Diarrhea refers to watery or loose stools during a bowel movement, and the condition can be uncomfortable and annoying. There are numerous health-related diarrhea triggers, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, surgery and digestive disorders. In addition, sometimes, what you eat or drink can cause diarrhea. Horsetail grass, an herb with a long history of use in natural healing, is generally safe for most people, but it may produce adverse effects, including diarrhea, in others. If diarrhea persists longer than two days, call your doctor. Don't try to self-treat yourself with horsetail grass without your doctor's approval.
Horsetail Grass
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center calls horsetail grass a "living fossil" because it is the only descendant of plants dinosaurs grazed upon millions of years ago. The herb contains flavonoids, caffeic acid ester, alkaloids and silicic acid. Horsetail grass also contains small amounts of nicotine, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines."
Uses
Because it is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine flow, horsetail grass is an herbal treatment for kidney, bladder and other urinary tract disorders. The herb is also potentially beneficial in reducing swelling and water retention. The presence of silica may increase the body's absorption of calcium, making horsetail grass potentially beneficial in maintaining bone health, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Clinical tests verifying these benefits, however, are lacking.
Dosage and Method
Horsetail grass is available in capsule form or as an herbal tea. The "Gale Encyclopedia" suggests preparing a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried horsetail herb. Steep it for 15 minutes and strain before drinking. For adults with urinary disorders, the "Gale Encyclopedia" recommends drinking up to four cups of tea per day. Exceeding the recommended dosage increases the risk of diarrhea and other side effects.
Side Effects and Considerations
Side effects with short-term use are generally mild and, in addition to diarrhea, they include upset stomach, dehydration and increased urination. The risk and severity of side effects increases with long-term use of the herb.
Do not use horsetail grass if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have liver or kidney disease. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Due to the nicotine content, this herb is not suitable for children. Horsetail grass may interfere with medications and may deplete potassium levels. Talk to your doctor to determine if horsetail grass is safe for you, and discontinue its use and call your doctor if you experience any adverse effects while using the herb.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diarrhea Causes
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Horsetail
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
