Equisetum arvense, known as horsetail, is a weed used traditionally in Europe as a diuretic for treating fluid retention, or edema. People also take horsetail supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis because it contains silicon, which helps strengthen bone. Additional purported uses are treating kidney stones and urinary tract inflammation and as a topical solution for healing wounds. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, explains that most of these uses are based on anecdotal rather than scientific evidence. Several side effects are linked to use of horsetail.
Nicotine Overdose
Horsetail contains traces of nicotine. If you are using nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions not to take horsetail supplements, as the combination may result in nicotine overdose. Large doses of horsetail can cause problems with excessive nicotine intake as well; the NIH says horsetail should not be given to children. Symptoms of nicotine overdose may include fever, cold hands and feet, irregular heart rhythm, problems walking and muscle weakness. The nicotine in horsetail also may lead to seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition.
Low Thiamine
Horsetail can cause a drop in levels of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Chronic low thiamine levels can lead to permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, according to the NIH, with symptoms of confusion, memory loss, trouble walking and problems with vision and eye movement. The NIH recommends that people taking horsetail on a regular basis also take a daily multivitamin or a B-complex vitamin. Additionally, anyone taking horsetail should not drink alcohol regularly, as that is also associated with low thiamine levels.
Hypokalemia
Horsetail also can cause low levels of potassium, or hypokalemia. This may lead to muscle weakness and an irregular heart rate. If you have heart arrhythmia or are taking the heart medication digoxin, you should not take horsetail, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Additionally, taking diuretics along with horsetail can cause problems, because those medications increase the risk of dehydration and potassium depletion.
Allergic Reaction
As with any herbal remedy, some people may experience an allergic reaction to horsetail. Signs as listed by PDR Health include breathing difficulties, tightness in the throat or chest, chest pain, itchy or swollen skin, and a skin rash or hives. An allergic reaction to horsetail should be considered a medical emergency.
Toxicity
Another type of horsetail, Equisetum palustre, can cause poisonous effects. Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements the way it does drugs, the UMMC advises only buying horsetail remedies from established, reputable manufacturers using standardized extracts to avoid the possibility of contamination with Equisetum palustre.
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