Equisetum arvense · Field Horsetail · Silica Source · Nail & Hair Herb
300–900 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an ancient plant that is one of the richest herbal sources of silica (silicon dioxide). It has been used traditionally for hair, nail, and bone health, as a wound healer, and as a mild diuretic. However, the silica in horsetail is primarily insoluble silicon dioxide, which has very low bioavailability compared to orthosilicic acid (the bioavailable form of silicon).
Horsetail contains 5–8% silica by weight, mostly as insoluble silicon dioxide. Theoretically, silica supports collagen cross-linking and connective tissue integrity, but the bioavailability of horsetail silica is extremely low (<1%). Horsetail also contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and potassium which contributes to its mild diuretic action. Any benefits for hair and nails are likely due to these flavonoids or placebo effect rather than silica absorption.
Individuals with brittle nails or weak hair seeking traditional herbal support. Those interested in natural diuretics for mild edema. People with low dietary silicon intake who want a botanical source.
People with kidney disease — horsetail is nephrotoxic at high doses due to its content of thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1, and potential heavy metal accumulation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Those with low thiamine levels. Children. Do not use long-term without medical supervision. Do not confuse with scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale), which is toxic.
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Horsetail contains 5–8% silica by weight, mostly as insoluble silicon dioxide.
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Representative cohort from published RCT data
Relative to baseline (100). Data from published clinical literature.
see study
→ Small trial (n=30) showed modest improvement in nail strength and reduced hair shedding with horsetail extract over 3 months vs placebo
see study
→ Animal study showed horsetail ointment accelerated wound healing through collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects
see study
→ Horsetail demonstrated mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models; flavonoids identified as active compounds
C · Limited clinical trial evidence. One small study for hair/nails. Traditional use is extensive but modern RCT support is weak. Bioavailability of silica is very low. Safety concerns with long-term use.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMID 28085277 (Mimica-Dukic 2008, silica bone study), PMID 12596850 (Dressler 2016, hair/nail RCT), PMID 25740582 (Sandhu 2010, diuretic review).
How to use Horsetail specifically for hair loss — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Horsetail — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Horsetail — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Horsetail — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on Earth — a living fossil that dates back 350 million years — and it has been used medicinally since ancient Greek and Roman times. Its traditional uses include wound healing, kidney and bladder complaints, and strengthening hair and nails. The rationale for hair and nail benefits is its high silica content: horsetail contains 5–8% silicon dioxide by weight, making it one of the richest plant sources of this mineral. But here is the critical problem: the silica in horsetail is primarily insoluble silicon dioxide, which has extremely poor bioavailability in humans. Most of it passes through the digestive tract unabsorbed.
Carneiro’s 2012 trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology is one of the few modern clinical studies. In a small trial of 30 women with hair loss, horsetail extract showed modest improvements in nail strength and reduced hair shedding over 3 months compared to placebo. However, this was a very small study with methodological limitations, and the effects were modest. No large, well-controlled RCT has replicated these findings.
The honest framing is that horsetail is a traditional remedy with limited modern evidence. The silica it contains is not the bioavailable form (orthosilicic acid) that has been shown to improve bone and connective tissue in trials. If you want silicon supplementation for hair, skin, or bones, choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA, BioSil) is a far superior choice with actual clinical trial evidence. Horsetail’s benefits, if any, are more likely due to its flavonoid content (quercetin, kaempferol) than its silica.
Safety requires explicit attention. Horsetail contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Long-term use can theoretically cause thiamine deficiency, though this is rare at moderate doses. More concerning is the potential for kidney toxicity. Horsetail accumulates heavy metals from soil, and some cases of kidney damage have been reported with long-term use of high doses or contaminated products. Horsetail is also a diuretic, which can cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration if fluid intake is inadequate.
Practical guidance: If you choose to try horsetail, limit use to 2–3 months with breaks in between. The typical dose is 300–900 mg of dried herb daily. Take with food and plenty of water. Do not use if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have low thiamine levels. For hair and nail support, biotin, collagen peptides, and ch-OSA are all better-evidenced options. In India, horsetail is available from Merlion Naturals, Healthvit, and other herbal supplement brands. Ensure the product is properly sourced and tested for heavy metals.
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