The Benefits Of The Horsetail Herb

Horsetail, an herb used medicinally for thousands of years, descended from huge plants of the Paleozoic era, which occurred more than 400 million years ago. The plant's above-ground parts may provide several medicinal benefits, though few clinical studies have examined the effect of the herb on humans. Widely used around the world, horsetail traces its medicinal uses back to ancient Roman and Greek medicine. Today, healers still use the herb for treating a variety of ailments. Always consult a qualified health-care provider before taking any herbal supplement. Do not take horsetail if you have heart or kidney disorders, diabetes or gout. Pregnant or nursing women and children should also avoid horsetail. Do not drink alcohol while taking the herb, as it may cause thiamine levels to drop.

Osteoporosis

Horsetail contains silicon, a substance necessary for bone health that may also help strengthen bones when taken internally. Many herbalists recommend using horsetail for treating osteoporosis and bone fractures. One study, published in the Italian medical journal Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica, examined the effects of horsetail on women suffering from osteoporosis. In the study, 122 women took horsetail extract or a supplement containing horsetail and calcium known as Osteosil calcium. Both groups experienced improved bone density, though the participants taking the horsetail and calcium supplements saw the greater improvements.

Hemorrhoids

The silicon in horsetail also serves another purpose--strengthening the body's connective tissue and promoting tissue repair. In her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends the use of horsetail for treating hemorrhoids, as the herb encourages the healing of the damaged, swollen tissue that causes the condition and may even prevent bleeding. Though lacking scientific evidence, herbalists often use horsetail for treating hemorrhoids and other inflammatory conditions such as bursitis.

Diuresis

Traditionally, herbalists and healers have used horsetail as a diuretic, or a substance that increases urine output to rid the body of excess fluids. The German Commission E, the country's equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has approved horsetail as a treatment for fluid retention and swelling. A review published in the October 2007 edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that horsetail proved one of the most promising natural diuretics. Researchers noted, however, that further studies are needed to provide scientific credence to the folkloric uses of horsetail and other diuretic herbs. More research also is needed to indicate whether horsetail can provide any benefit for specific health conditions.

Other Benefits

Horsetail's rich silica content may also help strengthen the hair and nails. Herbalists often use the herb in natural shampoos and cosmetics for weak or brittle hair and nails. Other traditional, though scientifically unproven, uses of the horsetail herb include treating emphysema, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder infections, urinary incontinence, bed wetting, urethritis, cystitis, arthritis, ulcers, internal bleeding, heavy menstrual flow, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, lead poisoning and even tuberculosis. Applied externally to minor wounds and burns, horsetail may promote faster healing.