Evidence does not support this use. The plant contains numerous beneficial compounds that give it multiple health-promoting effects. Beriberi caused by antithiamin factors in food and its prevention. Many substances can kill cancer in cells, but that says nothing about their actual cancer-fighting potential [50, 60, 61, 62, 63]. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. People used it to heal ulcers, stop bleeding, remedy kidney problems, and fight infections back in ancient Greek and Roman times. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. View abstract. One 10-day study in 108 postpartum women who had undergone an episiotomy during labor a surgical cut to facilitate childbirth showed that applying an ointment containing 3% horsetail extract promoted wound healing and helped relieve pain (11). 2012 Feb 24;11:59-67. Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as an herbal remedy since the times of the Greek and Roman Empires (1, 2). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Scientific research confirms that Equisetum arvenseis definitely rich in organic silica, including a report published in the Journal of Plastic Dermatology that encompassed two clinical trials. Still, no clinical studies have looked at horsetail in gout disease models. Farinon M, Lora PS, Francescato LN, Bassani VL, Henriques AT, Xavier RM, de Oliveira PG. Horsetail However, because most studies focus on a mixture of multiple hair growth compounds, research on the effects of horsetail alone is still limited. In diabetic rats, horsetail extract balanced glucose levels and regenerate insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Talk with your healthcare provider before using horsetail if you are taking efavirenz. (9) Another study out of Turkey using animal subjects published in 2013 found thatointments containing 5 percent to 10 percent horsetail provided a significant boost to diabetic wound healing. Horsetail extract reduced pain and inflammation in mice, with higher doses having a stronger effect [15]. There are five blood pressure stages: normal and four specific stages of hypertension, which range from very treatable to urgent. Whats more, the above study was performed on a very specific population under uncontrolled settings. Learn about which essential oils can help your hair. * Approximation only. Horsetail is being researched in people with rheumatoid arthritis. a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (horse chestnut can thin your blood); diabetes (horse chestnut may cause low blood sugar ); kidney disease; liver disease; a View abstract. Cordova E, Morganti L, Rodriguez C. Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs. Horsetails diuretic effect is one of this ferns most sought-after properties in folk medicine (8, 9). Among various similar species, common horsetail is best known in traditional medicine. View abstract. Some of these medicine Horsetail reduces fat oxidation, which is often the underlying cause of heart disease [50]. As I just mentioned, it is a rich source of an organic form of silica, a mineral that has been linked with hair growth as well as healthier skin and nails. Bessa Pereira, C., Gomes, P., Costa-Rodrigues, J., Palmas, R., Vieira, L., Ferraz, M., Lopes, M., & Fernandes, M. (2012). WebThese effects result in reduced inflammation and reduced blood pressure. Klnalp S, Ekiz F, Basar , Coban S, Yksel O. Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail)-induced liver injury. Hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging activities of phenolic petrosins and flavonoids isolated from Equisetum arvense. There are also creams, lotions and ointments, along with numerous hair and nail products, for topical use. However, you may also find products claiming to manage urinary and kidney conditions (3). Proponents suggest that horse chestnut extract may protect veins and promote blood flow. Blood Pressure RT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the horse ranch at Entoto Natural Park and had a whale of a time. Like most herbal supplements, horsetail is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One clinical trail combined horsetail with a sulfur donor in awater-alcohol solution and applied it nightly for28 days to the nails of 36 women withnail plate alterations. Taking horsetail along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low. Is the horsetail plant invasive? Different horsetail extracts reduced blood glucose and normalized weight in rats with diabetes. Out of the nine herbs studies, horsetail was actually put into a group of four herbs (along withpeppermint, nettle and birch leaf) that possessed the highest KYNA content. J Med Case Rep. 2011 Mar 31;5:129. View abstract. Some researchers hypothesize that the plants possible health benefits may be due to a mineral called silica. View abstract. A randomized, open-label, multicenter, comparative study of therapeutic efficacy, safety and tolerability of BNO 1030 extract, containing marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, horsetail herb, walnut leaves, yarrow herb, oak bark, dandelion herb in the treatment of acute non-bacterial tonsillitis in children aged 6 to 18?years. Dandelion. Horsetail is a descendant of a much larger plant that grew 3 hundred million years ago. In fact, people eat horsetail as a salad in some parts of Europe [2, 3]. This is because horsetail is actually the most abundant source of silica in the plant world [5, 6, 4, 7, 8, 9]. Only one animal study investigated whether high doses of horsetail over 14 days damage the liver in rats. is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Until further research is done, the pain-reducing effects of horsetail in humans remain unknown. This suggests that its useful for bone diseases such as osteoporosis, which is characterized by overly active osteoclasts that result in fragile bones (1, 5). Out of 15 horsetail species, common horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) is best known for its health benefits. Only one study showed that horsetail-extract reduced stomach ulcers in rats. Side effects Horse chestnut extract is usually well tolerated. View abstract. On the one hand, horse chestnut seed extract relaxes the endothelial lining of capillaries 3, enhancing friendly nitric oxide production, and reducing inflammation 4. