I am working with common horsetail today. Equisetum arvense, aka "horsetail," is known for its high silica content, which supports bone health, strengthens connective tissue, and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails. While most allopathic (conventional) diuretics flush minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium, along with excess water, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic while replenishing minerals, particularly potassium and silica.
It is frequently used for urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, and kidney stones. Its astringent and wound-healing properties also make it a good choice for healing wounds, controlling bleeding, and reducing inflammation when applied topically. It is sometimes used to help osteoporosis, arthritis, or brittle nails due to its ability to help the body utilize calcium more effectively.
30+ years ago, one of my herbal medicine instructors taught me how she used horsetail to keep her long hair after 60! I learned that horsetail is an ingredient in some of the popular hair growth formulas. The high silica content helps fortify hair follicles and hair strands from breakage and splitting, contributes to collagen production for healthy skin and scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth, and is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles. It also has antioxidants that lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss.
Raw horsetail should not be taken continuously because it contains small amounts of an enzyme called thiaminase. Thiaminase breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), which hinders its absorption. Studies in grazing animals show that consuming green or dried horsetail at about 20 % of dietary intake can cause thiamine deficiency in 2–5 weeks. But hold on, heat and alcohol destroy thiaminase, so a tea, syrup, or properly made tincture will not have active thiaminase. It is still recommended you take a break for a week or two every 2-4 weeks. As always, do your own research and check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Mama Asbell
