Horsetail & Building Bones

Horsetail has been used since the time of the Greeks and Romans for medicinal purposes. It was used to heal skin wounds and ulcers, stanch bleeding and even treat kidney stones. Today, horsetail is used to build bones and prevent osteoporosis.

The Horsetail Plant

• The horsetail plant, Equisetum arvense, is an upright vascular plant with hollow stems that resembles a bottle brush. It reproduces through spores instead of seeds. Horsetail is related to ferns.

Uses of Horsetail

• Horsetail contains large amounts of silica and silicic acids. The dried plant was used for scouring pots and pans. In Japan, dried horsetail plants were also used to sand wood. Medicinally, the plant has been used internally for kidney and bladder problems and externally to stop bleeding.

Silica and Osteoporosis

• Horsetail is used as a supplement to treat bone problems and prevent osteoporosis. The silica contained in horsetail contributes to the production of collagen, which helps strengthen connective tissue. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a 1999 study showed that horsetail was effective in promoting bone density in a study of 122 Italian women who took the herb for one year.

Taking Horsetail

• Horsetail is available commercially as capsules, liquid extract and tea. Capsules are generally standardized, which makes it easy to control how much silica is ingested. Liquid extracts can be taken directly or mixed with water. Loose horsetail tea or tea bags are also available.

Safety Considerations

• Horsetail is generally considered safe. Like most dietary supplements, it should be taken in moderation. Horsetail may leach vitamin B1 from the body, so taking a vitamin B supplement along with the horsetail herb is recommended. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid horsetail, as well as people with heart or kidney problems.