Herbs & Supplements

Pewterwort Scientific Name: Horsetail Other Names: Bottle-brush, Dutch Rushes, Paddock-pipes, Scouring Rush, Shave-grass, Toadpipe When should I be careful taking it? Children under the age of 18 and individuals who are allergic to nicotine should not take horsetail by mouth, because it contains small amounts of nicotine A nicotine-like poisoning reaction has been reported among children who chewed on fresh horsetail stems. The diuretic effects of oral horsetail may worsen heart disease or kidney conditions by decreasing the levels of potassium in the body. Therefore, individuals with heart problems or kidney disorders should avoid taking horsetail by mouth. Precautions The amount of nicotine that could pass from a pregnant woman taking horsetail to a developing fetus or from a breast-feeding woman to an infant is probably too small to be measured. However, the use of horsetail is not recommended during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.