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. When used in higher doses than for treating anxiety, horsetail increased the duration of sleep in mice. Horsetail causes cells to produce less inflammatory molecules (IL-2 and TNF alpha) and the silica balances the immune effect in these cells. Horn_ Anarchists on Twitter: "RT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the Backyard medicine: harvest and make your own herbal remedies (North American ed.). We cant draw any conclusions from this single, small study. Sudan BJ. Horse chestnut Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com Herbal medicines as diuretics: A review of the scientific evidence. Normal Blood Pressure for Adults According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults (ages 20 and older) is less than 120/80 mm Hg. View abstract. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. It has a long, green, densely branched stem that grows from spring to fall (1, 4). Horsetail ointment (3%) improved wound healing in a study of 108 healthy women who had surgery to induce childbirth. Powerful flavonoid antioxidants in horsetail (such as isoquercetin) enhance cognitive function and reverse memory loss. Is horsetail good for your skin? Horsetail ointment can be applied to heal wounds, stop bleeding, prevent infection, and reduce pain [4]. Below is a list of horsetails traditional uses and experimental findings (from animal and cell-based research) lacking clinical evidence. We avoid using tertiary references. However, its not approved by the FDA and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding people, people with low vitamin B1 levels, and those who take antiretroviral drugs. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): View abstract. Fitoterapia 2005;76:508-13. Horsetail (Equisetum) got its name due to its resemblance to the tail of a horse. Women from Amazonian tribes traditionally used giant horsetail for genital infections and hygiene. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You can buy horsetail supplements in pill form or as a tea at most health food stores. Compounds in horsetail block acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes bowel movements. Based cellular studies, some scientists think the liver effects of horsetails onitin and the flavonoid luteolin should be researched further [22, 23]. 2 The mineral helps your body store calcium needed to heal bones, and to build strong fingernails and hair. This results in a reduction is fluid in the blood vessels, WebHorsetail helps to decrease blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, which increases the elimination of fluid from the body. You can make a cup of tea by using horsetail teabags, or you can make it using the loose herb. If youre trying to regrow hair, or if youd like to improve the hair you have, try some of these natural remedies. Horsetail has high silicon and antioxidant content, but its use for hair and nails is not sufficiently backed up by research [19, 20]. Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Volunteers. You can also use a strongly brewed batch of horsetail tea as a DIY hair rinse. It reduces inflammation in the brain after a stroke by increasing NF-B and decreasing inflammatory cytokines TNF-Alpha and IL 1-Beta [42]. (2010). Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. (21). You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. The product, called Ankaferd blood stopper, is made up of alpinia, licorice, thyme, common grape vine and stinging nettle, and has also shown evidence of reducing bleeding after dental surgery. Am J Otolaryngol. Wright, C., Van-Buren, L., Kroner, C., & Koning, M. (2007). This herb can be found growing in moist, rich soil throughout the temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, North America and Europe. Previous research had shown that the amount of KYNA in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is lower than in patients with osteoarthritis. Horsetail might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Thiaminase is an enzyme that breaks down thiamine, or vitamin B1. Phytomedicine 1999;6(4):239-246. Available at: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq.do?id=6117&lang=eng. If you gather the fresh plant for medicinal use, its important to know exactly what variety youre handling. Horsetail is a fern that contains many beneficial compounds, notably antioxidants and silica. Horsetail may cause drug-herb interactions when consumed alongside antiretroviral drugs prescribed for HIV treatment (30). Test-tube studies show that horsetail may inhibit osteoclasts and stimulate osteoblasts. View abstract. As a source of silica, horsetail is also claimed to strengthen bones, hair, and