Horsetail - Herb for this Lunar Cycle

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Botanical Name:

Equisetum arvense L.

Common Names:

Horsetail, Field Horsetail, Shavegrass, Bottlebrush

Family:

Equisetaceae

Plant Description:

Horsetail is a perennial, non-flowering plant with hollow, jointed stems and a brush-like appearance, resembling a horse’s tail. It reproduces by spores rather than seeds. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, it thrives in moist, sandy soils.

Parts Used:

Aerial parts (sterile stems harvested in early summer)

Constituents:

• Silica (5–10%)

• Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol)

• Alkaloids (e.g., nicotine, palustrine)

• Saponins

• Tannins

• Phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic acid)

Traditional Uses:

• Diuretic: Used to increase urine output and support urinary tract health
  (Mills & Bone, 2000)

• Wound healing: Applied topically for promoting skin repair and stopping bleeding
  (Hoffmann, 2003)

• Bone support: Folk medicine use for strengthening bones, hair, and nails due to high silica content
  (Weiss, 1988)

Modern Herbal Uses:

1. Urinary Tract Support

• Mild diuretic action may help with urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and bladder irritation
  (Blumenthal et al., 2000)

2. Bone and Connective Tissue Health

• Rich in silica, which supports collagen synthesis in bones, cartilage, and connective tissue
  (Silva et al., 2014)

3. Wound and Skin Healing

• Topical preparations used for burns, wounds, and skin inflammation
  (Hoffmann, 2003)

4. Hair, Skin, and Nails

• Promoted in cosmetic and dermatological products for hair strength and nail brittleness due to its high mineral content
  (Wohlmuth et al., 2010)

Pharmacological Actions:

• Diuretic

• Astringent

• Anti-inflammatory

• Hemostatic

• Antioxidant

Dosage (Traditional Use):

• Tea: 2–3 grams of dried herb in 150 ml water, 2–3 times daily

• Tincture: 1:5 in 25% alcohol, 2–4 mL up to 3 times daily

• Capsules: Standardized extracts (consult label)

(Always consult a qualified health professional for dosage guidance.)

Safety and Contraindications:

• Safety class: 2B (not to be used during pregnancy unless directed by a qualified health care provider)
  (American Herbal Products Association, 2003)

• Cautions:

  • Intense long-term use not recommended due to potential thiaminase activity when consumed raw, which can degrade vitamin B1 (thiamine)

  • Avoid in individuals with kidney disorders unless under professional supervision

  • May cause electrolyte imbalance with prolonged diuretic use

• Drug interactions: May potentiate diuretic medications

References:

1. Blumenthal, M., Goldberg, A., & Brinckmann, J. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council.

2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

3. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2000). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone.

4. Silva, L. L., Pezzini, B. R., & Soares, L. (2014). “Application of Equisetum arvense L. in skin wound healing: a review.” Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 24(5), 635–643.

5. Weiss, R. F. (1988). Herbal Medicine (translated by A. R. Meuss). Beaconsfield Publishers.

6. American Herbal Products Association (2003). Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition.

7. Wohlmuth, H., et al. (2010). “Hair health and the potential role of Equisetum arvense in preventing hair loss.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(2), 135–143.