If you have a bladder infection, you may benefit from treatment with horsetail tea, which is derived from the Equisetum arvense plant. Although additional research is necessary to evaluate the health effects of horsetail, this medicinal herb may also be used to treat osteoporosis, minor skin wounds and brittle nails. Seek guidance from your doctor before taking horsetail tea to treat a bladder infection.
Dosing Guidelines
Adults can prepare horsetail tea by allowing 2 to 3 tsp of dried horsetail herb to steep in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Each day, adults can drink up to three cuts of horsetail tea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
How It Works
Horsetail has a diuretic effect and helps treat bladder infections by increasing the amount of urine excreted daily. Increased urine output helps flush bacteria from the bladder and can help speed recovery. However, horsetail tea shouldn't be used as a substitute for antibiotics. Without proper antibiotic treatment, a bladder infection may spread to your kidneys --- a condition called pyelonephritis --- and may cause permanent kidney damage.
Safety Issues
Used as directed, horsetail tea is generally regarded as safe. If you take too much horsetail, you may be at risk of developing a vitamin B-1 deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin B-1 deficiency --- also called beriberi --- include loss of sensation, poor muscle coordination, body aches, difficulty walking and confusion. Seek prompt care from a doctor if you exhibit any of these symptoms while using horsetail tea.
Contraindications
Despite the potential benefits associated with horsetail tea, treatment with this herbal supplement isn't appropriate for everyone. If you have a personal history of diabetes, gout or heart or kidney problems, do not use horsetail. Treatment with horsetail should also be avoided if you have a vitamin B-1 deficiency, because this herbal treatment may worsen your condition. In addition, horsetail contains small amounts of nicotine and shouldn't be given to children or pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Medication Interactions
Avoid taking horsetail in conjunction with alcohol because this treatment combination may increase your likelihood of developing a vitamin B-1 deficiency. Horsetail shouldn't be used with other diuretics or nicotine gum or patches because this herb may enhance the effects of such treatments. Do not take horsetail if you're using digoxin, because you may develop severely low potassium levels --- a condition characterized by muscle aches, weakness and fatigue.