nails. WebHawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century.By the early 1800s, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory disorders and respiratory illnesses. Horse Chestnut for Veins and Circulation These rules do diabetic meds online not think that sin is What Diabetes Medications Give You Horse Voice unforgivable, but only think that it give is a human weakness. You can implement this remedy in two main ways below: Prepare 2-3 mushrooms. You can find horsetail in many forms including dried herb, tea, capsule, tincture and juice either at your local health store or online. Although horsetail products are formulated in Spain for reducing cellulite, no clinical studies have yet confirmed the benefits [2, 33, 34]. what diabetes medications give Therefore, a person should be Our science team is put through the strictest vetting process in the health industry and we often reject applicants who have written articles for many of the largest health websites that are deemed trustworthy. Determining the most beneficial species and extract type would be helpful. An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or stops the growth of microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Cetojevic-Simin, D., Canadanovic-Brunet, J., Bogdanovic, G., Djilas, S., Cetkovic, G., & Stojiljkovic, B. Horsetail Benefits, Uses, History, Risks, Side Effect, In fact, one study out of Portugal concluded that results showed that E. arvense extracts elicited inductive effects on human osteoblasts while inhibiting activity of S. aureus, suggesting a potentially interesting profile regarding bone regeneration strategies. (18, 19). J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72. Some researchers think horsetail holds promise, though. Always read product labels carefully for dosing information, and consult a professional if needed. The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. (Mosk) 1983;3(1):47-50. Additional human studies are needed to determine how safe and effective horsetail preparations are for wound healing. This generally supports appropriate pressure or push coming from the arteries (healthy blood pressure). Diuretics may also be helpful to people with edema, a condition in which the body holds onto fluid. Native Americans liked to use it to naturally treat kidney and bladder problems. Home Remedies For Overactive Bladder Syndrome The study uses data from the FDA. (8). Horsetail essential oil contains 25 compounds that were researched against the following bacteria [29, 58]: Horsetail is being researched for its effects on skin, blood, and lung cancer in cells. Antioxidants are molecules that protect your body from the effects of free radicals that can cause cell damage. Pic posted in the interest of elevating brother @iyoba4u's blood pressure. Half of the women used horsetail ointment on the wound for 10 days, which reduced pain and healed wounds faster, with no side effects. Schoendorfer N, Sharp N, Seipel T, Schauss AG, Ahuja KDK. 30 Apr 2023 06:50:28 Kaempferol, another flavonoid in horsetail, protects against brain injury and inflammation in rats with stroke. What is Horsetail? Find out why you can test negative and still have, Officials say the antibiotic gepotidacin is performing so well in trials that it may be available sooner than expected for treatment of UTIs, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. There is little solid evidence to prove that it is effective. Cell studies confirm that essential oils have antibacterial properties and its phenolic compounds reduce inflammation. Traditionally, the berries were used to treat heart problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and However, an appropriate dose has yet to be determined by current scientific evidence. Eczema is a dry, itchy rash that can last on sufferers for a very long time. However, there is insufficient evidence to support any of the purported benefits of this herb. Radojevic ID, Stankovic MS, Stefanovic OD, Topuzovic MD, Comic LR, Ostojic AM. Foods such as berries, beverages, If you find the taste of water to be bland or boring, jazz it up with a few limes. Giant horsetail extract reduced pain, inflammation, and an autoimmune response in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Hence, horsetail is now being studied for its effects on bone, skin, and hair health. The common horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense) is the variety most often used medicinally. You can purchase horsetail as a liquid extract or in dried form in a tea or capsule. If the herb has a diuretic effect, it might cause your body to flush out essential nutrients, such as potassium. View absract. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). Pic posted in the interest of elevating brother @iyoba4u's blood pressure. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 31 people who have side effects while taking Horsetail from the FDA, and is updated regularly. Horsetail has been used since ancient times as both food and herbal remedy. Agustin-Ubide MP, Martinez-Cocera C, Alonso-Llamazares A, et al. Horsetail's ability to stop blood flow has made it useful in treating nosebleeds, internal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, and Most horsetail products available are marketed as skin, hair, and nail remedies. (10), To treat burns and wounds, horsetail herbis often applied directly to the affected area of skin. Horsetail benefits include boosting the state of hair, skin and nails; improving joint and bone health; acting as a potent antimicrobial against harmful bacteria, including those that cause staph infections and candida; wound healing; burn relief; and treating edema. Pic posted in the interest of elevating brother @iyoba4u's blood pressure. