Horsetail

Major therapeutic interest

Internal Use:

• Facilitating remineralization;
• Helping consolidate fractures;
• Treating post-traumatic swelling;
• Treating urinary tract infections;
• Used as a diuretic;
• Treating kidney stones;
• Relieving and treating tendinitis;
• Bolstering joint pain treatment;
• Strengthening nails and hair.

External Use (as a decoction added to bath water):

• Helping heal minor wounds;
• Relieving certain skin irritations (eczema).

Cons-indications

• Swelling associated with kidney or heart failure;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• Hypokalemia: Risk of increased potassium deficiency;
• Diabetes: Use carefully, with closely monitored blood glucose levels;
• Prolonged use: Risk of increased vitamin B1 deficiency.

Important Notice

• For therapeutic use, only products that do not contain thiaminase (enzyme responsible for vitamin B1 [thiamin]) should be used. In Canada, manufacturers are required to declare the absence of this substance in their preparations.

Drug Interactions

Suspected interactions

• May heighten potassium loss caused by diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide and Lasix [Furosemide]), corticosteroids (Prednisone), and Lanoxin.

Scientific name

Equisetum arvense, Equisetum telmateia, Equisetum hyemale

Synonyms

Bottlebrush

Parts used

Aerial parts

Main constituents

• Silica, saponins, flavonoids.