Last reviewed 28/06/2023
Sustainability status
Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more in our sustainability guide.
Avoid in pregnancy and lactation
Herbs are generally best-avoided in pregnancy, unless working with them under the guidance of a medical herbalist. However, some herbs pose a risk to pregnancy as they are potentially: toxic to the mother, toxic to the neonate, teratogenic (risk developmental malformation), may increase miscarriage risk, or could cause foetal distress leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Herbs with teratogenic, emmenagogue, or stimulant laxative actions are all contraindicated in pregnancy. Furthermore, herbs containing volatile oils, thujone, apiol, phyto-oestrogens also should be avoided.
During lactation, there is the possibility for transfer of plant compounds through the breast milk, which can have an effect (detrimental or beneficial) on the infant.
Please read the Safety section in this monograph.
Not suitable for children
Some herbs are not suitable for paediatric populations due to developmental differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Gastric pH, intestinal permeability, hepatic enzyme activity and renal clearance mature progressively throughout childhood, influencing absorption, metabolism and elimination of herbal medicines. These factors may alter bioavailability and half-life, increasing the risk of accumulation or adverse effects if adult dosing is applied.
Young’s formula and Clark’s rule are used by medical herbalists to adjust herbal prescriptions for children, according to age and weight, to ensure safe dosing. However, despite dosage adjustments, some herbs (those included in this category) should not be used until adulthood.
Please read the Safety section in this monograph.
Drug interactions
Herbs may interact with pharmaceutical medications through both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Pharmacokinetic interactions involve alterations in the absorption, metabolism, distribution, or excretion of a drug. Many herb–drug interactions occur through liver enzyme modulation: by inducing CYP enzymes — increasing drug concentration and toxicity risk; or by inducing CYP enzymes — decreasing drug concentration and therapeutic efficacy.
Pharmacodynamic interactions occur when herbs and drugs influence the same physiological systems. These interactions can cause synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects at the receptor or tissue level, enhancing or opposing the intended pharmacological action. The clinical consequences of herb-drug interactions can be complex and nuanced. Consultation with a medical professional is, therefore, recommended to ensure safe use and appropriate dosing.
Please read the Interactions section in this monograph.
Contraindications
A contraindication refers to a situation in which a herb should be avoided as it may exacerbate a medical condition or pose undue risk. Contraindications may arise through pharmacodynamic mechanisms (e.g., liquorice in uncontrolled hypertension or uterine stimulants during pregnancy) or pharmacokinetic effects that alter metabolism, absorption or elimination (e.g., tannin-rich herbs in iron-deficient anaemia).
In some cases, herbal actions may aggravate underlying pathologies (e.g., the use of bitter herbs in GERD). Recognition of contraindications requires thorough assessment of patient history, co-morbidities and medications. Consultation with a qualified medical herbalist will provide guidance to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing.
Please read the Contraindications section in this monograph.
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Herb overview
Safety
Not suitable during pregnancy or lactation. May cause nutrient deficiencies when taken for a prolonged time. See safety section for more details of contraindications.
Sustainability
Status: Lower risk
Key constituents
Silica
Flavonoids
AlkaloidsQuality
Northern hemisphere
Wild harvested
Contamination with other species commonKey actions
Vulnerary
Diuretic
Trophorestorative
Anti-inflammatoryKey indications
Broken bones
Incontinence
Bleeding
Tissue damageKey energetics
Cool, dry, tonifying, salty
See below for discipline-specific energetics.
Preperation and dosage
Aerial parts
6 g/per day
1:5| 25%: 6–12 ml per day
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How does it feel?
Horsetail has a moderate to strong grassy flavour which is similar in taste to green tea. There is also a mild earthy or salty taste which is indicative of its high mineral content. On drinking the tea, its astringent properties come through as it lightly dries the lining of the mouth.
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Into the heart of horsetail
Energetically, horsetail is cooling and dry. Its cooling action comes from a secondary detoxing effect that results from increased diuresis. Its astringency is responsible for its tonic and drying effect on the mucous membranes (3).
