The plant Equisetum arvense, known as field horsetail or common horsetail, has several roles in herbal medicine. A primary use is for treating various types of urinary tract problems. Horsetail contains trace amounts of nicotine, so using this herb requires caution. Consult a qualified health care provider before consuming horsetail.
Components
Although nicotine does are less than 1 ppm in horsetail, it may be responsible for some of the plant's pharmaceutical properties, notes information cited by Drugs.com. Horsetail also contains several minerals and bioflavonoids. The chemical components of this plant may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. However, research is insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of horsetail for any medicinal purpose, according to MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Uses
As an herbal remedy, horsetail is used for relieving fluid retention and for treating kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections and incontinence, according to MedlinePlus. Traditional uses also include treating liver disorders such as hepatitis; joint problems such as gout; and excessive bleeding such as heavy menstruation. Horsetail contains silicon, a mineral necessary for bone health, so some alternative health practitioners recommend horsetail for people with osteoporosis.
Caution
Because horsetail contains nicotine, you shouldn't consume this herb if you are using a nicotine replacement therapy such as a nicotine patch or chewing gum, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additional nicotine intake can be hazardous, which is why you aren't supposed to smoke during nicotine replacement therapy. Young children also should not consume horsetail or put the stems in their mouth because of the nicotine content.
Poisoning Symptoms
Excessive nicotine intake can lead to nicotine poisoning. This condition causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, hearing and vision problems, confusion, irregular heartbeat, seizures and even death. In animals, some documented effects of consuming horsetail include muscle weakness, coordination problems and abnormal pulse rate. These effects are similar to those associated with nicotine intoxication, according to Drugs.com.
