Equisetum arvense

Horsetail

The Equisetaceae family of plants has been on the planet for nearly 300 million years (that’s not a typo). Horsetail is usually found in moist habitat and prefers non-chalky soil. It has separate sterile non-reproductive and fertile spore-bearing stems, growing from a perennial underground stem system. It spreads quickly by these spores and it’s underground rootstock, and can quickly invade a garden similar to bamboo. One of it’s common names; Bottlebrush refers to the “scratchy” nature of the stems as well as the shape of the plant. The plant is high in silica, which gives it this gritty texture. The young shoots of this plant have traditionally been eaten in traditional Japanese and Native American cultures.

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What is Horsetail Used For?

Traditionally this plant has been used to support the urinary tract, kidneys and connective tissues. It contains a soluble source of silica, a mineral known to be essential in the development of healthy hair, skin and nails. It is also a good source of the flavonoids quercitin 3 glucoside and luteolin.

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Traditional Health Benefits of Horsetail

Highlights

What is Horsetail Used For?

Traditionally this plant has been used to support the urinary tract, kidneys and connective tissues. It contains a soluble source of silica, a mineral known to be essential in the development of healthy hair, skin and nails. It is also a good source of the flavonoids quercitin 3 glucoside and luteolin.

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Traditional Health Benefits of Horsetail

Active Constituents of Horsetail
Silica, Potassium, Malic Acid, flavonoids
Parts Used
Aerial Parts
Additional Resources
Sripanyakorn, Jugdaohsingh, Dissayabutr, Anderson, Thompson, Powell. The comparative absorption of silicon from different foods and food supplements. Br J Nutr. 2009 September; 102(6): 825-834.
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.