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a82ff01dd1de71cf8069cde9e5de56a8" );document.getElementById("a6cbe26769").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1982;378:123-36. Evidence of toxic adulteration of equisetum. Although horsetail is traditionally used for kidney stones, no evidence supports it. Horsetail can also affect the way your body processes lithium, which could cause dangerous side effects if you use it as medication. Yes, the original statement may be wrong. The researchers found that the extract showedanti-inflammatory potential along with an immunomodulatory effect on both B and T lymphocytes. The researchers measured the diuretic effect of the horsetail supplement by monitoring the volunteers water balance over a 24-hour period. (6) Further research published by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology also suggeststhat hair strands with higher silicon content tend to have a lower fall-out rate as well as greater brightness. Taking horsetail with NRTIs might reduce the effects of these drugs. Kushitic on Twitter: "RT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the Pic posted in the interest of elevating brother @iyoba4u's blood pressure. High blood pressure is a condition caused when blood pushes against the artery walls with too much force, putting extra strain on the heart muscle and causing it to weaken over time. The researchers observed a significant decrease in longitudinal grooves as well as an 85 percent reduction in patients reporting lamellar splitting of treated nails. 31 people reported to have side effects when taking Horsetail. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in theJournal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in2012, daily administration of a proprietary nutritional supplement containing silica derived from horsetail significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days. View abstract. Horsetail is being studied for bone, oral, hair, and nail health. Moderate medication reactions are known to possibly occur with antidiabetes drugs, lithium and diuretics (water pills). Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. Fabre B, Geay B, Beaufils P. Thiaminase activity in equisetum arvense and its extracts. View abstract. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. If you live in an area where horsetail grows, its also possible to cut the herb and dry it yourself. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. In cells, isoquercetin kills influenza A and B viruses the most common viral strains that cause the flu. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. View abstract. View abstract. Horsetail has active ingredients of horsetail. Flavonoids such as those found in horsetail are being researched for their effects on digestion, bloating, nausea, and stomach pain [31]. Benefits and Downsides, What Normal (and Abnormal) Urine Test Results Reveal, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Exercise May Be as Beneficial as Drugs in Treating Premature Ejaculation, Study Finds, 'Grower' or 'Shower': Scientists Define Categories for Penis Erections, Urinary Tract Infections: A New Antibiotic May Be on the Way to Treat UTIs. Research has confirmed that routinely eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout, can reduce the risk of heart disease and death. Pic posted in the interest of elevating brother @iyoba4u's blood pressure. A 5% horsetail ointment healed skin wounds in rabbits after 2 weeks. Taking horsetail along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. However, while these results are promising, current human research is limited. SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, View abstract. WebAvoid horsetail if you have high blood pressure. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81:117-20. Horsetail could even be used as a homemade mouthwash [64, 9]. There are many options for people who have trouble with traditional diuretics or would prefer a natural alternative. Impressive Benefits of Horsetail RT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the horse ranch at Entoto Natural Park and had a whale of a time. View abstract. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 1952;120:375-378. Taking too much can result in heart palpitations. The study also found that wound redness, swelling, and discharge improved significantly compared with a control group. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial to assess the acute diuretic effect of equisetum arvense (field horsetail) in healthy volunteers. which enables users to obtain detailed information and reports based on their genome. Lanca S, Alves A, Vieira AI, et al. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. In this study, horsetail did not cause liver damage. