Horsetail
Description
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a unique perennial plant belonging to one of the oldest living plant genera, dating back millions of years. Historically, it has been utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its purported health benefits, particularly for its rich mineral composition. Its distinctive appearance, resembling a horse's tail, gives the plant its common name. The key active component of horsetail is its high concentration of silica, a bioavailable form of silicon. Silicon is a trace mineral crucial for the formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissues, including bone, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails. Beyond silica, horsetail also contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and tannins, which contribute to its overall therapeutic profile. Its mechanisms of action are primarily attributed to silica's role in collagen synthesis and bone mineralization, as well as its diuretic effects. Horsetail is believed to support skin elasticity, improve hair strength and growth, and promote nail resilience. It has also been traditionally used for urinary tract health due to its mild diuretic properties.
Sources
Wet and marshy areas worldwideFieldsForest edges
Cheapest Horsetail supplements
Best Horsetail Supplements
Value Horsetail Supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Water or a meal to minimize potential stomach upset.
Can be taken at any time of day, preferably with a meal to enhance absorption and reduce gastric irritation.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum300 mg
Maximum900 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Nail Health
Impact
High effect
Horsetail extract is one of the most concentrated botanical sources of silica (silicon). This mineral is vital for the structural integrity of connective tissues. It enhances the strength and quality of the nail plate, reducing brittleness and improving surface appearance.
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Hair Health
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:300–500 mg
Horsetail is a rich plant-based source of silica (silicon dioxide). Silicon is a trace mineral that is incorporated into the hair shaft, contributing to its structural integrity and elasticity. This makes it a good supportive ingredient for improving hair quality and reducing breakage, rather than being effective only in specific situations.
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Bone Health
Impact
Situational effect
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is one of the most silica-rich plants. Silica is believed to enhance bone mineralization and stability by cross-linking collagen strands and attracting calcium to the bone matrix, contributing to bone density and resilience.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Silicon
Horsetail is a primary natural source of absorbable silicon, which is crucial for its beneficial effects on connective tissue, bone, hair, and skin. Taking supplemental Silicon could be synergistic.
Calcium
Horsetail's silicon contributes to bone matrix formation, enhancing the benefits of Calcium for skeletal health.
Magnesium
Horsetail's silicon contributes to bone matrix formation, enhancing the benefits of Magnesium for skeletal health.
Vitamin D
Horsetail's silicon contributes to bone matrix formation, enhancing the benefits of Vitamin D for skeletal health and mineral absorption.
Vitamin K
Horsetail's silicon contributes to bone matrix formation, enhancing the benefits of Vitamin K for skeletal health.
Phosphorus
Horsetail's silicon contributes to bone matrix formation, enhancing the benefits of Phosphorus for skeletal health.
Biotin
Horsetail's silica content supports the structural integrity of skin, hair, and nails by aiding in the production of collagen and keratin, which complements Biotin's role in hair and nail strength.
Collagen
Horsetail's silica supports the body's natural collagen production, enhancing the benefits of supplemental Collagen for skin, hair, and connective tissue health.
Keratin
Horsetail's silica content aids in the formation of keratin, supporting the structural integrity and strength of hair and nails, complementing supplemental Keratin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Horsetail's silica promotes healthy connective tissue, which can support the skin hydration and elasticity benefits provided by Hyaluronic Acid.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its presence can synergize with horsetail's silica content to support healthy connective tissues, skin, and hair.
Negative Interactions
Potassium
Due to its diuretic properties, horsetail can increase the excretion of Potassium, potentially leading to lower potassium levels in the body.
Thiamin
Raw or unprocessed horsetail contains thiaminase, an enzyme that can degrade Thiamin, potentially reducing its availability and leading to a deficiency with prolonged use. Most processed supplements mitigate this risk.
Recommended products
Budget 
Target-Mins Magnesium Caps With Silica 300 mg
Country Life
Horsetail: 43 mg
This larger count supplement provides a diverse blend of magnesium forms for broad bodily support, complemented by silica for connective tissue and bone health, offering better per-serving value.
Value 
Longer Stronger Hair & Nails
Applied Nutrition
Horsetail: 200 mg
A liquid supplement combining vitamins, minerals, collagen, and botanicals specifically designed to support the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails.
Best 
Silica Complex
NOW
Horsetail: 575 mg
This silica complex combines Horsetail extract with several chelated minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, and Boron to support hair, nail, bone, and joint health in a convenient multi-ingredient supplement.
Value 
Hair Volume
New Nordic
Horsetail: 200 mg
Hair Volume offers a specific blend of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts designed to support hair, skin, and nail health with a comprehensive approach.
Budget 
Potassium Chloride plus Silica
Alta Health Products
Horsetail: 65 mg
This supplement combines low doses of potassium chloride and horsetail extract in capsules, offering a basic option for those seeking general support for minerals and connective tissue health.
Best 
Silica-20 20 mg
EuroMedica
Horsetail: 800 mg
A high-dose horsetail aerial extract focused on silica delivery, with added Vitamin D3, ideal for those seeking strong silica support for hair, nails, and bones.
Value 
Hair Skin & Nails
Swanson
Horsetail: 250 mg
<p>This blend offers a mix of ingredients primarily aimed at supporting hair, skin, and nail health, alongside some general wellness components, all at a cost-effective price.</p>
Budget 
Albion Chelated Multi-Mineral without Iron
Swanson Ultra
Horsetail: 62 mg
This multi-mineral offers a broad spectrum of chelated minerals, notable for its iron-free formula and inclusion of digestive support, making it a good choice for general mineral replenishment.
