Overview
Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) has a bitter and sweet rasa, cooling virya, and pungent vipaka. It acts on plasma, blood, fat, and bone tissues and primarily influences the urinary and respiratory systems. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha but may aggravate Vata.
Horsetail is an effective diuretic and blood cleanser. It is a good general herb for high Pitta conditions and has a strong stone-removing (lithotriptic) action for kidney, bladder, and gallstones. Its key actions include diuretic, lithotriptic, diaphoretic, alterative, and hemostatic properties. It also works on bone tissue and is indicated for broken bones.
It is indicated for edema, nephritis, burning urethra, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, stomach ulcers, broken bones, menorrhagia, and venereal diseases. Precautions include high Vata, constipation, and dry skin. It can be prepared as infusion (hot or cold), powder (250–500 mg), or paste.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
How to Use Horsetail by Condition
Explore how Horsetail is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.