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Organic Horsetail

Also known as: Horsetail, Field Horsetail, Equisetum arvense

Overview

Horsetail (*Equisetum arvense*) is a perennial plant traditionally used for its diuretic, wound healing, and bone health properties. It is commonly consumed as an extract or tea. Primary applications include treatment of urinary tract conditions, promotion of hair growth, and support for bone density. Horsetail contains bioactive compounds such as silica, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are thought to contribute to its beneficial effects. Research on horsetail is moderately mature, with some clinical trials but limited large-scale systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on *Equisetum arvense* as a supplement. Evidence quality varies; some RCTs exist but sample sizes tend to be small, and safety data is limited. It is available in various forms, including dried herb, extracts, and capsules.

Benefits

The following benefits are associated with horsetail: * **Hair growth:** A small double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT showed significant increases in terminal hair count in women with temporary hair thinning after 90 and 180 days of oral supplementation containing horsetail. Subjects also reported improvements in hair volume and scalp coverage. The quality of this evidence is moderate due to the small sample size. * **Bone density:** Animal studies (rats) demonstrated increased bone density with horsetail extract, suggesting potential benefits for bone health. However, human data are lacking, so the evidence is weak. * **Diuretic and wound healing:** Traditionally used for these purposes, but high-quality clinical evidence is sparse. Therefore, the evidence is weak.

How it works

Horsetail's mechanism of action is attributed to its rich silica content, which may promote collagen synthesis and bone mineralization, potentially explaining its effects on hair and bone health. The flavonoids and antioxidants present in horsetail may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting tissue repair and hair follicle function. The diuretic effect is likely due to bioactive compounds influencing renal function, although the precise molecular targets remain unclear. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action.

Side effects

While generally considered safe in moderate doses, horsetail carries potential risks. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. A rare but serious side effect is acute liver injury, with at least one documented case of hepatocellular jaundice linked to horsetail ingestion. Due to its diuretic and astringent properties, horsetail may interact with diuretics and anticoagulants. It is contraindicated in patients with liver disease or hepatitis. Safety in pregnancy, lactation, and children is not well established. Caution is advised, and individuals should monitor for any signs of liver dysfunction. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if adverse effects occur.

Dosage

Clinical trials for hair growth used oral supplementation, but exact horsetail doses were not isolated in the study. Animal studies used 120 mg/kg for bone effects. Traditional use varies, often 300-900 mg/day of dried herb or extract. There is no established maximum safe dose; caution is advised due to potential liver toxicity. Absorption may be enhanced with water. Due to limited safety data, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or taking medications should exercise extra caution.

FAQs

Is horsetail safe for long-term use?

Limited data; isolated liver toxicity cases suggest caution. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using horsetail long-term.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Hair growth improvements were noted after 3 months in a small RCT. Individual results may vary.

Can horsetail be used for bone health?

Animal data is promising, but human evidence is insufficient. More research is needed to confirm this benefit.

Does horsetail interact with medications?

Possible interactions with diuretics and blood thinners. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications.

Is horsetail effective as a diuretic?

Traditional use supports this, but clinical evidence is limited. Other diuretics may be more effective and have better-established safety profiles.

Research Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583202/ – This is a general resource from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It provides broad information on herbs and supplements, but specific details on horsetail would need to be extracted from within the resource.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3509882/ – This article is a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT on hair growth. The study (N=15, women with temporary hair thinning, 180 days) showed a significant increase in terminal hair count (p<0.001) and subjective hair improvements with a horsetail-containing supplement versus placebo, suggesting a potential benefit for hair health.
https://www.signos.com/blog/horsetail-herb – This blog post discusses the potential benefits of horsetail herb. It highlights its traditional uses and potential benefits, but it is not a primary research article.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/horsetail.html – This page provides general information about horsetail, including its uses, side effects, and interactions. It serves as a reference for basic information but does not contain original research.
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/11/2526 – This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of horsetail extracts. It provides insights into the potential mechanisms of action and supports its traditional uses, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.