Certified Organic & Kosher Certified

Horsetail (Shavegrass)

  • Equisetum arvense
  • Origin: Bulgaria
Horsetail (Shavegrass)


Common Name

Standardized: horsetail
Other: field horsetail, shavegrass, shavetail grass

Botanical Name

Equisetum arvense L.
Plant Family: Equisetaceae



Horsetail has a recorded history going back to the Devonian period, almost 350 million years ago. The plant at that time was as tall as a modern palm tree. Horsetail, not to be confused with cat-tail, is possibly the most abundant source of silica in the plant kingdom, so much in fact that the herb can be used for polishing metal. It got the name "scouring rush" from this very application. It has had other uses during the ages including as an ingredient in shampoos, skincare products, and in dietary supplements. The German E commission describes its use for urinary tract problems and as a diuretic.


More than 2/3 in-organic constituents, primarily silica and potassium salts. Horsetail from European sources contains the anti-allergy compound quercetin, but the same herb from North American and Asian sources usually does not. The plant also contains small amounts of nicotine.

Parts Used

The above-ground parts of the plant, dried, cut, and powdered.

Typical Preparations

Usually in tea, tinctures and encapsulations. Universally used in cosmetics.


Specific: Not for use in persons with kidney disease.
