Horsetail tea, made from the horsetail plant, is a traditional diuretic and is believed to have medicinal benefits such as strengthening bones and fighting parasites. It is consumed hot, twice a day, and is generally safe for adults, but not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or those with kidney disorders.
Horsetail, also commonly known as bottle brush or scrub brush, is a plant that grows mainly in humid regions. Its name originated from its history of the plant being attached to the tails of horses to help keep flies away. Herbalists claim that the plant has a variety of medicinal uses. For easier consumption, the plant is boiled with water to make horsetail tea. Dried horsetail is usually commercially available and sold loose or packed in tea bags so it can be made at home.
One of the more traditional uses for horsetail tea has been as a diuretic. A diuretic refers to a substance that causes more urination than normal. Increased urination may be promoted as a possible treatment for kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, and high blood pressure. The process can help remove excess fat, salt, and other toxins from the body. Other historical uses include consuming the tea as a sedative or as a possible aid to help prevent seizures and convulsions.
Supporters of medicinal horsetail tea also claim that it has even more health benefits. The plant contains silica, a naturally occurring chemical compound that is believed to help strengthen internal organs, bones, and joints. The tea is often marketed as a treatment for broken or weakened bones, hair loss, brittle or peeling nails, and swelling. Although there is no conclusive evidence, some manufacturers of the tea promote it as a natural aid to destroy tumors and parasites, and fight tuberculosis.
If horsetail tea is purchased already packed in tea bags, it is made into tea by simply immersing it in hot water, a process known as steeping. The loose version of the tea will usually require a tea infuser, a small device with holes that holds the tea leaves, while still allowing them to flavor the water. Once the tea bag or infuser is inserted into hot water, it is usually left for about five minutes to flavor the water. It is then recommended to serve it immediately while it is still hot for the best results.
The exact dosage instructions for the tea can vary depending on the manufacturer that produces the commercial version or the herbalist that recommends it. It is generally recommended to consume hot horsetail tea between meals, approximately twice a day. When used for a specific treatment, it is often suggested to consume it regularly for at least two weeks for maximum benefits.
There are no widely reported side effects that occur after drinking the tea, but the product is generally recommended for adults only. Since the effects of the tea have not been studied in children, it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women to consume it. Since the tea can cause an increase in urine output, it can be dangerous for those who have kidney disorders.
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