Horsetail is an excellent bone tonic that regenerates connective tissue throughout the body. It works to heal torn tendons and injured muscles or joints. Owing to horsetail’s high mineral content, It is also a nutritive blood tonic. It can be used to help restore blood quality after prolonged periods of poor health or following convalescence. Paired with nettle, horsetail supports iron levels in cases of anaemia (3,4).
Horsetail is also highly beneficial for post-surgical recovery by accelerating tissue healing. It strengthens the connective tissue, especially the elastic tissues present in the lungs and bladder. This is useful in conditions such as bronchitis or for soothing inflamed lungs caused by asthma. It is rich in silica, which helps to rebuild the tensile strength in the lung tissues (5).
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What practitioners say
MusculoskeletalHorsetail is an important herb for a number of conditions of the musculoskeletal system. One of its primary functions is to support the structural health of the bones and connective tissue. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis and other disorders concerning the degeneration of bones, ligaments and tendons (6). It is specific for bone density loss that is associated with menopause.
It is important to note that whilst herbs can offer effective support for these conditions — exercise and dietary changes are also key approaches to increase blood supply to the skeletal tissue and encourage tissue growth and renewal (5).
Horsetail works by promoting the activity of osteoblasts (cells which play a key role in the formation of new bone) whilst also reducing the activity of osteoclasts (cells which break down bone). Horsetail has been shown to improve bone density (6,7).
As well as promoting tissue regeneration, horsetail reduces inflammation. Much of the bone healing properties of this herb are attributed to its high mineral content, namely silica, which is important for healing, bones, ligaments and tendons. It is also rich in calcium, manganese and potassium (3). Silica also increases absorption and uptake of calcium (1). Horsetail has been shown to increase bone cell growth as well as prevent the growth of S. aureus thereby helping to prevent risk of infection in the healing process(8).
Horsetail can be used both internally and topically together for fractured bones. Due to the speed at which some herbal medicines can heal bone, it is important to have confirmation from orthopaedic doctors that the bone is correctly aligned, and does not require resetting, before taking herbs to support repair.
For these purposes, horsetail is best taken as an infusion or decoction due to the water solubility of its minerals. It combines well with gotu kola (Centella asiatica) which improves the integrity of blood vessel walls, thereby improving blood supply to bone tissue. Nettle also works well in combination, owing to its nutrient content.
Many sources advise that horsetail is not suitable for long-term use as it can cause nutrient deficiencies, specifically thiamine (B1) and potassium (1,2) . For anyone seeking to work with horsetail for chronic conditions, it is advised to work under the guidance of a professional medical herbalist.. Otherwise, it is recommended to only take horsetail short term (between two to four weeks, however this will depend on clinical context and nutrient absorption) during the initial process of bone healing. Take a look at our article on herbal protocol for broken bones, for more advice on holistic bone healing protocols.
Hair, skin and nails
Horsetail is an effective vulnerary for the skin, hair and nails. It has been used in wound healing and also to heal ulcers which is likely due to the same mechanisms as its action in bone healing (9). Horsetail also has a styptic action, meaning that it helps to reduce bleeding via its astringent action upon the skin. This is often applied as a strong decoction externally (1).
Urinary system
Horsetail is used for a number of applications in the urinary system. Working via a powerfully astringent action, horsetail helps to improve the tone of urinary mucous membranes. This astringency facilitates the herb’s actions as a styptic, toning and reducing capillary perfusion to reduce inflammation and stop bleeding (10).
Horsetail is also a mild diuretic that increases the removal of toxins via the urinary tract. It may also be used for renal gravel as well as for minor haemorrhage, cystic ulceration and ulcers and inflammations in the genito-urinary passages (10). It is also indicated for the treatment of benign enlargement of the prostate (10).
Horsetail strengthens the bladder and is useful in chronic recurring bladder infections and cystitis. An infusion or decoction of horsetail taken internally helps with kidney stones, UTI and oedema by gently detoxifying and removing waste products from the body (11,3).
Horsetail is also sometimes used to rebuild or support the structural health of the uterus or bladder in prolapse, as it helps to strengthen the muscles and connective tissue. This may also be helpful for incontinence issues (5).
