As a registered dietitian, I continually look for the most effective dietary supplements and herbal aids to recommend to my clients. During my research, I kept coming across horsetail tea, so I knew it was time to address the many benefits of this unsung herb.
Equisteum arvense, also known as horsetail, is a powerful herb with various medicinal properties. Whether you're interested in sipping on some horsetail tea, trying dried horsetail, or even just found it in your favorite greens powder, such as Live it Up Super Greens, discover how this versatile plant may support your health.
The following are some of the top health benefits of horsetail:
- May promote wound healing
- Supports bone health
- Helps with inflammation
- May aid urinary tract and kidney health
- Offers antimicrobial properties
- Supports nail and hair health
What Is Horsetail?
There are many different kinds of horsetail species, such as field horsetail and branched horsetail, but the one most commonly used for medicinal purposes is Equisetum arvense (E. arvense).
This medicinal herb is a weed-like plant with green shoots, typically found in low-lying wetlands in the U.S. and Europe.
Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, horsetail has been used for centuries as an all-natural remedy to help with a wide range of health concerns, including wounds and bladder issues. Today, researchers continue to explore the numerous possibilities of this herbal medicine.
Horsetail Nutrition Facts
While horsetail extract may offer various medicinal benefits when used for the recommended duration, it's not intended for daily consumption on its own. That said, horsetail extract is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.
Nutritional facts per 100 grams:
- Calories: 38
- Carbohydrates: 0.16g
- Fat: 0g
Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Top 6 Potential Horsetail Benefits
The following are just a few of the many benefits of horsetail extract or powder.
1. May Promote Wound Healing
When used topically, horsetail may promote wound healing due to its high silica content, which helps oversee the healing process.
One study found that a 3% horsetail extract helped relieve pain and improve wound swelling and redness after surgical incisions. Another study, conducted on rats, found that ointments with higher doses of horsetail extract showed a wound closure ratio of 95–99%.
2. Supports Bone Health
Horsetail is an excellent source of natural silica (it makes up 25% of horsetail's dry weight) and silicon, both of which may help support bone and connective tissue health. These minerals may contribute to bone formation, mineralization, and bone density by facilitating collagen production and calcium absorption.
Several studies on rats have suggested that horsetail extract may play a role in bone health; however, further research is needed through clinical trials.
3. Helps with Inflammation
Horsetail has numerous antioxidant benefits. The herbal remedy contains phenolic compounds, which may help fight oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. This antioxidant activity helps protect cells from damage.
Horsetail’s flavonoids and phenolic acids also contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. In a clinical trial, horsetail was found to help lower TNF-α (an inflammatory marker) levels and improve IL-10 levels (an anti-inflammatory marker). While more research is needed, the herb shows promising results regarding inflammation.
4. May Aid Urinary Tract and Kidney Health
Horsetail features an acute diuretic effect, meaning it may increase urine production. This diuretic effect can help remove excessive fluids and salt from your kidneys. It may also help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Although research is limited, some believe that these diuretic properties may even help support overactive bladders.
5. Offers Antimicrobial Properties
Horsetail may also possess antimicrobial properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. In other words, it may help prevent or stop infections.
For instance, one study tested the herb's antimicrobial activity and found that it helped fight bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, as well as fungi including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
6. Supports Nail and Hair Health
The Equisetum arvense herb may also play a part in supporting nail health. Again, this may be due to its high silica content, which is believed to help strengthen and harden weak and brittle nails.
In fact, some nail polishes contain silica derived from horsetail to support nail strength and growth. Some studies have also found that nail lacquer with horsetail extract may help address certain nail conditions.
The combination of silicon and antioxidants in horsetail also supports hair health. Studies suggest that the extract may help reduce hair breakage and hair loss, strengthen strands, and increase collagen production.
Possible Side Effects of Horsetail
Before taking the horsetail herb, it's essential to familiarize yourself with some of its potential side effects. However, further research is needed to fully understand horsetail, so some unknown side effects may be associated with this plant.
- Increased urination: The diuretic properties may increase the frequency of urination.
