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Horsetail Extract

Beauty

Also known as: Equisetum arvense

C
Grade C
💊 300-600mg extract daily🎯 3 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings

Overview

Natural source of silica for hair, skin, and nail strength. Traditional beauty remedy.

Primary Uses
Hair strengthNail strengthSilica source

Frequently Asked About Horsetail Extract

How much Horsetail Extract should I take?
The typical effective range is 300-600mg extract daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Horsetail Extract?
Any time. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Horsetail Extract with food?
Optional.
Does Horsetail Extract interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Diuretics (additive effect) and Lithium. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Horsetail Extract.
What does Horsetail Extract pair well with?
Horsetail Extract stacks well with B vitamins (especially B1), Biotin, and Collagen — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Horsetail Extract?
Horsetail Extract should be avoided or used with caution by people with Thiamine deficiency. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Horsetail Extract?
Most people tolerate Horsetail Extract well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset and Thiamine depletion long-term. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range
300-600mg extract daily
Timing
Any time
With food
Optional
Duration

Long-term for beauty

Special Populations

Weak hair/nails, silica support

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Horsetail Extractyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

  • Natural silica source
  • May support keratin
  • Traditional remedy

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade C

Traditional use, silica source

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • Contains thiaminase (may deplete B1 with long-term use)
Contraindications
  • Thiamine deficiency
Common Side Effects
  • GI upset
  • Thiamine depletion long-term
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid

Liver & Kidney Notes

May affect kidney (diuretic)

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • Diuretics (additive effect)
  • Lithium
🧪 Supplements
  • Take with B vitamins
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
  • No interactions

Stacking & Synergies

Avoid Combining With
None
Best Goal Synergies
Hair/nail strength

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • Standardized to silica
  • Quality extract
Standardization Markers
Silica content
Adulteration risk
Moderate
Practical Notes
  • May deplete thiamine long-term
  • Take with B vitamins
Tags
beautysilicahairnails

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Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Horsetail Extract — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/horsetail-extract

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.