SupplementTraditional useImmunity

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

EMA-monograph traditional aquaretic herb, also used for silica and bone tradition; one of the highest silicon contents in the plant kingdom.

Why

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) holds an EMA HMPC Traditional Use monograph for the increased amount of urine to achieve flushing of the urinary tract, as adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. Beyond the urinary indication, horsetail is rich in silicon (about 25% of dry weight in some forms) and is used traditionally for bone, hair and nail support. Modern clinical evidence remains limited to the EMA traditional-use registration plus small studies on silicon bioavailability.

How it works

Saponins and flavonoids produce mild aquaretic effect (increased urine flow). Silicic acid content provides bioavailable silicon, proposed role in collagen and bone matrix though clinical-outcome data is limited.

Expected onset · Diuretic effect within hours; bone and silicon effects over months (if any)

How to take

Dosage

Dried herb: 2–4 g as infusion, three times daily. Standardised extract: per product label. With substantial additional water (2+ litres/day).

Timing

Throughout the day with adequate water

On the label

Equisetum arvense, species-verified. Quality-tested for absence of E. palustre adulteration (toxic).

Ideal for

Adults with mild urinary irritation seeking gentle European traditional aquaretic; people interested in food-source silicon supplementation.

Safety

**Use only Equisetum arvense**, Equisetum palustre (marsh horsetail) is toxic (palustrine alkaloid). Adequate fluid intake essential. Avoid in oedema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency. Theoretical thiamine destruction by thiaminase (more relevant in animal forage than in human supplementation, but pair with B-vitamin support if used chronically). Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. Caution with diuretics and digoxin.

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Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies horsetail at Traditional Use for urinary-tract irrigation. Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Limitations

Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

EMA HMPC monograph, Equisetum arvense L., herba (Traditional Use)

Where to get it

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