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Horsetail research
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Effect of equisetum arvense extract on bone mineral density in Wistar rats via digital radiography
This study was carried out amongst 50 rats to determine the effect of Equisetum arvense on calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D levels. The rats were randomly assigned to receive either the control diet, calcium/ vitamin D or an E. arvense extract over 60 days. The horsetail group showed a significant increase in bone mineral density compared with the control group, and the authors concluded horsetail’s constituents may enhance osteoblast activity and bone mineralisation. Further studies are required to determine this effect in human subjects (6).
Equisetum arvense hydromethanolic extracts in bone tissue regeneration: in vitro osteoblastic modulation and antibacterial activity
An in vitro study was carried out to assess the osteoblastic modulation and antibacterial activity of hydromethanolic preparations of horsetail in order to further understand its use in bone healing. Human bone marrow cells were used from people aged between 25–45 years. Three extracts (E1, E2 and EM) were tested (10-1000 μg/ml) in human osteoblastic cells over 21 days and in addition, the effects of the extracts on Staphylococcus aureus,were also assessed.
The study concluded that all horsetail extracts inhibited growth of S. aureus whilst also inducing human osteoblasts while inhibiting activity of S. aureus. These findings show an interesting outline regarding the bone regeneration properties of horsetail (8).
Inhibition of human in vitro osteoclastogenesis by Equisetum arvense
Another in vitro study was carried out to investigate the effects of a hydromethanolic extract of horsetail on human osteoclastogenesis which is an important process in bone healing and formation. Osteoclast precursors were maintained in non‐stimulated and stimulated conditions, or in co‐cultures with osteoblasts. Cell cultures were treated with 0.00016–0.5 mg/ml of the horsetail extract.
The study results show that horsetail modulates osteoclastogenesis, either by acting directly on osteoclast precursor cells, and/or via osteoblasts confirming the plants long standing use for the treatment of in pathophysiological conditions associated with increased osteoclastic activity. The study concludes that horsetail has a potential therapeutic application in bone regeneration strategies (7).
Randomised, double-blind clinical trial to assess the acute diuretic effect of Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) in healthy volunteers
A double-blind, randomised controlled trial was carried to evaluate the acute diuretic effects of horsetail on 36 healthy male volunteers. The subjects were randomly distributed into three groups that underwent a three-step treatment. For four consecutive days, they were alternately administered a standardised dried extract of horsetail at 900 mg a day), placebo or hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/day), separated by a 10-day washout period.
The horsetail extract produced a diuretic effect that was equivalent to that of hydrochlorothiazide without causing significant changes in the elimination of electrolytes. These effects were significantly stronger than that of the control. The study shows the efficacy of horsetail as a diuretic (13).
Another study examined the use of horsetail by people who had a history of uric acid kidney stones. The people who took horsetail experienced an increase in diuresis (urine output) (11).
The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
A double-blind clinical trial was performed on 108 postpartum mothers to investigate the efficacy of horsetail ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy. The study divided women into two groups: 54 women in the horsetail group and 54 women in placebo group The study results showed that 3% horsetail ointment promoted wound healing and relieved pain during the 10-day period after episiotomy. These results are promising for the compounding of evidence for use of horsetail in wound healing, although further studies are needed (14).
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Historical use of horsetail
The medicinal use of horsetail dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times. It was traditionally used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers and wounds, as well as tuberculosis and kidney problems.
Culpepper, the 17th century herbalist, wrote that horsetail ‘is very powerful to stop bleeding in or outward… including ulcers and inflammations’. A decoction applied externally was used to stop bleeding, and helped to accelerate the wound healing process.
The ash of the burnt plant was traditionally used for issues involving stomach acid, such as dyspepsia, as it is considered both cooling and astringent.
In China, horsetail was traditionally used to treat a wide variety of eye disorders, hence the Chinese common name of “eyes of fire.” This traditional use of horsetail was also reflected in the early Western practice of herbal medicine.
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Horsetail’s herbal actions
Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.
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Horsetail’s energetic qualities
Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.
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What can I use horsetail for?
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Horsetail can be used for a number of first aid applications including wound healing, sprains, strains and minor broken bones and to help speed the healing of minor joint injuries. It can also be used as a poultice or made into an ointment to apply externally, as well as taken internally for short periods of up to three weeks to assist in tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation around the injury.
