Read on to know more about the benefits of horsetail for hair, how it works, and how to use it effectively to reap its maximum benefits. Scroll down. In the following section, we will elaborate on its benefits for hair health.
What Are The Benefits Of Horsetail For Hair?
1. May Improve Hair Growth
Horsetail may significantly improve hair growth. In one study, a supplement containing horsetail could enhance hair growth in the participants (3). Horsetail also contains silica that may promote hair growth. Silica may also prevent hair breakage (4), (5). Some believe the selenium in horsetail may help with hair growth (as it processes iodine that regulates hair growth).
2. Has Antioxidant Properties
Horsetail has antioxidant properties (6). These properties may protect hair from oxidative damage and prolong its health. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Using horsetail for hair growth is simple. We discuss a few methods of use in the following section.
How To Use Horsetail For Hair Growth?
1. Shampoo
A shampoo allows the horsetail extract to be applied directly to your hair. This maximizes its potential and ensures the nutrients reach the hair follicles. You can make your own horsetail shampoo at home. You would need half a cup of boiling water and three tablespoons of horsetail grass.
Add the horsetail grass to the boiling water. Let the water cool down. Allow the horsetail grass to soak well in the water. Mix it with an unscented, mild shampoo. You may use baby shampoo for the best results.
2. Hair Rinse
You can also use horsetail extract as a hair rinse. You can use it regularly to make your hair soft and remove excess scalp oils.
3. Capsules
Horsetail is available as capsules too, which could be a great alternative if you do not want to change your shampoo. Capsules are also easier and simpler to use. Most supplements available in the capsule form also contain other essential minerals and vitamins that boost your overall hair strength.
4. Tea Infusions
You also can steep horsetail extract to create a tea infusion. Infuse 2 to 3 teaspoons of the herbal extract in hot water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drain the herbal remnants to get the horsetail tea infusion. You can drink this tea twice daily or as per your doctor’s advice. Before consuming herbs for your health and wellbeing, you must be aware of their side effects too. Keep reading to understand if horsetail has any side effects.
Does Horsetail Have Any Side Effects?
Horsetail is usually available without any additives and is generally safe. Using it in moderation does not cause any adverse effects. However, it is not recommended for those with heart conditions, diabetes, and pregnant and lactating women (7). Long-term use of horsetail extract may also aggravate thiamine deficiency. More research is warranted in this regard. If you experience any adverse reactions to horsetail, stop the intake and consult your doctor. That said, horsetail is worth a try as it does offer benefits. But where can you get it from?
Where To Buy Horsetail Root?
You may purchase the horsetail root from the nearest health food store. You can also harvest it on your own. Look for the green tops of the horsetail plant. The best time to harvest is during the late months of spring. You will find that the leaves in this period are green and point upwards and out. You can pinch the stem about ten centimeters above the ground to harvest your horsetail. Be careful, however, not to remove the entire plant. It will grow back and give you more to harvest in the coming year. Is horsetail good for thinning hair? Horsetail may be effective for thinning hair. The silica it contains may slow down hair thinning. However, there is only limited research in this regard. Can horsetail regrow hair? Yes, horsetail may be an effective herb for regrowing hair. It has selenium, cysteine, and silica that may stimulate and promote hair growth. Does horsetail block DHT? DHT inhibits hair growth by shrinking the hair follicles. Horsetail has the ability to block DHT and promote hair growth. Does horsetail contain biotin? Yes, horsetail contains biotin, one of the major vitamins required for healthy hair growth.
Sources
Anabolic therapy with Equisetum arvense along with bone mineralizing nutrients in ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis.,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4900006 Equietum arvense: Pharmacology and phytochemistry – a reviewhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/285819647_Equietum_arvense_Pharmacology_and_phytochemistry_-_a_review A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair.,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3509882/ New insight into silica deposition in horsetail (Equisetum arvense).,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3160890/ Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17960402/ Antioxidative and antiproliferative activities of different horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) extracts.,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20170379/ Prenatal exposure of a girl with autism spectrum disorder to “horsetail” (Equisetum arvense) herbal remedy and alcohol: a case report.,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3077335/#:~:text=Horsetail%20remedies%20are%20not%20recommended,effects%20%5B9%2D11%5D.
