Horsetail

Figure 1. The Equisetum telmateia or Great Horsetail fern.

Horsetails or Equisetum is the only living genus in the Equisetaceae family of ferns. Equisetum reproduces by spores rather than seeds.

Modern Horsetails first appeared during the Jurassic period. Horsetails grow wild in northern Europe and North and Central America, as well as in other moist places with temperate climates. It has a long, green, densely branched stem that grows from spring to fall.

Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as an herbal remedy since the times of the Greeks and Romans. Horsetail has been traditionally used to treat wounds, to enhance skin, hair, and bone health, and as a remedy for various other health conditions.

Taken as a dietary supplement, Horsetails are a source of antioxidants and silica. These help the human body protect against cell damage and may be beneficial to the skin, nails, hair, and bones. Horsetail is commercially available in capsule, extract, or dried leaves/tea form.

Horsetail may support bone health. Bone metabolism involves two processes called osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoblasts handle bone synthesis, while osteoclasts break down bone through resorption. Studies have shown that Horsetail may inhibit osteoclasts and stimulate osteoblasts.

Horsetail may act as a natural diuretic--or substances that can increase the body's excretion of urine. This was attributed to the Horsetail's high antioxidant and mineral salt content. One of the more common purposes of Horsetail supplements is to help with fluid retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and loss of bladder control.

Horsetail may also promote wound healing and hair health. This is due to the the fern's silica content, which increases silicon concentrations in hair fibers and may result in a lower rate of hair loss plus increased hair brightness.