10 Horsetail Tea Benefits

Discover the top 10 horsetail tea benefits for your health and wellness. From promoting healthy hair growth to supporting bone health, find out how this herbal tea can enhance your well-being.

Horsetail is a plant that is consumed due to its potential diuretic, antioxidant and remineralizing properties. However, science is still investigating these effects.

Horsetail Tea Benefits

Horsetail is a plant whose scientific name is Equisetum arvense , and which can be taken as an infusion for its potential health benefits.

Recognized for its diuretic effect, which promotes the elimination of fluids from the body, horsetail has also been the subject of interest due to its possible antioxidant effect . Next, we will tell you what the main benefits are associated with the consumption of this plant, and we will tell you in which cases it is better not to consume it.

What is horsetail and how to take it?

Horsetail, also known as candadillo, mule tail, escobilla and with a long list of names in the Spanish-speaking world, is a species of plant of the Equisetum genus , called Equisetum arvense .

Traditionally, it has been used in herbal medicine for its content of nutrients such as silica, potassium, flavonoids and phenolic acids . Horsetail is usually consumed as an infusion, by boiling the plant and letting it rest, although it is also common to drink horsetail extract or even gargle.

To determine the appropriate dose when preparing the infusion or extract, consult your doctor, as it will depend on the presentation of the plant.

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What is it for?

Before telling you about the benefits associated with consuming horsetail, it is important to note that medical experts acknowledge that there is not enough scientific evidence to support them . Instead, anecdotal evidence, as well as some studies, have shown its possible usefulness for some specific purposes.

1. It has a possible anti-inflammatory effect

According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies , horsetail has an anti-inflammatory effect by interfering with the polyfunctionality of immunocompetent cells.

This makes consuming it in an infusion practical to treat the symptoms associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis , arthritis and other rheumatic processes.

2. It has a possible antioxidant effect

Research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity has found that horsetail extract can reduce oxidative stress in tissues and thus delay aging . This is thanks to its flavonoid, saponin and phenolic acid content.

3. It could improve hair, nails and skin

Horsetail is rich in organic silicon: it can contain between 10 and 60% of this mineral. Evidence suggests that silicon promotes collagen synthesis , thus protecting the integrity and healthy appearance of skin and hair and strengthening nails naturally .

In any case, it is important to note that a report from the panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) , published in 2009, has indicated that there is not enough scientific evidence to support its use to nourish the skin or hair .

4. It is remineralizing

An animal study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology has suggested that an ethanolic extract of Equisetum arvense with a mixture of bone mineralizing nutrients may be beneficial for bone formation.

These results tell us that the combination of nutrients together with horsetail could be an effective and natural therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis . Of course, it is important to consult a doctor and, in any case, it can be a complementary technique to traditional medicine to relieve symptoms.

5. It has a diuretic effect

As we have established, this plant is associated with the consumption of horsetail with a natural diuretic effect ; that is, the elimination of liquids. In this sense, it is usually used for the treatment of mild urinary tract infections , because the increase in urine production and urination facilitates the expulsion of bacteria from the urinary tract.

People who may be interested in using supplements containing horsetail, especially those with medical conditions that affect fluid retention or who take medications that affect kidney function, should consult a health care professional before beginning any treatment.

There are those who consider that its diuretic function can help you lose weight although, once again, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this . To lose calories, it is important to rely on a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise .

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Contraindications of Equisetum arvense

It is key to keep in mind that there are circumstances in which consuming horsetail is not recommended, according to experts . These include the following:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to the lack of reliable information on its safety during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid its use.
• Alcohol use disorders. Horsetail contains compounds that can worsen the thiamine deficiency associated with alcoholism.
• Type II diabetes. This plant is not recommended for type II diabetics because it may cause hypoglycemia .
• Allergies. Some people who are allergic to carrots or nicotine may become allergic to horsetail.
• Gastritis. Horsetail is not recommended for people with gastritis , as some of its phytonutrients may irritate the stomach.
• Hypokalemia: Those with low potassium levels should avoid horsetail, as this plant can further reduce these levels.
• People with blood pressure problems. The diuretic power of Equisetum arvense could cause excessive loss of potassium in people with heart or blood pressure problems.

Does eating horsetail have benefits?

Horsetail has gained popularity thanks to its possible benefits in various uses, including its diuretic effect or its possible antioxidant property. In any case, current scientific evidence on its medicinal properties is limited and inconclusive .

Although there is anecdotal evidence and studies suggesting that horsetail may have health benefits, we recommend that you consult your doctor before consuming it to ensure its safety and effectiveness in your particular case.