Horsetail (Undetermined)
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an ancient herb with a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, although it is not a primary herb in classical Ayurveda. It is widely recognized for its high silica content, which is crucial for coll...
Botanical name: Equisetum arvense.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: undetermined
- kapha: undetermined
- pitta: undetermined
Clinical evidence
Despite not being a primary herb in classical Ayurveda, modern medical research on Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) indicates promising therapeutic applications, particularly due to its high silica content. Clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, have investigated its roles in bone health, diuretic activity, and wound healing. While large-scale meta-analyses are limited, existing evidence suggests benefits in areas such as supporting bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, promoting urination comparable to conventional diuretics without significant electrolyte changes, and accelerating the healing of episiotomy wounds when applied topically. Furthermore, its rich silicon content is implicated in improving hair, skin, and nail health, supported by smaller studies and reviews.