The high mineral content of horsetail makes it an excellent choice for hair loss and for weak or brittle nails. It encourages growth and provides some of the essential nutrients for healthy skin, nails and hair by encouraging growth and regeneration. Horsetail may be used alongside rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica) or amla (Phyllanthus emblica) as an infused oil blend. The oil should be applied at the roots, combed down through the length of the hair and left overnight 2–3 times a week. Brittle nails or hair loss may be a sign of underlying nutritional deficiencies or pathologies, so it is important to consult with a medical herbalist or health care provider if the origin of this symptom is unknown (1).
Horsetail is also an important herb for urinary health. It can be used as part of a healing strategy for urinary tract infections (UTI), both during and after the infection. It works via an astringent and anti-inflammatory action, as well as a diuretic action which helps to increase urination and the removal of toxins from the body (1,2).
NOTE: It is, however, important to note that whilst horsetail is able to assist in healing of the urinary tract, it cannot be used alone to treat the infection itself. One must ensure that UTIs are treated appropriately to tackle the infection itself either by consulting a medical herbalist or under the care of a qualified medical professional to ensure the infection doesn’t progress to the kidneys.
Horsetail is often used alongside other diuretic herbs like corn silk (Zea mays) and anti-infectives such as bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or juniper berry (Juniperus communis). A herbalist will often advise a course of herbal treatment alongside dietary changes and other supplements to create a lasting resolution and to reduce the chances of recurring infections.
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Did you know?
The horsetails are primitive plants. Fossil material of horsetail has been found from the Carboniferous period, about 300 million years ago.
The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin roots equus, meaning “horse,” and seta, meaning “bristle.
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Botanical description
Horsetail is a rhizomatous plant that has sterile, green stems that grow to around 20–80 cm in lengh, which are erect or decumbent, slightly rough, with 6–18 vertical ridges or sections. These hollows or sections are shallower than in marsh horsetail. Its branches are numerous in regular whorls and the sheaths are loose green with erect black teeth lacking obvious white edges. The new growth cones in spring are 1–4 cm long and terminal on ivory to pinkish thicker unbranched stems whose sheaths are large and pale brown.
Equisetum arvense can be easily mixed up with other horsetail species. If in doubt, cut through the central stem to look at the arrangements of hollows. E. arvense has a central hollow less than half the size of the peripheral hollows, unlike E. palustre, where the central hollow is about the same size as the peripherals. E. fluviatile has a large central hollow, more than three-quarters the width of the stem (17).
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Common names
- Field horsetail
- Common horsetail
- Shave-gras
- Bottle-brush
- Paddock-pipes
- Dutch rushes
- Pewterwort
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Habitat
Horsetail is native throughout the arctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, pastures, crops, roadsides, gardens, swamps, wetlands, waterways and the margins of other water bodies (19).
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How to grow horsetail
Similar to ferns, horsetail reproduces through spores rather than seeds, as well as underground rhizomes. Horsetail’s ability to grow in a wide range of conditions and combined with its imperviousness to diseases and pests has made it one of the primitive plant world’s most successful survivors. It prefers to be in full sun or part shade, neutral or acidic soil, and though it thrives in humidity, horsetail tolerates any type of temperature. Horsetail can easily become invasive so it is best to grow it in a large container. It thrives best in poor, sandy, gravelly soil that is frequently wet.
Plant horsetail in open areas where other plants can’t thrive and it will quickly fill in space.
It is advised to contain horsetail, if desired, by installing plastic barriers in the soil or plant it in a deep pot buried in the ground. Ideally plant horsetail in spring in open areas where other plants can’t thrive and it will quickly fill in space.
The soil must be kept moist as horsetail prefers wet conditions. Horsetail may even grow in standing water, such as water gardens or swampy areas.
Horsetail requires little maintenance though the plant can handle some drought conditions (24).
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Herbal preparation of horsetail
- Dried
- Tincture
- Fluid extract
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Plant parts used
Aerial parts
Horsetail is harvested after the fruiting stems have died down. Barren stems will appear after. This is the correct time to harvest for medicinal purposes.
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Dosage
- Tincture (1:5| 25%): Take between 2–4 ml in a little water up to three times a day.
- Fluid extract (1:1 | 25%): Take between 1–4 ml in a little water up to three times a day.