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The mature horsetail herb comes out in the summer with branched, thin, green stems that look like a feathery tail. It grows wild in northern Europe and North and Central America, as well as in other moist places with temperate climates. This was attributed to the plants high antioxidant and mineral salt concentrations (9). Last medically reviewed on April 8, 2022. All rights reserved. Diuretics are substances that increase your bodys excretion of urine. Horse chestnut WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Some studies were only done on cells. Ramos JJ, Ferrer LM, Garcia L, et al. Kushitic on Twitter: "RT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the However, research on the direct effect of horsetail on wound healing and nail health is needed to verify these benefits. The topical application of horsetail ointment appears to promote wound healing. The medicinal benefits of the compounds in horsetail are promising, but more research is needed [11]. Foods such as berries, beverages, Learn about horsetail extract and how its silica content, antioxidant properties, and impact on collagen is building its reputation as an herbal hair, Some essential oils can improve the health of your hair with very little risk of side effects. There is currently not enough scientific information to indicate an appropriate standard dose or range of doses. Polioencephalomalacia in adult sheep grazing pastures with prostrate pigweed. Web31 people reported to have side effects when taking Horsetail. They found that the horsetail pillsproduced a diuretic effect equal to that of the conventional diuretic medicine hydrochlorothiazide without any significant changes to liver or kidney function, or to electrolyte elimination. Since there have been few studies on horsetail, there is no standardized dosage. These plants have two distinctive types of stems. New York: Skyhorse Pub. This article explores horsetail, including its potential benefits, uses, and downsides. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis. 30 Apr 2023 07:21:52 Silicon is a component of collagen, which is needed to keep skin elastic and smooth. For people with kidney problems, getting rid of unwanted fluid and salt can be an important part of treatment. No clinical evidence supports the experimental use of horsetail for anxiety, sleep, seizures, brain health, viral infections, ulcers, or any of the conditions listed further below. WebRT @RAbdiAnalyst: I also visited the horse ranch at Entoto Natural Park and had a whale of a time. View abstract. Much more research is needed [25, 26]. Among them, 1 person (3.23%) has High blood pressure. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of horsetail for any of the below listed uses. Stinging Nettle Read more on how to maintain good kidney health. Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum giganteum L. extract on alloxan-diabetic rabbit. People with kidney disease generally should not use horsetail or other herbal supplements (31). Silicon is believed to be key to optimal synthesis of collagen, a key skin building block that is essential to strength and elasticity. Langhammer L, Blaszkiewitz K, Kotzorek I. Check your local pharmacy or health food store to find supplements like hawthorn berry, horsetail and hibiscus in convenient capsule form. While many hear butter and beef and immediately think of heart attacks Potassium is an important electrolyte and the third most abundant mineral in Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, 15 Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Overall Health, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, Plant-Based Diet: Disease-Protective + Promotes Major Weight Loss, The Potential Benefits & Drawbacks of Tobiko (Plus Healthy Alternatives), CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Boosts Fat Loss & the Immune System, You Probably Have Low Potassium Start Eating These 15 Foods, Contains Natural Antimicrobial Properties. Horsetail blocks the effects of histamine, relaxing airways in a study in rabbit airway tissues. When you hear the term horsetail, you probably envision the backside of an equine, but did you know there is a powerful natural herb of the same name? Mild side effects of thehorsetail herb include upset stomach, diarrhea and increased urination. Horsetail may interact with the following herbs and supplements: areca, thiamine, herbs and supplements that may lower blood sugar, and chromium-containing herbs and supplements. You can take a horsetail tincture or horsetail tea internally for hair health. But how horsetail affects body weight on its own is still unknown [32, 2, 12, 10]. Inflammation in eczema causes itchiness, alters the skin barrier, and makes the skin more prone to infections. High LDL cholesterol and inflammation can cause hardening of the blood vessels and heart problems [50, 51, 52, 53]. High blood pressure (hypertension). The tea is made by boiling a teaspoon of dried horsetail with water, and adding sugar. Jonathan Ritter, PharmD, PhD (Pharmacology). Horsetail reduced inflammation (increased IL-10 and decreased TNF-alpha), which may be key for treating this disease [10]. Additionally, its hard to tease apart the effect of horsetail when other herbs/nutraceuticals are used in the study. Horsetail also increases IL-10, which may boost weight loss. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The subjects of the study were women between the ages of 21 to 75 years old with self-perceivedthinning hair. However, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of horsetail for most uses. horse Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones in your body to become weak and porous. blood pressure We currently have no information for HORSETAIL overview. Your lithium dose might need to be changed. All rights reserved. (3), One of horsetails most well-known uses is its employment forbrittle nails topically, internally or both. Like most other herbal supplements, horsetail has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and people who are pregnant and breastfeeding should avoid it.