- Interaction with other medications: It could lower the therapeutic efficacy of certain medicines, so be sure to check with your doctor if you’re taking prescriptions.
- Thiamine deficiency: Horsetail contains an enzyme called thiaminase that breaks down the vitamin thiamine (B1), lowering your levels.
- Potassium deficiency: Due to its diuretic effect, horsetail may flush out vital nutrients, such as potassium, potentially leading to a decrease in your potassium levels.
- Nicotine allergy: Horsetail has some naturally occurring nicotine, which could be problematic for those who are allergic to it.
If you notice any adverse reactions when consuming this herbal medication, stop taking it and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
How to Use Horsetail
With a better understanding of horsetail herb benefits, let's discuss the ways you can use it.
Horsetail tea is one of the most common ways of consuming the plant. You can prepare it by steeping the dried stems of the Equisetum arvense plant in boiling water and then straining it before consumption. Because dried horsetail has an earthy taste, you may want to add honey, agave, or maple syrup to the tea to naturally sweeten the flavor.
Moreover, you can find ointments with the Equisetum arvense plant, which you can apply topically to wounds.
You can also take horsetail supplements in capsule, liquid, or powder form. If you're taking it in liquid or powder form, I suggest adding it to a smoothie or trying a greens powder drink that includes horsetail powder, like Live it Up Super Greens.
Try Horsetail with Live it Up Super Greens
If you're interested in incorporating horsetail extract into your daily routine, I recommend trying the powder in a superfood blend like Live it Up Super Greens.
Live it Up Super Greens is a nutritious greens powder packed with vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber. In addition to organic horsetail, Super Greens includes potent greens and vegetables like spirulina, dandelion herb, peppermint, moringa, kale, and more to support your overall health and help you thrive.
It's my go-to dietary supplement because it contains 20+ all-natural superfoods and is free from added sugars, fillers, and additives. The robust formula can support gut health, immune health, and energy levels while helping to fill gaps in your diet. Plus, it tastes delicious and comes with a no-risk guarantee.
Horsetail Benefits FAQs
Follow along to learn more about the Equisetum arvense plant.
Is horsetail good for you?
Horsetail contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help support your health, such as vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals like silica, potassium, and calcium. According to several studies, horsetail tea and supplements may help support bone, kidney, hair, and nail health. Furthermore, it possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and may also support wound healing, urinary tract infections, immune resilience, and healthy aging.
What does horsetail do to the body?
The horsetail plant can support your health in various ways. For example, it may help your body heal from wounds, support bone formation, and eliminate excess fluids. Horsetail is also rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress. While there are various horsetail benefits, I recommend consulting with your healthcare professional to learn more about how products containing horsetail can support your health and whether they're an appropriate addition to your daily routine.
Does horsetail help with weight loss?
Horsetail is a diuretic, which means it can increase urine production and help decrease fluid retention in the body. When you lose fluids, it may cause temporary weight loss, but this herb is not considered a weight loss supplement. If you're interested in weight loss, I recommend eating healthy, balanced meals, and exercising.
Who should not take horsetail?
More research is needed to better understand this plant, so it's not recommended to take horsetail if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, you may want to avoid this herb if you have kidney issues, low vitamin B1 and potassium levels, or a nicotine allergy. If you're concerned about potential side effects, please consult with your healthcare professional for more information.
Does horsetail regrow hair?
Some studies suggest that horsetail products may aid in collagen production, thereby supporting hair health. For instance, it may help strengthen it and reduce breakage. That said, further research is needed to determine whether this herbal supplement can stimulate hair growth.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583202/
- https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wounds/commentary/commentary-effects-equisetum-arvense-ointment-dermal-wound-healing-rats
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4441770/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25901493/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/horsetail#benefits
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2658806/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10857027/#
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6495422/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25410066/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-flavonoids
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/horsetail.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4041289/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16397851/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18719517/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8227682/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4938278/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12554
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/horsetail-4692253#toc-what-are-the-side-effects-of-horsetail
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