Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Quick answer: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a botanical ingredient. An ancient field plant, rich in silicon, traditionally used in hair and nail preparations. Take as directed on the final product label, usually alongside silica or biotin. Not intended for long uninterrupted use.

Role

Botanical

Origin

Grows wild across European meadows, ditches and riverbanks.

Form

Aerial-part extract of Equisetum arvense, identity-tested against Equisetum palustre

Evidence

Traditional use, Centuries of European use for hair, nails and water balance, with very little controlled human data behind it. We say that plainly rather than borrowing the silicon trials.

Citations

1 peer-reviewed reference

Worth knowing

Horsetail contains thiaminase, which can break down vitamin B1 over long uninterrupted use, and it has a mild diuretic effect. Not one for continuous use, and worth checking with a doctor if you take diuretics.

Origin

Grows wild across European meadows, ditches and riverbanks.

Sourcing

Horsetail has one real sourcing risk: the closely related marsh horsetail, Equisetum palustre, which is toxic to livestock and easy to confuse in the field. We ask for botanical identity testing on every batch, not just a species name on a label.

How it works

Horsetail is one of the most silicon-dense plants known, and traditional European use centres on hair, nails and water balance. Clinical evidence in humans is thin, and we say so.

How to take it

Take as directed on the final product label, usually alongside silica or biotin. Not intended for long uninterrupted use.

Form & standardisation

Aerial-part extract of Equisetum arvense, identity-tested against Equisetum palustre

Research

• Carneiro et al. 2014 · Evidence-Based Comp. & Alt. Med., Randomised crossover trial found a standardised Equisetum arvense extract produced a diuretic effect comparable to hydrochlorothiazide without electrolyte disturbance.

Frequently asked questions