics should not take horsetail due to the risk of dehydration or low potassium (hypokalemia).

Alternative Names:

Bottle-brush; Equisetum arvense; Horse willow; Paddock-pipes; Pewterwort; Scouring rush; Shave grass; Toadpipe

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