Horsetail

Latin Name: Equisetum arvense
Herb Class/Action: Nutritive, Kidney tonic, Astringent, Lymphatic, Supports microbial balance
Parts Used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Earthen, not strong flavors
Energetics: Drying, cooling
Traditional Benefits: Bone support, vascular support, immune support, kidney and lung support, musculoskeletal support, skin support, supports the body’s natural healing process

Horsetail is an herb that helps us embody its namesake—supporting long, healthy hair, strong nails, and collagen production in the skin. Known as a beautifying herb, it also deeply nourishes the kidneys, promoting fluid balance.*

A true survivor, Horsetail has been around for hundreds of millions of years, thriving in damp environments and showcasing remarkable adaptability. It is a resilient plant, often likened to a wild horse for its strength and endurance.

Named for its appearance, which resembles a horse’s tail, Horsetail helps support healthy hair, nails, and skin when consumed internally or applied topically. This herb’s beautifying benefits are no coincidence.

Horsetail is one of the most nutrient-rich plants, packed with minerals such as silica, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. It is the high silica content that has made Horsetail particularly renowned in the herbalism community.

Silica plays a key role in collagen production and mineral absorption, helping hair, skin, and nails become stronger, smoother, and shinier. Additionally, the minerals in Horsetail support the kidneys, skin, and hair while also having de-puffing effects, often combined with bodywork like Gua Sha for facial massage. Silica also supports connective tissue, cartilage, joints, and bone health.

Horsetail’s silica content aids kidney health by assisting in the elimination of heavy metals, such as aluminum, which can burden the kidneys. By supporting the kidneys’ normal function, Horsetail helps reduce the impact of environmental toxins, making it an excellent kidney herb.*

“Horsetail has the ‘intelligence’ to deal with silica and share this ‘knowledge’ with the organism in need of the substance.” — Matthew Wood