Horsetail

Horsetail As An Herbal Supplement

Did you know that Horsetail is a botanical belonging to the Equisetaceae family with a lineage dating back to prehistoric times? Indeed, this resilient plant's origins stretch back over 100 million years, making it one of the oldest plant species on Earth. Its evolutionary history can be traced to the late Devonian period, which explains why it's often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its remarkable resemblance to ancient relatives that existed during the time of the dinosaurs.

Horsetail has a global distribution and can be found on nearly every continent except Antarctica. The plant derives its common name, "horsetail," from its distinctive appearance, which resembles a horse's tail or a bottle brush. The young shoots of Horsetail are edible and have long been used as a source of nutrition in many cultures. Horsetail is high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium and is especially rich in silica, a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen that promotes collagen production in the body. Because of its biochemical composition, Horsetail is often recommended to promote hair, skin, and nail health. 

Indeed, Horsetail has been shown to support the growth of healthy hair, skin, and nails, replenish collagen supply, and reduce the physical signs of aging. It is also frequently recommended to help maintain strong, healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis, as a diuretic to help relieve water retention, for the treatment of urinary tract infections, and to help speed wound healing. 

Outside of human health, Horsetail can also be used in gardening to help control pests and as a natural fertilizer to help strengthen plant cell walls thanks to its silica content.

Key Benefits of Horsetail Extract

• Helps Alleviate Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) And Kidney Stones
• Helps Maintain Bone Density And Strength
• Promotes Healthy Hair, Skin, And Nails
• Promotes Joint Health
• Relieves Swelling / Edema
• Speeds Wound Healing

Why Take Horsetail Supplements?

Individuals looking to improve their hair, skin, and nail health may appreciate Horsetail’s demonstrated ability to promote collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the health and strength of these tissues. Additionally, Horsetail’s diuretic properties may interest those seeking support for fluid balance and kidney health. Horsetail supplementation may also benefit those concerned about bone health, especially post-menopausal women.

Horsetail Supplement Varieties

Horsetail supplements are available in various forms and iterations, each with its own benefits. These include capsules and tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures, powders, topical creams and ointments, as well as shampoos and other hair products. Dried horsetail herb is also widely available and can be used to make herbal tea. 

Horsetail supplements and extracts come in different potencies, often expressed as a percentage of the active compounds, such as silica. Most supplements contain more or less 300 mg of dried extract per capsule and are recommended up to three times daily. This being said it's important to always read and follow product labels carefully.

Final Considerations

While Horsetail is generally well tolerated and causes few potential side effects, the plant is high in thiaminase. This enzyme can break down thiamine (vitamin B1) and lead to a thiamine deficiency if consumed in large quantities. This can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness and nerve damage. Additionally, being a diuretic, means it can increase urine production, potentially leading to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances if taken in larger quantities than prescribed. Consult a healthcare professional before incorporating horsetail supplements into your health regimen if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking prescription medications.