What are the Side Effects of Horsetail?
Similar to most dietary supplements, Horsetail is safe when taken short term and in moderation. If you are taking any other supplements or medication, consult with your health care provider before the therapeutic use of Horsetail. People with vitamin B deficiency or alcoholics (who are usually Thiamine deficient) should avoid Horsetail because it contains an enzyme, thiaminase, and its overdose and longer term use destroys thiamine (B1). Do not take Horsetail supplements, if you are using any kind of nicotine patches, or are sensitive to nicotine, or are taking any diuretics or laxative drugs because Horsetail has diuretic and nicotine properties which may cause overdose of these ingredients and may lead to serious health problems such as dehydration or low potassium (hypokalemia) and nicotine overdose symptoms such as rash, cold hands and feet, abnormal heart rate, fever, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Pregnant, lactating mothers and children should not take Horsetail because of its Nicotine content. Horsetail should be used short term only, for a maximum of two months unless advised by your doctor otherwise. Ideally, the consumption of Horsetail supplements should be stopped for one week after one month of its regular use and be continued on for another month.