Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the health condition: Bleeding (external)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has traditionally been used as a remedy for external bleeding and wound healing in various folk medicine systems. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports indicate that horsetail was commonly applied topically in the form of poultices, compresses, or washes to help stop bleeding and promote the healing of minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions. The primary rationale for this traditional use lies in horsetail’s high content of silica, which is believed to aid tissue repair and strengthen blood vessels, and its astringent properties, which can constrict tissues and reduce minor bleeding.

However, scientific evidence supporting horsetail’s effectiveness for external bleeding is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that the plant’s flavonoids, tannins, and silica may have wound-healing and hemostatic effects. For instance, a few laboratory studies have indicated that horsetail extracts can promote wound contraction and collagen formation. Nonetheless, clinical trials in humans specifically examining horsetail for external bleeding are lacking. Thus, while its traditional use is well-documented, the evidence base is mostly anecdotal or derived from preclinical research, and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.

More about horsetail
More about Bleeding (external)