Horsetail Herbal Remedies
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.
Horsetail Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Horsetail Decoction | 1 cup 2-3 x daily |
| Horsetail Extract | Follow label advice |
| Horsetail Tincture | 2-3 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Horsetail Reference Information
| Latin Name | Equisetum arvense |
| Other Names | Shavegrass |
| Part Used | Herb |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Integumentary system, Urinary system |
| Cautions | Contraindicated in cardiac or kidney dysfunction. Consumption of fresh horsetail is reported to potentially lead to thiamine deficiency. Horsetail extract is safe to use because the thiaminase is broken down. |
| Botanical Info | 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. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Bradley, P.R., ed. 1992. British Herbal Compendium. Dorset: British Herbal Medicine Association.