Equisetum arvense L.
Related Terms
- Bottle brush, cola de caballo (Spanish), common horsetail, common scouring rush, corn horsetail, corncob plant, couring rush, Dutch rush, Equisetaceae (family), Equisetum arvense, Equisetum myriochaetum, Equisetum ramosissimum, Equisetum telmateia, field horsetail, Herba Equiseti Hiemalis, hippuric acid, homovanillic acid, horse willow, horsetail grass, horsetail rush, mokuzoku (Japanese), mokchok, mokjeok (Korean), muzei (E. hymale), paddock pipes, pewterwort, prele, pribes des champs, running clubmoss, Schachtelhalm (German), scouring rush, shave grass, shenjincao (Chinese), toadpipe, Wenjing, Zinnkraut (German).
- Crude drugs derived from Equisetum arvense include Wenjing, Jiejiecao, and Bitoucai.
- Note: Equisetum arvense should not be confused with members of the genus Laminaria, kelp, or brown alga, for which "horsetail" has been used as a synonym.
Background
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has traditionally been used in Europe as a diuretic for the treatment of edema (swelling/fluid retention). The German Commission E expert panel has approved horsetail for this indication. Horsetail is also occasionally used for osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), urinary tract inflammation, and wound healing (topical). It is also used in cosmetics and shampoos. These uses have largely been based on anecdote and clinical tradition, rather than scientific evidence.
- There is preliminary human evidence supporting the use of horsetail as a diuretic. One poorly designed human trial found horsetail to effectively raise bone density equally to calcium supplements.
- In theory (based on mechanism of action), horsetail ingestion in large amounts may cause thiamine deficiency, hypokalemia (low potassium), or nicotine toxicity. Reported adverse effects include dermatitis.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Use of horsetail dates to ancient Roman and Greek medicine. The name Equisetum is derived from equus, "horse," and seta, "bristle." Preliminary human and laboratory research suggests that horsetail may increase the amount of urine produced by the body. More studies are needed to determine if horsetail is safe or useful for specific health conditions.
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B |
Use of horsetail dates to ancient Roman and Greek medicine. The name Equisetum is derived from equus, "horse," and seta, "bristle." Preliminary human and laboratory research suggests that horsetail may increase the amount of urine produced by the body. More studies are needed to determine if horsetail is safe or useful for specific health conditions.
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B |
Silicon may be beneficial for bone strengthening. Because horsetail contains silicon, it has been suggested as a possible natural treatment for osteoporosis. Preliminary human study reports benefits, but more detailed research is needed before a firm recommendation can be made. People with osteoporosis should speak with a qualified healthcare provider about possible treatment with more proven therapies.
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C |
Silicon may be beneficial for bone strengthening. Because horsetail contains silicon, it has been suggested as a possible natural treatment for osteoporosis. Preliminary human study reports benefits, but more detailed research is needed before a firm recommendation can be made. People with osteoporosis should speak with a qualified healthcare provider about possible treatment with more proven therapies.
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C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- Most reported doses for horsetail are based on historical use or expert opinion. There is a lack of reliable studies available in humans that show horsetail to be effective or safe at any specific dose. Different doses of horsetail have been used, starting at 300-milligram capsules taken three times per day, up to 6 grams per day. A maximum of 6 cups of tea, containing 1.5 grams of dried stem in one cup of hot water, is a dose that has been used. A common dose for a tincture (1:1 in 25% alcohol) is 1 to 4 milliliters three times daily. To treat osteoporosis, a supplement containing 270 milligrams of Osteosil? calcium (a combination of horsetail and calcium) has been taken twice daily for one year. A wash prepared by mixing 10 teaspoons of horsetail in cold water and soaking for 10 to 12 hours has been applied on the skin.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Some diuretic drugs ("water pills") can cause the body to lose water and potassium, for example loop diuretics like furosemide (Lasix?). The use of horsetail with certain diuretics may cause dehydration or further potassium deficiency. Some steroids and laxative drugs can also lower potassium levels and should not be combined with horsetail. Individuals with heart rhythm disorders who are treated with digoxin (Lanoxin?) or digitoxin may be especially sensitive to low potassium levels, and potassium levels should be monitored in such individuals.
- Nicotine, a stimulant, may be found in horsetail. Because horsetail can stimulate the brain and nervous system, caution should be used when combining horsetail with stimulant drugs and nicotine.
- Horsetail may interact with antigout agents, as horsetail has been shown to increase the formation of uric acid crystals in the urine.
- Other horsetail species have caused low blood sugar and therefore horsetail may increase the effects of diabetes medications. However, clinical effects on diabetes therapies are unclear.
- Horsetail may have additive effects when taken with agents that treat osteoporosis, as horsetail may increase bone density. However, horsetail's anti-osteoporosis effects are not well established.
- Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?) or disulfiram (Antabuse?).
Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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