Horsetail

What is Horsetail?

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is one of the oldest living plants on Earth, with a history stretching back over millions of years. This ancient plant belongs to the genus Equisetum, the only remaining member of a plant family that thrived in prehistoric forests. 

Often referred to as "living fossils," horsetail plants have maintained their basic structure for millions of years, making them a unique species of vascular plants that reproduce via spores rather than seeds much like ferns. [1]

The plant is recognized by its vertical, green, and bushy stems with a characteristic rough, bristly texture. This rough texture is due to the high silica content in its tissues.

Horsetail is known for its unique combination of bioactive compounds, which contribute to its health benefits and medicinal uses including: Silica, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Potassium,Tannins.

Why Choose Miduty’s Horsetail?

Horsetail is present in Miduty Thick & Grow Supplement along with other potent ingredients like Saw Palmetto, L-methionine, L-lysin, and L-cysteine within the range of 1030 mg per serving (1 tablet).

Miduty Thick & Grow supplement has 30 servings per container with the health expert recommending consumption of 2 capsules per day after breakfast or lunch with water.

Miduty's Thick and Grow supplement features horsetail stem extract and horsetail leaf extract that is highly bioavailable.

Miduty Horsetail is packed with bioavailable silica, a vital mineral for strengthening hair, promoting healthy growth, and enhancing hair’s elasticity, reducing the risk of breakage. Silica is known to enhance elasticity, helping to prevent breakage and maintain the strength of each strand from root to tip. 

Miduty’s Horsetail also includes ingredients that promote prostate health and ease urinary function, an advantage over traditional hair growth supplements. Zinc and Saw Palmetto contribute to both hair and prostate health, adding an extra layer of wellness.

Miduty Products With Horsetail

Horsetail Uses and Benefits

Uses & Benefits
Description
Hair, Skin, and Nail Health

Horsetail’s silica content plays a significant role in promoting the health of hair, skin, and nails. Silica helps strengthen keratin, a protein that makes up hair and nails, resulting in thicker, stronger hair and nails that are less prone to breakage. 

It stimulates hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp and delivering essential nutrients. For the skin, horsetail helps with collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness. [2]
Diuretic and Detoxification

Horsetail is known for its diuretic properties, increasing urine production to help reduce fluid retention and edema by flushing excess water from the body. This natural detox effect also supports kidney function by eliminating toxins.[3]
By boosting urine flow, horsetail may aid in flushing out bacteria, potentially benefiting those with mild UTIs.

Urinary Tract and Bladder Health

Horsetail is frequently used to treat urinary tract issues due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. [4] It helps increase urine flow, which flushes out bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.

Horsetail is often recommended for individuals with bladder inflammation or irritable bladder syndrome, as it soothes inflamed tissues and reduces irritation. Its diuretic action can also alleviate symptoms of incontinence by strengthening the bladder muscles and supporting normal urinary function.
Joint pains & Arthritis

Horsetail can be especially beneficial for those with joint pain and arthritis due to its high silica content, which aids in rebuilding cartilage and connective tissues. [5] Silica promotes collagen synthesis, cushioning the joints and improving flexibility while reducing stiffness. 

Additionally, horsetail's anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate discomfort and swelling, enhancing joint mobility and reducing pain.

Respiratory Health

Horsetail has traditionally been used to support respiratory health, particularly in the treatment of bronchitis and coughs. Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel and clear the airways. 

Horsetail can also soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and promoting faster healing in cases of persistent cough or sore throat. [6]
Digestive Health Horsetail contains compounds that benefit the digestive system, particularly for treating ulcers, gastritis, and other inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The tannins present in horsetail exert a soothing effect on the stomach lining, helping to reduce irritation and inflammation. [7]
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

Horsetail is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to aging and the development of chronic diseases because it damages cells and accelerates tissue breakdown.

Horsetail's antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage. [8]
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Horsetail’s natural anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in treating conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis, gout, and digestive disorders. 

By reducing inflammation, it helps alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness in affected areas. Its anti-inflammatory action also extends to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, where it can soothe irritation and promote healing.

Bone Health

Horsetail is rich in silica, a mineral crucial for maintaining strong bones. [9] Silica helps in the production of collagen, which forms the foundation of bone structure. Additionally, it aids in the absorption and retention of calcium.

Horsetail Dosage

The adequate dosage of Horsetail can vary depending on age, health status, and specific needs.

General Adult Dosage: If you're taking horsetail supplements for general health and wellness, it is best to take them with meals, 300-500 mg, 2-3 times daily.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The use of horsetail plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Specific Health Conditions:

  • For Bone Health (Osteoporosis): People looking to strengthen bones or prevent osteoporosis should take horsetail extract (standardized for silica content) at a dosage of 300-500 mg, 2-3 times daily.
  • For Hair, Skin, and Nail Health: Those looking to improve hair, skin, and nail health can use horsetail extract or horsetail capsules. A dosage of 400-500 mg, 2-3 times daily helps promote hair growth, reduce brittle nails, and improve skin elasticity.
  • For Diuretic and Detoxification Benefits: Individuals using horsetail for its diuretic effects can take horsetail supplements at the standard dosage of 300 mg to 500 mg, 2-3 times daily.
  • For Joint Pain and Arthritis: To alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation in arthritis, horsetail supplements at a dosage of 300-500 mg, 2-3 times daily can be used.

When to Take Horsetail?

With Meals: Taking horsetail with food is generally recommended, as it may help enhance absorption and prevent any potential stomach discomfort. The silica and other minerals in horsetail may absorb better when combined with other nutrients.

Morning or Early Afternoon: For best results, it's advised to take horsetail supplements in the morning or early afternoon. This allows your body to benefit from the silica throughout the day. Also, since horsetail has diuretic properties, taking it earlier helps avoid any interruptions in sleep from increased urination at night.

Avoid Taking Late at Night: Due to its mild diuretic effect, avoid taking horsetail late in the evening to prevent frequent nighttime bathroom trips.

Horsetail Side Effects or Additional Tips

Thiaminase Content: Horsetail contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which can break down vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the body. Long-term or excessive use of horsetail can lead to thiamine deficiency, which may cause issues like fatigue and neurological problems.

Diuretic Effect: Horsetail’s diuretic properties can lead to dehydration or imbalance in electrolytes if consumed excessively. It is advisable to maintain proper hydration when using horsetail, particularly in supplement form.

Skin Irritation: Topical applications can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to counteract the diuretic effect and prevent dehydration.

Drug Interactions: Horsetail may interact with medications like diuretics or those for blood pressure.

Final Thoughts on Horsetail

Horsetail, an ancient plant with a rich history, offers numerous health benefits, from promoting bone, skin, and hair health to supporting detoxification and urinary tract health. 

Its high silica content strengthens nails, improves skin elasticity, and enhances joint function, while its diuretic and antioxidant properties aid in detox and anti-aging. 

As a powerful natural remedy, Horsetail supplements can be a valuable addition to your health regimen, but consulting a healthcare provider before starting is always recommended.