Horsetail - Equisetum arvense
Horsetail is an ancient plant which has been found fossilized with dinosaur bones. Equisetum is the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds. It contains up to 25% silica. It is used as a supplement for bones, teeth, skin, and hair. It helps to heal wounds, being antibacterial, and reduces oxidative stress, and is being investigated as a treatment for cardiac conditions.1
Silica has been shown to have a positive effect on bone mineralization. While the mechanism is not fully understood some studies have indicated that it could be involved in collagen synthesis.2 Collagen is a necessary part of all our connective tissues, but it declines as we age.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables plus extra vitamins is widely accepted as a part of osteoporosis treatment. Studies have shown that a treatment of vitamins and minerals plus horsetail plant (Equisetum arvense) is more effective for bone mineralization than raloxifene, the standard drug treatment, or vitamins and minerals alone.3
Tincture dosing: up to 2 tsp per day, it can be taken for one month, but then a break of at least two-weeks is advisable. Start slowly, people allergic to carrots or nicotine can have a reaction to horsetail.
Possible side effects: increased urination, vitamin B1 deficiency when taken long-term, allergy.