Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has been traditionally used in various herbal medicine systems for urinary tract health, including the management of kidney stones. The plant is valued for its diuretic properties, which are thought to increase urine output and thereby help flush out small stones or prevent the formation of new ones. Historical herbal texts, especially in European folk medicine, recommend horsetail for "gravel" (an old term for kidney or bladder stones), and it remains a component of some contemporary herbal blends aimed at urinary health.

However, the scientific evidence supporting horsetail’s effectiveness for kidney stones is limited. While in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated diuretic activity, very few clinical trials in humans directly examine horsetail’s impact on kidney stone formation, dissolution, or passage. The rationale for use is mainly based on its ability to promote urination rather than any stone-dissolving effect. Additionally, concerns about the safety of long-term or high-dose use of horsetail (such as thiaminase content and potential for toxicity) further limit its recommendation.

In summary, horsetail’s use for kidney stones is mainly rooted in traditional herbal practice, with only weak indirect support from scientific studies about its general effects on the urinary system. There is insufficient robust clinical evidence to strongly support its use for this specific condition.

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