What Is Horsetail Extract

What Is Horsetail Extract

Horsetail, also referred to as scouring rush, pewterwort, horse willow, bottle brush and shave grass, is a plant that grows in areas of North America, Europe, northern Africa and northern Asia. The plant grows hollow, pointed stems with leaves and no flowers. A water extract of horsetail may treat some medical conditions. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing of horsetail and studies do not support the efficacy of the product. Always consult a health care professional before using any herbal supplements.

UsesUses for horsetail extract include taking the supplement to reduce edema in the body by increasing urinary output, treating urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. Additional uses of horsetail extract include strengthening brittle fingernails, jaundice, gout, osteoporosis, frostbite, weight loss, balding, heavy menstrual periods and bleeding in the stomach, lungs or nose, according to MedlinePlus. Applying horsetail extract directly to the skin may help treat flesh wounds and burns clarisonic.

Contraindications and Safety ConcernsMany safety concerns exist when using horsetail extract face cleanser. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take horsetail extract because the safety of the supplement for the developing baby is not established. The extract may have toxic effects on children. Horsetail extract contains a chemical called thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine -- or vitamin B-1 -- and using the extract long-term may cause thiamine deficiency. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency, a disease called beriberi, include difficulty walking, pain, paralysis of the lower extremities and numbness in the hands and feet clarisonic mia. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies.