Horsetail
Equisetum arvense
T Traditional useHorsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes the aerial parts of Equisetum arvense as a traditional herbal medicine to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, and as supportive treatment of superficial wounds. People who must limit fluids due to serious heart or kidney disease should not drink it.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to increase urine flow to flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used on the skin as supportive treatment of superficial wounds. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not drink it if you must limit fluids, for example with severe heart or kidney disease.
- See a doctor if you get fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in urine.
- Not recommended under 12.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; do not apply to the breast while breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Mild stomach complaints
- Allergic reactions such as rash or facial swelling
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Horsetail is both drunk as a tea and boiled for use as a wound compress. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is horsetail a diuretic?
The EMA accepts horsetail as a traditional aid to increase urine in minor urinary complaints.
Is horsetail used for hair and nails?
The EMA monograph has no indication for hair or nails.
How do I make horsetail tea?
Infuse 1–4 g of chopped herb in 150 ml of boiling water or simmer for 5–15 minutes; drink 3–4 times a day.
Who should not use horsetail?
People who must limit fluids due to heart or kidney disease, children under 12, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Sources
Cite This Page
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/
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