Horsetail: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage And Interaction

Horsetail Overview

Horsetail is a well-known fern that has been used as a herbal cure since the Greek and Roman eras. It is thought to have various medical benefits and is commonly used to improve the health of the hair, skin, and bones.

Horsetail, also known as shave grass, is a herb used to treat various ailments. This ingredient is high in minerals and vitamins, as well as other nutrients. Because of its nutritional value, this ingredient can be used in a variety of applications, particularly in the medical field. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties ^[1] and antibacterial, anti-microbial, ^[2] antioxidant, and coagulant properties. Horsetail is used to cure both internal and external body aches and pains. However, the efficacy of this ingredient as treatment-based has yet to be determined.

Origin of Horsetail

The horsetail plant is used to make the horsetail component. This component is extracted from the entire plant, excluding the root. The horsetail plant itself can only be found in shallow water. The leaves of the horsetail resemble the tail of a horse, as the name suggests. The stems, on the other hand, resemble those of a bamboo plant.

Horsetail Benefits

Health Benefits Of Horsetail

The best health benefits of Horsetail extract are listed below:

1. Cancer Prevention

Horsetail root is abundant in antioxidants capable of reacting with free radicals that can cause organ damage, inflammation, pain, and degenerative diseases. The same antioxidants also prevent cancer-causing cells from mutating into normal bodily cells. ^[3]

2. Skin-Health Properties

Horsetail extract is used extensively in creating cosmetics and beauty products ^[4] because it contains powerful skincare agents. Horsetail root is beneficial to skin health since it contains anti-inflammatory chemicals, antioxidants, silica, and other components.

3. Boosts The Immune System

Horsetail also has antibacterial and antiseptic characteristics, allowing it to protect the body from diseases and microorganisms that could be damaging to the body.
It boosts the immune system's strength, especially when it's at its weakest, such as during an illness or having a common fever. ^[5]

4. Treat Respiratory Problems.

Horsetail tea is particularly effective for treating colds, coughs, and congestion. Horsetail acts as an expectorant, ensuring that bacteria breeding grounds in the form of mucus and phlegm do not accumulate. Horsetail stimulates the immune system and provides complete relief from respiratory difficulties in addition to reducing inflammation.

5. Strengthens Bones

Horsetail herb is high in silicon, which is a unique but essential element for strong and durable bones. It is known to enhance bone density and reduce the severe problem of osteoporosis ^[6].

6. Horsetail For Hair Growth

Horsetail's mineral content and composition help to increase hair quality and strength. It adds shine and luster to the hair while reducing hair loss and boosting hair strength and follicle health. As a result, horsetail for hair growth is frequently used in a wide range of hair products.^[7]

Other Benefits

• It improves cognitive abilities.
• Assists in the reduction and relief from inflammation
• It improves the health of the kidneys.
• It helps in alleviating piles symptoms

Horsetail tea can help you relax and calm down by reducing anxiety and stress.

Horsetail Side Effects

Long-term use of horsetail is not advised. Although horsetail is thought to help with the ailments listed above, there isn't enough evidence to back up these claims. Patients who choose this alternate medication, on the other hand, have reported various adverse effects. The following are some of the negative effects:
Horsetail begins to break down the thiamine vitamin when taken orally for an extended period of time. This is because thiaminase is present. As a result, the person suffers from thiamine deficiency. ^[8]

If people with diabetes consume horsetail, they may experience a drop in their blood sugar levels.
Horsetail can aid in the rapid removal of potassium from the body. Potassium deficiency arises as a result of this.

Recommended Doses and Timing of Horsetail

Doses of horsetail may vary based on the disease that the ingredient is being used to treat. It could also be determined by the patient's age, gender, and current medical condition.

Horsetail can be taken as a supplement in pill form or brewed straight into a tea, but it should only be used in moderation because it is a potent ingredient.
Overall, it is recommended that consumers take the doses twice or three times per day. The whole dose should not be more than one month.

Use of Horsetail in Supplements

There isn't enough information on horsetail to know if it can be used in medicine. However, the majority of its applications are in the nutritional field. Due to its high nutritional content, horsetail can be used as a dietary supplement.

Horsetail Interactions

Due to the lack of information about horsetail's medical uses, it is recommended that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers refrain from using this ingredient, as it may endanger their health.

Horsetail should not be taken with any lithium-containing medication. This substance has a diuretic effect.
Due to its diuretic effect on the body, it will result in the sluggish elimination of lithium. Lithium levels that remain high in the body may have detrimental consequences.

Horsetail FAQ's

Q: What is Horsetail?

A: Horsetails are helpful for treating significant health issues such as cancer and diabetes. It enhances cognitive abilities, strengthens bones, decreases inflammation, detoxifies the body, and promotes oral health. It enhances the body's immune system while also providing healthy hair and skin. ^[9]

Q: How is Horsetail Tea Prepared?

A: A proper complement to your treatment can be obtained by drinking horsetail tea. ^[10] Here are the steps to making your own horsetail tea

• Use a saucepan of water to a boil to brew horsetail tea.
• In a teapot, add two to three tablespoons of dried horsetail.
• Add the hot water into the teapot containing the dried horsetail.
• Allow the tea to steep for eight to ten minutes.
• Strain the tea, season with honey or your favorite sweetener, and enjoy your cup of tea!

Q: What Are the Benefits of Horsetail Tea?

A: The following are some of the essential benefits of horsetail tea:

• Enhanced nail and bone health ^[11]
• Body detoxification
• Haircare ^[12]
• Better circulation
• Improved digestion
• Premature aging is delayed
• Reduction in the risk of chronic disorders

Q: Where Can Horsetail Be Bought?

A: You may get it in various places, including online and in a local store near you.

Q: Does Horsetail Grow Hair?

A: Horsetail extract has been shown to enhance blood circulation, which leads to healthy hair follicles. It contains antioxidants and acts as a cleanse for your hair and body. When your scalp receives enough blood, it becomes more capable of producing more hair. ^[13]

Q: How is Horsetail Used for Hair Growth?

A: If you want to use horsetail in your hair, there are a few options.

• The first is to take it as a capsule.
• A bottled oil is another method to add horsetail extract for hair into your routine. Because it can be applied straight to the head, this is the best option for improving hair loss.
• Horsetail tea should be consumed once a day.

Q: How Do You Get Rid of Horsetail Weed?

A: Pulling up horsetail weed anytime you see it is the easiest approach to get rid of it.

Final Verdict

Horsetail may appear to be a good bargain. Many of its perceived functions, however, have yet to be proven to adequate standards. However, it should be highlighted that the ingredient's adverse effects are noteworthy and should not be neglected or presumed. Consider seeking expert guidance from a knowledgeable doctor before deciding on horsetail as an alternate treatment. Additionally, make sure you follow the directions strictly and ingest with caution.