Budget 
Albion Chelated Multi-Mineral
Swanson Ultra
Horsetail: 62 mg
This is a well-rounded multi-mineral supplement featuring highly absorbable chelated forms and added digestive enzymes for enhanced nutrient uptake and broad bodily support.
Best 
Horsetail Grass 450 mg
Nature's Answer
Horsetail: 450 mg
A direct and well-priced horsetail capsule providing 450 mg of the herb, fitting for those seeking single-ingredient support for hair, nail, and bone health.
Best 
Bone-Sil
Terry Naturally
Horsetail: 800 mg
Bone-Sil provides horsetail extract, often used for silica, alongside a small amount of Vitamin D3, specifically for supporting bone, hair, and nail structures.
Best 
Horsetail 500 mg
Swanson
Horsetail: 500 mg
An economical choice offering 500 mg of horsetail herb per capsule, suitable for direct supplementation for hair, nail, and bone support.
Best 
Horsetail Grass 440 mg
Nature's Way
Horsetail: 440 mg
An affordable horsetail capsule providing 440 mg per serving, a simple and budget-friendly option for general hair, nail, and bone support.
Best 
Super Silica Plus
KAL
Horsetail: 600 mg
This supplement combines multiple forms of silica with biotin and MSM, designed to offer broad support for hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints in one tablet.
Best 
Horsetail 400 mg
Solaray
Horsetail: 400 mg
A horsetail supplement with 400 mg of silica-rich extract plus 100 mg of the herb, a targeted option for hair, nail, and bone health focusing on silica.
Value 
Super Silica Complex
Futurebiotics
Horsetail: 286 mg
This mineral complex provides key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron, enhanced with silica from horsetail and betaine HCl for broad support of bones, connective tissues, and digestion.
Best 
Horsetail Extract Alcohol-Free
Nature's Answer
Horsetail: 560 mg
An alcohol-free liquid horsetail extract providing 560 mg per serving, a convenient and flexible option for supporting hair, nail, and bone health.
Best 
Silica
Alta Health Products
Horsetail: 1500 mg
A high-potency horsetail extract (1500 mg) specifically aimed at providing natural silica for comprehensive hair, nail, and bone support.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.05
Median$19.19
Price per serving
Average$0.61
Median$0.56
Price per 10 mg
Average$0.37
Median$0.09
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 10 mg
Reference amount: 10 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Silica (22) 90
Silica is a trace mineral vital for the formation of collagen, a protein essential for the strength and elasticity of connective tissues throughout the body. In the context of horsetail, silica is considered the primary bioactive component responsible for its benefits, particularly for supporting hair growth, strengthening nails, and contributing to bone mineralization. It plays a role in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen, which are fundamental for tissue structure.
Pros
- Directly delivers the key active compound
- Essential for collagen and connective tissue synthesis
- Available in highly bioavailable forms
Cons
- Bioavailability can vary depending on the specific chemical form (e.g., colloidal vs. orthosilicic acid)
- Potential for interaction with other minerals if taken in very high doses
Per product
Avg$22.55
Med$17.61
Per serving
Avg$0.71
Med$0.57
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.10
Med$0.07
Price distribution
Silicon (2) 92
Silicon is a trace mineral fundamental for various biological processes, particularly the synthesis and stabilization of collagen and elastin. While silicon is the elemental form, it's typically consumed in supplement form as highly bioavailable compounds like orthosilicic acid (OSA) or specific forms of silicon dioxide. It is crucial for maintaining the strength and elasticity of hair, nails, and bones by supporting the structural integrity of connective tissues. Its role in bone health involves aiding mineralization and matrix formation, making bones stronger and less brittle.
Pros
- Direct delivery of the essential mineral for targeted benefits
- Can be highly bioavailable depending on the specific compound (e.g., orthosilicic acid)
- Crucial for fundamental biological processes involving connective tissue
Cons
- The term 'Silicon' is broad, and bioavailability can vary significantly depending on the specific chemical form
- Some forms may have lower absorption and efficacy
Per product
Avg$33.99
Med$33.99
Per serving
Avg$1.13
Med$1.13
Per 10 mg
Avg$1.27
Med$1.27
Price distribution
Equisetum arvense Aerial Parts Extract (1) 80
Equisetum arvense Aerial Parts Extract is a concentrated form made from the stems and leaves of the horsetail plant. It naturally contains a significant amount of silica, along with other bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. These components work synergistically to support collagen synthesis, strengthen connective tissues, promote healthy hair growth, improve nail strength, and contribute to bone mineralization.
Pros
- Contains a full spectrum of plant compounds, potentially offering synergistic benefits
- Naturally sourced from the whole aerial plant
- Provides bioavailable silica in its natural matrix
Cons
- Silica content can vary depending on standardization and processing methods
- Other plant compounds might have minor interactions or less targeted effects compared to pure silica
Per product
Avg$12.48
Med$12.48
Per serving
Avg$0.41
Med$0.41
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.07
Med$0.07
Price distribution
Equisetum arvense Stem Extract (1) 85
Equisetum arvense Stem Extract is a concentrated preparation focusing on the stems of the horsetail plant, which are particularly rich in natural silica. This form is specifically chosen to maximize the delivery of silica, a key mineral for collagen formation, essential for the structural integrity of hair, nails, and bones. It supports strengthening hair strands, reducing nail brittleness, and contributing to bone density.
Pros
- Concentrated source of natural silica from the most silica-rich part of the plant
- Naturally sourced, providing silica in a plant-based matrix
- Often standardized for consistent silica content
Cons
- May miss some broader spectrum compounds found in other aerial parts
- Silica content can still vary if not explicitly standardized
Per product
Avg$9.29
Med$9.29
Per serving
Avg$0.15
Med$0.15
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution