Horsetail Benefits, Uses & Supplements
Updated Apr. 04th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Main Constituents & Benefits Found In Horsetail
- Horsetail Supplement Varieties
- Important Considerations of Herbal Supplements
Horsetail benefits were traditionally used as a diuretic in spring tonics. Spring tonic herbal combinations provide a gentle cleanse of the body as it changes from the winter mode of storage and hibernation to the vital and energetic warm seasons.
Main Constituents & Benefits Found In Horsetail
Horsetail also contains a significant amount of silica, which is considered an essential trace mineral for human health. It forms structural components of bone and connective tissue, such as collagen. It is especially needed during the early phase of bone mineralization and is found in high concentrations in the bony growth plates.
It also forms elastin, a connective tissue that is responsible for the elasticity of connective tissue found in the skin, lungs and blood vessels. Silica levels decline with age and a deficiency of silica may lead to degeneration of the vessels, bones and connective tissue that is commonly seen in the elderly. Horsetail is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for:
- Support of bone and connective tissue
- Osteoporosis
- Helps poor hair growth
- Strengthens skin and nails
- Lowers swelling
Horsetail Supplement Varieties
Horsetail can be used as a dried herb, encapsulated herb, tincture or tea. The silica content may be found on the product label. This is an assurance of the quality of the herb. Horsetail can be found as a component of formulas for vein health and urinary infections. Silica is also commonly used as a gel that is sourced from mineral deposits as opposed to horsetail. These supplements do not have the diuretic properties of horsetail products.
Important Considerations of Herbal Supplements
There are possible interactions between horsetail and heart medication, anti-seizure medications, diuretics and lithium because of horsetail’s diuretic properties. Horsetail inhibits the absorption of vitamin B1 and supplementation is advisable if you use horsetail for long periods.
The name Horse Tail is a bit deceiving I would hear it and it sounded so interesting to me and I never stopped to think that it is not actually referring to a horse's tail but rather to the herb Horse Tail. I did not realize that the prolonged use of this herb could cause a deficincy in Vitamin B1 but it makes sense as prolonged use of many herbal substances is discouraged and breaks in between them are encouraged. I also know it is important to check interactions between the herbal substances you are taking. It was interesting to find out more about this finally!
Hello O,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the name Horse Tail, the herb ;). It's great that you took the time to learn more about the potential effects of prolonged use of this herb, such as a deficiency in Vitamin B1. Indeed, it is generally recommended to take breaks between using herbal substances and to be mindful of any potential interactions with other medications or supplements. It's always beneficial to gather information and make informed decisions when it comes to our health and well-being.