Pewterwort
Scientific Name: Horsetail
Other Names: Bottle-brush, Dutch Rushes, Paddock-pipes, Scouring Rush, Shave-grass, Toadpipe
Should I take it?
Horsetail is related to the fern family of plants. An ancient plant form believed to be native to Europe, it is now found in most mild, wet climate zones. In parts of eastern Europe, it is grown as a field crop; but it is considered a weed in most farming areas. Especially in damp meadows and pastures, horsetail spreads quickly. If grazing animals eat too much of it, they may have a toxic reaction that can include diarrhea, fever, loss of muscle coordination, weakness, and eventual death.
Horsetail has two kinds of stems--both about a foot tall. The first to appear very early in the spring are yellow or tan reed-like stalks that look much like bamboo. They have thick, hollow stems, no leaves, and a cone-shaped top where spores form. After a few weeks, the first shoots die back and hollow, green stalks bearing thin leaves resembling pine needles appear. These feathery leaves make horsetail plants resemble the brushes used to clean baby bottles--hence one of its common names "bottle-brush". Horsetail plants do not have flowers. Because horsetail stalks contain a high percentage of silica, a sandy mineral, they have been used at various times to scour pots, polish metals, or sand wooden implements. For medicine, the second type of horsetail stems are cut in late summer and dried.
Dosage and Administration
Taking horsetail by mouth is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 years, due to possible side effects from the small amount of nicotine that horsetail may contain.
Orally, horsetail is available as capsules, tablets, and tincture. All of these oral dosage forms should be taken with a full glass of water. For adults, a typical oral dose of horsetail is 300 mg three times a day. Horsetail tea may be made by soaking up to 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail in about 6 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes and then straining out the solid particles. Up to three cups of horsetail tea may be consumed per day. No more than 6,000 mg (6 grams) of oral horsetail are recommended to be taken per day and horsetail should not be taken continuously for more than 5 days at a time.
Usually in combination with other herbals and more commonly in Europe than in the United States, topical horsetail products such as creams, lotions, or ointments may be available commercially. In addition, cooled horsetail tea may be applied directly to irritated skin as often as needed. It can also be used as a poultice, which is usually a soft cloth that has been soaked in a medication, possibly heated, and applied to an aching or injured area of skin surface. For a stronger topical solution, 10,000 mg (10 grams) of dried horsetail may be soaked in one quart of boiling water. This solution should not be consumed and it should be applied to the skin only after it has cooled enough to be comfortably warm but not hot. It should be stored out of the reach of children or pets in a tightly capped container that is clearly marked to be used on the skin only. Reportedly, horsetail may be added to bath water to help relieve widespread skin conditions.
Summary
When taken by mouth, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic. It may also have some benefit in treating conditions of the bones and connective tissues. Topically, it is used to treat skin injuries.
Risks
Due to its nicotine content, horsetail should not be taken orally by children under the age of 18, individuals who are allergic to nicotine, or pregnant and breast-feeding women. Individuals with poor kidney function or heart conditions should also avoid the oral use of horsetail.
Side Effects
Symptoms of nicotine-like poisoning have been reported in animals and children who consumed horsetail. Thiamine deficiencies may also have resulted from the oral use of horsetail. Taking, applying, or handling horsetail may result in an itchy rash.
Interactions
Taking horsetail may reduce potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can result in muscle weakness and potentially dangerous changes in heart rhythm. The chance of potassium deficiency is increased if horsetail is taken at the same time as drugs and herbal products that promote water loss ("water pills" and some laxatives.) If horsetail is taken with digoxin or herbs that affect the force and timing of heartbeats, the risk of side effects may be increased.
Last Revised October 12, 2007
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Should I take it? 
