Horsetails (Shave Grass, Bottle Brush, Field Horsetail)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Equisetum arvense
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Stems
Chemicals this herb contains:
Aconitic acid
Equisitine
Fatty acids
Nicotine
Silica
Starch

KNOWN EFFECTS

Shrinks tissues. Prevents secretion of fluids.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats diarrhea. Treats dyspepsia. Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Helps heal sores on skin.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have heart disease.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over
55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for
extended periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS