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Dietary supplement

Horsetail Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

Horsetail label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Horsetail against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Horsetail is a dietary supplement by Herbalist & Alchemist with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fluid retention (mild diuretic), urinary and bladder concerns, hair, skin, and nail support.Based on those ingredients, 188 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Horsetail herb extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 6, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: dried horsetail herb extract. The liquid also includes ethyl alcohol and distilled water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Horsetail's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Promotes healthy bone structure.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoporosis, Bone density, Bone strength, Skeletal health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Horsetail is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoporosis (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that horsetail works for any of the conditions listed—urinary incontinence, obesity, tonsillitis, and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss) all have insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the research backing isn't solid enough in our data to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Horsetail is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but the safety data for long-term use is thin. The most common side effects reported are abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea.

One concern is thiaminase—a compound in raw horsetail that can lead to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency with prolonged use. Canadian horsetail products are required to be certified as free from this risk.

One case report linked horsetail exposure during pregnancy to seborrheic dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin condition) in a child, and thiamine deficiency from horsetail exposure combined with alcohol in pregnancy has been reported. The safety data advises against using horsetail during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Horsetail.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 188 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're on antidiabetes drugs, diuretics (water pills), lithium, or HIV medications like NRTIs or efavirenz. All carry moderate-level interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This supplement is mainly used for urinary concerns and hair growth, though the evidence backing either use isn't firm. It's safest for short-term use by healthy adults—but it does interact with blood-sugar drugs, water pills, lithium, and HIV medications, so you'll need to clear it with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Steer clear if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Horsetail, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056116439
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2018
DSLD ID 174330
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.5 mL
Servings per container
40
UPC/BARCODE
667056116439
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Horsetail herb extract1.5 mL--

Other ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Equisetum spp.

OK

General Statements

Promotes healthy bone structure

Botanical preparation ratio 1:5

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 20-30 drops (1-1.5 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Contraindications: Use cautiously if you have kidney disease.

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

NO. HRT-2 1730WE

Seals/Symbols

OK

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Horsetail label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container40 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Horsetail herb extract

Interacts with
188 drugs
1.5 mL per serving

Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. I...

Dried Horsetail herb extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Horsetail?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
188Drugs
188 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

dried Horsetail herb extract 188

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Horsetail interact with 188 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Horsetail interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. dried Horsetail herb extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Horsetail with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

dried Horsetail herb extract5 drug types · 188 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Equisetum myriochaetum has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in clinical research. In an animal diabetic model, Equisetum giganteum had hypoglycemic effects. It is unclear whether other horsetail species have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Laboratory research shows that various species of horsetail have diuretic properties. Due to its diuretic effects, there has been concern that taking horsetail along with potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that taking horsetail 900 mg daily for 4 days does not affect urinary excretion of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, despite having a diuretic effect similar to taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. It is unclear if taking horsetail for a longer duration would affect electrolyte levels. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Efavirenz (Sustiva)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of efavirenz.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral regimen that included efavirenz. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing horsetail, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown. It is also unclear if this interaction is specific to efavirenz or if it is related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, horsetail might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that horsetail has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, horsetail might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nrtis)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of NRTIs.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral therapy. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing the supplement, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of these interactions is unknown. It is also unclear if these interactions are specific to NRTIs or if they are related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
dried Horsetail herb extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Horsetail, from the product label.

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Horsetail by Herbalist & Alchemist interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horsetail has a known interaction with 188 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Horsetail contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
What are the side effects?
The most common ones reported are abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea. Raw horsetail also contains a compound called thiaminase that can cause thiamine deficiency with long-term use, though Canadian products are certified to be free of it.
Does horsetail actually work for urinary incontinence or hair loss?
The evidence we hold isn't established enough to say horsetail works for urinary incontinence, obesity, tonsillitis, or male-pattern hair loss. That doesn't mean it doesn't—just that the research backing isn't solid in our data.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Horsetail is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but the safety data for long-term use is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about how long is appropriate for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Horsetail label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Horsetail’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Horsetail

Interacts with 188 drugs

Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. It can cause thiamine (vitamin B1) loss w...

Read the full Horsetail monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Horsetail's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Horsetail 14 references
  1. Sudan BJ. Seborrhoeic dermatitis induced by nicotine of horsetails (Equisetum arvense L.). Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:201-2.
  2. Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72. PubMed
  3. Lemus I, Garcia R, Erazo S, et al. Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;54:55-8. PubMed
  4. Revilla MC, Andrade-Cetto A, Islas S, Wiedenfeld H. Hypoglycemic effect of Equisetum myriochaetum aerial parts on type 2 diabetic patients. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81:117-20. PubMed
  5. Tiktinskii, O. L. and Bablumian, I. A. [Therapeutic action of Java tea and field horsetail in uric acid diathesis]. Urol.Nefrol.(Mosk) 1983;3(1):47-50.
  6. Henderson JA, Evans EV, and McIntosh RA. The antithiamine action of Equisetum. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 1952;120:375-378.
  7. Carneiro DM, Freire RC, Honório TC, Zoghaib I, Cardoso FF, Tresvenzol LM, de Paula JR, Sousa AL, Jardim PC, da Cunha LC. Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Voluntee
  8. Klnçalp S, Ekiz F, Basar Ö, Coban S, Yüksel O. Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail)-induced liver injury. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012 Feb;24(2):213-4. PubMed
  9. Ortega García JA, Angulo MG, Sobrino-Najul EJ, Soldin OP, Mira AP, Martínez-Salcedo E, Claudio L. Prenatal exposure of a girl with autism spectrum disorder to 'horsetail' (Equisetum arvense) herbal remedy and alcohol: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2011 M PubMed
  10. Cordova E, Morganti L, Rodriguez C. Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2017;16(1):11-13.
  11. García Gavilán MD, Moreno García AM, Rosales Zabal JM, Navarro Jarabo JM, Sánchez Cantos A. Case of drug-induced acute pancreatitis produced by horsetail infusions. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2017 Apr;109(4):301-304. PubMed
  12. Vieira GT, de Oliveira TT, Carneiro MAA, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum giganteum L. extract on alloxan-diabetic rabbit. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;260:112898. PubMed
  13. Health Canada. Organism-Equisetum arvense. Available at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq.do?id=6117&lang=eng. Accessed 21-July 2021.
  14. Bates D, Duong TB, Kheyson S, Moore K. Hyponatremia Secondary to Decreased Oral Intake and SIADH and Possibly Exacerbated by Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Can J Hosp Pharm 2021;74(4):386-389. PubMed

See these in context on the Horsetail monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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