What Is Horsetail? Discover Its Benefits and Uses

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a therapeutic plant found in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.^[1] Also known as horse bristle, scouring rush, and shave grass, horsetail is a legitimate living fossil that even predates the dinosaurs. Some of these prehistoric plants grew to be 100-foot tall, towering, tree-like giants.^[2] Today’s common horsetail, however, tops out at about four feet. Despite its shorter stature, there’s nothing small about the health benefits of horsetail.

The Health Benefits of Horsetail

Horsetail has seen thousands of years of use as a natural herbal remedy. The aboveground parts of horsetail are used therapeutically because of the plant’s many health-boosting properties.^[3] Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an herbal remedy for wounds, ulcers, and kidney ailments.^[2] New evidence even validates some of the traditional uses, such as promoting fluid balance in your tissues.^[4] Horsetail has many other traditional uses that have yet to be verified through clinical research, some of which include:^[3]

• Encouraging kidney and bladder health
• Promoting a healthy body weight
• Supporting healthy hair and nails
• Easing heavy periods
• Maintaining urinary tract health

Horsetail contains silicon,^[5] which supports skeletal health.^[6] Studies confirm that horsetail extract supports normal bone density when combined with calcium.^[2] Silica has also been evaluated for its role in supporting healthy hair and nails.^[7]

Horsetail contains saponins and antioxidant flavonoids;^[8] it's also a rich source of potassium.^[9] A 2006 study found that horsetail essential oil may be effective in supporting the body’s natural reaction to harmful organisms.^[10] One study even reported that horsetail ointment eased discomfort and hastened healing following surgery.^[11]

How to Consume Horsetail

Find fresh horsetail from your local grocer, farmer’s market, or grow it in your own garden. Horsetail shoots taste similar to celery. Pick them when they’re young, peel off the tough, outer covering, and eat them fresh. Except for the young shoots, horsetail should not be consumed raw. Consuming large quantities of horsetail can lead to vitamin B depletion, and its high concentration of silica can erode tooth enamel. The simplest way to enjoy horsetail is to prepare a horsetail tea. Just steep a teaspoon or two of dried horsetail in hot water for five minutes, strain, and enjoy.

Tips for Growing Horsetail

If you can’t find horsetail at your local grocer or farmer’s market, you can always try growing your own. Horsetail is a hardy plant and makes a striking addition to any garden but it can also be invasive. Plant it in pots or keep a watchful eye as horsetail grows about four feet tall and will take over your garden if you let it.

Horsetail does not seed. Instead, it grows from a rhizome — a root-like underground stem. You should be able to find young plants or rhizomes at your local nursery. Plant in early spring in full or partial sun. Horsetail is native to boggy areas and prefers wet soil, high heat, and humidity. If you live in a colder climate, the aboveground part of the plant will turn brown in the winter, but the underground rhizome will survive and grow new green shoots in the spring.

One caveat — and it seems ironic — be careful with growing horsetail if you own horses. Long-term consumption of horsetail is toxic to livestock.

Supplementing With Horsetail

Global Healing offers a supplement that contains horsetail — Renaltrex®, a blend of horsetail and other herbs that promote normal kidney function.

Because horsetail contains trace amounts of nicotine, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume it.^[2] Horsetail also contains thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down the B vitamin thiamine.^[3] Before taking any supplement, it's best to evaluate your needs and objectives with your trusted health care advisor.