--- title: "Horsetail: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Horsetail Equisetum arvense T Traditional use Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** aerial-parts **Key constituents:** Silika, Potasyum 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 Traditionally used to increase urine flow to flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used on the skin as supportive treatment of superficial wounds. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Infuse 1–4 g of chopped dried herb in 150 ml of boiling water, or simmer for 5–15 minutes. **Amount:** 3–4 times daily (3–12 g a day) \[1\] ### Topical For wounds, boil 10 g of herb in 1 litre of water and use for compresses or rinsing. **Amount:** Once to several times daily \[1\] ## 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Equisetum arvense L., herba](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-equisetum-arvense-l-herba_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016 ### Cite This Page Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Corn Silk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/) T Traditional use Zea mays A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. 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