Horsetail

At a Glance

Common name

Horsetail

Scientific name

Equisetum arvense

Family

Equisetaceae

Region

Europe

Plant part

Sterile green stems

Caffeine

Caffeine Free

Evidence

Insufficient

Safety review

Safety information on file

Botanical Description

A prehistoric-looking perennial with two stems — a fertile pale brown unbranched stalk tipped with a conical spore cone, and a sterile green stem with whorls of fine needle-like jointed branches; the sterile green stems are used.

Also known as: Shavegrass, Bottlebrush, Scouring Rush

Historical Background

Horsetail is a living fossil of an ancient plant family, used in European and Roman herbalism since Galen as a silica-rich urinary and wound herb. Its jointed green stems brew a mild, slightly astringent tea traditionally sipped for urinary and connective-tissue traditions.

Earliest recorded uses: Used in European and Roman herbalism for millennia; a source of silica and a urinary tradition herb since Galen.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Mild, slightly astringent, green, grassy

Tea Preparation

Modern Evidence

Horsetail has a tradition for urinary and connective-tissue support as a silica source. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for UTI, osteoporosis, kidney stones, or any disease, and long-term use may strain the kidneys or deplete electrolytes.

Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.