The use of horsetail or Equisetum arvense as an herbal remedy can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. This weed has been used to treat a variety of ailments including tuberculosis and kidney disorders. Regarded as an herbal diuretic, horsetail is also a purported treatment for osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before taking herbs for health conditions.
Possible Benefits
Horsetail has been suggested as an alternative treatment for the bone degenerative disease osteoporosis. This asserted benefit is due largely to the fact that horsetail contains the mineral silicon, which is necessary for bone health, notes the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.
Horsetail may also accelerate the healing of broken bones while promoting strong hair, nails and skin. It has been mentioned as a treatment for canker sores, diarrhea and lung-related problems such as asthma.
Consult with your health care provider before taking herbal remedies.
Dosing
Horsetail is sold as a dried herb or in liquid preparations, There are no specific standard recommended doses of horsetail, according to the NIH.
An example of an average dose is 300 mg capsules taken three times daily. Two to 3 tsp. of horsetail tea is generally recommended. Horsetail is not recommended for children since it contains a trace amount of nicotine.
Ask your health practitioner about what, if any, amount of horsetail may be beneficial for you.
Side Effects
Horsetail may cause stomach upset or nausea in some individuals. People who are allergic to horsetail may develop a skin irritation. It may cause a drop in potassium levels or blood sugar, according to Intelihealth. Talk to your health practitioner about potential side effects associated with herbal supplements.
Precautions
While horsetail is generally considered safe, prolonged use is not recommended since it may cause a drop in thiamin or vitamin B1 levels. People who take horsetail regularly may need to take a B complex supplement.
People with heart or kidney problems, gout or diabetes and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take horestail. Discuss concerns about horsetail with your doctor.
Interactions
Horsetail may boost the effects of certain medications so it's important to consult with your doctor about possible drug interactions.
People using nicotine replacement gum or patches should not use horsetail because of its nicotine content. Since the herb may have mild diuretic effects, people who take diuretics should refrain from taking horsetail to avoid running the risk of dehydration or low potassium, known as hypokalemia.
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