About Equisetum arvense
Horsetail is one of the richest plant sources of bioavailable silica (silicon dioxide), which is a cofactor in collagen and keratin synthesis. Traditional use for strengthening hair, nails, and connective tissue. Limited clinical data specifically for hair growth, but silica supplementation studies show improved hair tensile strength. May have mild diuretic effects. Avoid long-term use without breaks due to thiaminase content. No established RDA/UL.
What Equisetum arvense supports
- Rich source of bioavailable silica for collagen and keratin support
- Traditional use for strengthening hair and nails
How much Equisetum arvense to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
15–100
mg
Hair/nail supplements typically include 15–100 mg of standardized extract per serving. Higher doses (up to 900 mg crude herb) used in traditional herbal medicine.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence. Very limited clinical data; mostly traditional use based on its high silica content
Reference