- Infusion/decoction: Pour one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried herb and infuse for 15–20 minutes. This can be drunk three times a day (2,10,17,18).
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Constituents
- Silica (7.5%): Horsetail contains high concentrations of silicic acid, up to 14%, and is sometimes used as an organic source of silicon. Horsetail has one of the highest plant based sources of silica in the world (5,17)
- Flavonoids: Apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin, epuicetrin and their derivatives
- Polyphenolic compounds: Caffeic acid derivatives
- Alkaloids: Trace amounts of the alkaloid nicotine; palustrine; palustrinine
- Sterols: Cholesterol, isofucosterol and campesterol
- Thiaminase (an enzyme that breaks down thiamine). This is inactivated in some supplements (10,18).
- Minerals: Calcium 1.7%, manganese, potassium 1.8% (3)
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Horsetail recipe
Connective tissue restorative tea
This delicious horsetail tea recipe helps to support healing of bones, ligaments and soft tissue.
Ingredients
How to make a horsetail tea
- Blend all the herbs together in a bowl.
- To infuse, use two teaspoons per cup and pour over boiling water.
- Allow to steep for five minutes.
- Strain and drink.
- Drink for a maximum of one week before taking a break.
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Safety
Horsetail is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist. Prolonged use of horsetail is also not recommended unless under the supervision of a medical professional (1,2).
Horsetail may cause nutrient depletion with extended use, it is recommended to take horsetail for up to four weeks, and in some cases only for a maximum of six days at one time if there is a risk of depletion or irritation. This is also due to the tannin content, which impairs the effective absorption of nutrients. It is best to consult with a medical herbalist in these cases (1,2,10).
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Interactions
Taking horsetail internally may cause a reduction in levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the body. As alcohol can also cause a decrease in vitamin B1, it is not advised to drink alcohol alongside any course of horsetail (1,15).
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Contraindications
Horsetail is contraindicated in known sensitivity to Equisetum species. Individuals with oedema of a cardiovascular origin should also use horsetail with care, as horsetail has a diuretic effect and this may require careful monitoring due to impaired heart function (16,17).
Due to its high astringency, it should be avoided in those with constipation (2). It is not recommended in patients with liver or kidney disease (2,17).
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Sustainability status of horsetail
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status horsetail is classed as ‘Least Concern’. The IUCN states that “the species is widespread and while it is possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for ‘Vulnerable’ classification” (20,21).
Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.
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Quality control
There are risks of adulteration of horsetail (Equisetum arvense) with a similar looking species— Equisetum palustre. E. palustre contains toxic alkaloids including palustrine which can cause toxicity and the hybrid plants can be difficult to characterise (17,22). Horsetail has also been shown to accumulate heavy metals from its growing environment, so wild harvested horsetail should not be taken from roadsides, industrial land or polluted waterways. Pharmacopeial preparations should contain no more than 5% of other Equisetum species (23).
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References
- McIntyre A. Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. Aeon Books Limited; 2019.
- Thomsen M. Phytotherapy Desk Reference. 6th ed. Aeon Books; 2022.
- Menzies-Trull C. Herbal Medicine Keys to Physiomedicalism Including Pharmacopoeia. Faculty of Physiomedical Herbal Medicine; 2022.
- Harrison F, Furner-Pardoe J, Connelly E. An assessment of the evidence for antibacterial activity of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts. Access Microbiology. 2022;4(3). https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000336
- Brooke E. Woman’s Book of Herbs. The Woman’s Press Ltd; 2018.
- Arbabzadegan N, Moghadamnia AA, Kazemi S, Nozari F, Moudi E, Haghanifar S. Effect of Equisetum arvense extract on bone mineral density in Wistar rats via digital radiography. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine. 2019;10(2):176-182. https://doi.org/10.22088/cjim.10.2.176
- Costa-Rodrigues J, Carmo SC, Silva JC, Fernandes MHR. Inhibition of human in vitro osteoclastogenesis by Equisetum arvense. Cell Proliferation. 2012;45(6):566-576. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2012.00848.x
- Bessa Pereira C, Gomes PS, Costa-Rodrigues J, et al. Equisetum arvense hydromethanolic extracts in bone tissue regeneration: in vitro osteoblastic modulation and antibacterial activity. Cell Proliferation. 2012;45(4):386-396. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2012.00826.x
- Aguayo-Morales H, Sierra-Rivera CA, Claudio-Rizo JA, Cobos-Puc LE. Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) extract accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats by modulating IL-10 and MCP-1 release and collagen synthesis. Pharmaceuticals. 2023;16(4):514. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040514
- Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press; 2003.
