Field Horsetail

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Irrigation therapy for mild urinary tract complaints (irritable bladder, infection prevention). The decoction increases urine volume through its content of soluble silica, flavonoids and saponins. Not for oedema from cardiac or renal insufficiency.

  Preparation & dosage

  DECOCTION (silica is poorly water-soluble and requires boiling to release): 2–3 g crushed dried horsetail herb in 200–250 ml cold water, bring to rolling boil for 5 min, steep 10–15 min, strain. 3× daily freshly prepared, between meals. IMPORTANT: Drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily throughout — irrigation therapy only works with sufficient total fluid intake.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA monograph only from 12 years.

  Sources: [1] [3]

• BathAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  External bath for superficial, poorly healing wounds. The combination of silica and tannins acts astringently and promotes wound contraction. Traditionally also used as a sitz bath for rheumatic and gout complaints.

  Preparation & dosage

  FULL BATH or SITZ BATH: 100–200 g dried horsetail herb boiled in 2–3 litres water, steep 10–15 min, strain, add to bath water. Bath temperature 35–38 °C, bathing time 10–20 min. Once daily.

  Dry amount

  100–200 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From 12 years.

  Sources: [1] [3]

• CompressAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  Moist compress to support wound healing for small superficial wounds. Astringent action from silica, tannins and phenolic acids.

  Preparation & dosage

  MOIST COMPRESS: 10–20 g crushed horsetail herb in 200 ml water, boil 5 min, steep 10 min, strain. Soak clean linen cloth, apply to skin area, leave 15–20 min. 1–2× daily freshly prepared.

  Dry amount

  10–20 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From 12 years.

  Sources: [1]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Folk medicine long-term use of horsetail tea to strengthen connective tissue, hair, skin and nails. Soluble silica is said to support collagen synthesis. Clinical evidence lacking — traditional use in Austrian and Central European folk medicine for rheumatism and gout.

  Preparation & dosage

  DECOCTION as for urinary tea (boil 5 min + steep 15 min). 2× daily for 4 weeks. For connective tissue support and hair/nails as long-term tea — not for acute indications.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [2] [3]

• BathAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Folk medicine horsetail herb bath for rheumatic complaints, gout and excessive foot sweating — Austrian folk medicine tradition. Warmth and mineral-rich extract act together muscle-relaxing and circulation-promoting.

  Preparation & dosage

  HORSETAIL HERB BATH for rheumatism/gout/nerve pain: 100–200 g horsetail herb boiled in 2–3 L water, strain, add to full bath. Temperature 37–39 °C, 15–20 minutes. Austrian folk medicine tradition.

  Dry amount

  100–200 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  3 weeks

  Sources: [2] [3]

CRITICAL FORAGING WARNING: NEVER confuse field horsetail (E. arvense) with POISONOUS marsh horsetail (E. palustre). Field horsetail identifier: first internode of side branches LONGER than stem sheath. Poisonous E. palustre: equal or shorter. When in doubt, do not collect. — Irrigation therapy: drink at least 2 L fluid/day. NO irrigation for oedema from cardiac/renal insufficiency. Seek immediate medical attention for fever, blood in urine, severe pain or urinary retention. Limit use to max. 4 weeks (thiaminolytic enzymes theoretically relevant in long-term use).

⏱ Max continuous use: 4 weeks