Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Hair Loss

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), also known as the Field Horsetail or Common Horsetail, is one of the oldest known plants. It is a bushy perennial with a rhizomatous stem formation and is native to the northern hemisphere.

Treating hair loss with Horsetail

Horsetail has a high silica content and is believed to be beneficial in treating broken bones, osteoporosis, injuries and skin problems. Silica is important in helping to strengthen hair and nails. Along with other minerals and elements contained in Horsetail extracts (potassium, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, fatty acids, etc.), silica promotes healthy hair growth, and improves the quality and condition of the hair. In addition, Horsetail is believed to stimulate the circulation, assisting in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles. Due to these properties, Horsetail extract has become a common ingredient in many hair treatments.

If you want to apply this medicinal herb directly to your hair, you can add several drops of Horsetail extract to your shampoo and wash your hair  as normal. Extracts of this plant can be taken orally or in the form of supplement. Horsetail is also available as a herbal tea (such as Alvita Tea).

Therapeutic uses of Horsetail

Horsetail has traditionally been used in Europe as a diuretic for the treatment of edema. The plant is also occasionally used to treat osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract inflammation and wound healing (topical). These uses have largely been based on anecdotal, rather than scientific evidence. There is some scientific evidence supporting the use of Horsetail as a diuretic. One clinical trial found that horsetail was as effective as calcium in increasing bone density.

Side effects of Horsetail

Horsetail ingestion in large amounts could potentially cause thiamine deficiency, hypokalemia, or nicotine toxicity. Reported side effects include dermatitis.

There are few scientific studies or reports on side effects with Horsetail. The plant is frequently used in Germany and Canada, where it is traditionally considered to be safe when taken at the recommended doses. Studies suggest that horsetail does not change blood pressure.

High doses of horsetail may cause symptoms of nicotine overdose, including fever, cold hands and feet, abnormal heart rate, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Smokers or people who use nicotine patches or nicotine gum should avoid Horsetail. Reports from animal studies indicate that high doses of Horsetail can cause increased frequency of bowel movements, increased urination, loss of potassium and muscle weakness.

Patients with kidney disorders should avoid horsetail. Studies on mice suggest that Horsetail may affect the kidneys, causing abnormalities in the control of water and potassium excretion. Low potassium levels can have negative effects on the heart. Patients who have heart rhythm disorders or are taking digoxin should also avoid Horsetail.

Horsetail contains an ingredient that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), which could lead to deficiency of this vitamin with long-term use. Thiamine deficiency can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. As a consequence, Horsetail is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

People with allergies to nicotine should avoid horsetail. Rash has been reported in a patient taking horsetail with a known sensitivity to nicotine.

Horsetail drug interactions

The use of horsetail with certain diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) may cause dehydration or enhance potassium deficiency. Some steroids and laxative drugs can also lower potassium levels and should not be combined with Horsetail. Patients with heart rhythm disorders who are taking Lanoxin or digitoxin may also experience potassium deficiency if combined with Horsetail. Because Horsetail can stimulate the central nervous system, caution should be used when combining it with stimulant drugs such as nicotine. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol, and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl) or disulfiram (Antabuse).

Interactions with Herbs and dietary supplements

Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances may potentially occur when horsetail is used in combination with herbs that increase urination. Dehydration or low potassium levels also may theoretically occur if Horsetail is used with laxatives. Horsetail may interact with stimulants, herbs and supplements with similar properties, such as licorice.

Horsetail dosage

Recommended doses for horsetail in adults are based on historical use. There are no reliable studies available in humans that show horsetail to be effective or safe at any specific dose. There is not enough scientific information to recommend the use of horsetail in children. Poisonings have been reported in children using horsetail stems as whistles.

Tablets/Capsules: From 300 mg capsules taken three times per day, up to 6 grams per day.
Tea: A maximum of 6 cups containing 1.5 grams of dried stem per cup.
Tincture (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 1 to 4 milliliters three times daily.