- Tiktinskiĭ OL, Bablumian IA. Therapeutic action of Java tea and field horsetail in uric acid diathesis. Urologiia i Nefrologiia. 1983;(1):47-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6829092/
- Al-Snafi PDAE. The pharmacology of Equisetum arvense: A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 2017;7(2):31-42. https://doi.org/10.9790/3013-0702013142
- Carneiro DM, Freire RC, Honório TC de D, et al. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial to assess the acute diuretic effect of Equisetum arvense (field horsetail) in healthy volunteers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/760683
- Asgharikhatooni A, Bani S, Hasanpoor S, Mohammad Alizade S, Javadzadeh Y. The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2015;17(3). https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
- Natural Medicines. Horsetail. Published 2024. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food
- Bernat. Equiseti herba (Equisetum stem, Horsetail stem) – Online consultation. ESCOP. Published January 11, 2019. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.escop.com/equiseti-herba-equisetum-stem-horsetail-stem-online-consultation/
- Mills S, Bone K. The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005.
- Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018.
- Baxter K. Stockley’s Drug Interactions: A Source Book of Interactions, Their Mechanisms, Clinical Importance and Management. Pharmaceutical Press; 2010.
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Distribution and biology of horsetail in the UK. Published 2025. https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/distribution-and-biology-of-horsetail-in-the-uk
- Maiz-Tome L. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Equisetum arvense. Published June 22, 2015. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/167857/161580271
- Ibi A, Du M, Beuerle T, Melchert D, Solnier J. A multi-pronged technique for identifying Equisetum palustre and Equisetum arvense—combining HPTLC, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and optimized DNA barcoding techniques. Plants. 2022;11(19):2562. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192562
- Williamson E, Driver S, Baxter K, et al. Stockley’s Herbal Medicines Interactions: A Guide to the Interactions of Herbal Medicines, Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals with Conventional Medicines. Pharmaceutical Press; 2009.
- RHS. Horsetail. Published 2025. https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/horsetail
Meet our herbal experts
The Apothecary Forager, Ruth Weaver is a Medical Herbalist living, teaching and practising in the beautiful county of Cornwall, her place of birth and upbringing.
Read Ruth's articles
Ruth Weaver
The Apothecary Forager, Ruth Weaver is a Medical Herbalist living, teaching and practising in the beautiful county of Cornwall, her place of birth and upbringing. Ruth studied at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow and The University of Lincoln where she completed her Herbal Medicine BSc. (Hons). Since then (2012) Ruth’s Practice in West Cornwall continues to grow, working with clients with acute and chronic illness and of mind, body and spirit.
Ruths work for Herbal Reality includes writing new monographs as well as working on an ongoing project to enrich current monographs throughout the site. The monographs are enriched to include further detail on in herbal energetics, pharmacological actions, new research as well as essential information on the sustainability of plants. In the work of writing through monographs and articles, Ruth works to a balanced view of traditional, scientific, energetic and practical insights.
The roots of Ruth’s practice are in traditional Western herbal medicine, maintaining both a deeply holistic, intuitive and energetic approach to treatment. Ruth has sought diversity in her inspirations having worked with and learnt from many leading herbalists from around the UK. Ruth also spent a number of years working with a collective of herbalist first aiders at events around the UK providing orthodox and herbal first aid.
Sharing the herbal wisdom is where Ruth’s passion lies, she believes everyone should be empowered with the knowledge and skills to treat simple conditions at home with the powerful medicines growing so abundantly around us. Ruth also offers walks, talks, workshops and courses both in Cornwall and beyond
This author is in our team of writers who research and create our monograph articles. To explore our herb monographs, follow ‘Herbs’ on our homepage and search alphabetically or by herbal action.
