Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

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

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has been used traditionally in folk medicine for a variety of health purposes, including to support hair health. The rationale for its use in hair care is largely attributed to its high silica content, which is believed to strengthen hair, promote growth, and improve shine. Silica is an important component of connective tissues in the body, including hair, skin, and nails, and some traditional systems have associated silica-rich herbs with better hair quality.

Despite its historical use, scientific research specifically evaluating horsetail’s effectiveness for hair growth or hair health is limited. Few clinical studies directly assess its impact on the hair body system. Some preliminary laboratory and animal research suggests that silica supplementation may contribute to structural integrity of hair strands, but these findings have not been robustly validated in large-scale human trials involving horsetail itself. Most available evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from horsetail’s general nutrient composition.

In summary, horsetail’s role in supporting the hair body system is primarily based on traditional use and its nutritional profile rather than strong scientific validation. While it remains a popular ingredient in natural hair care products and supplements, definitive clinical proof of its efficacy for hair growth or health is lacking at this time.

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