BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
Do not confuse with other horsetails, particularly Equisetum palustre.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Urinary elimination
Traditional adjunctive use to increase urine volume in minor complaints.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Field horsetail has a traditional urinary use and an external use for small wounds. A human trial measured the diuretic effect of a dry extract, but it involved healthy men over a short period. Increasing urine output does not demonstrate the elimination of “toxins” or treatment of an infection, cardiac edema or kidney disease.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids
- These groups have been studied in the metabolism of an extract. The report does not allow them to be presented as the sole explanation for the urinary effect.Read the reference
Fluid balance
In a short trial, the extract altered fluid balance compared with placebo. This physiological outcome differs from a benefit in a disease.
Read the referenceMinor wounds
External use remains a separate traditional use; the oral diuretic trial does not validate it.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Identifying Equisetum arvense and the form used is essential. An herbal tea is not automatically comparable to the dry extract used in the trial.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Small diuresis trial
- Type of research
- Randomised double-blind trial, 36 healthy male volunteers, four-day phases.
- Preparation concerned
- Dry extract compared with placebo and hydrochlorothiazide.
- Observed results
- A diuretic effect was observed, with no difference detected between the two active treatments in this small trial.
- Limitations to consider
- This demonstrates neither therapeutic equivalence with the medicine nor safety during prolonged use or in people with illness.
What can we take from this?
This profile does not infer a bone or remineralizing benefit from urinary properties. Use intended to increase urine output is incompatible with certain fluid restrictions.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
InfusionAerial parts · Route: oral
Fragmented plant material.
Please note: Check the preparation and its leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceExternal preparationAerial parts · Route: topical
Infusion or decoction intended for minor wounds.
Please note: Have a deep or infected wound assessed.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Fluid restriction or severe heart/kidney disease: do not use to increase urine output.
Medicine interactions
- Interactions are not detailed here: have a pharmacist check treatments and the preparation.
Adverse effects
- Allergies and mild digestive complaints reported.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data.
Children & adolescents
Not recommended under 12 years.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Equiseti herba: official dossierAccessed on 09/10/2026
- ANSES — precautions for plants in food supplements, June 2023 summaryAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — assessment report on Equisetum arvense L. (Aerial parts)Accessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: MPF · CC BY-SA 3.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
