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Herbs & Supplements
Pewterwort
Scientific Name: Horsetail
Other Names: Bottle-brush, Dutch Rushes, Paddock-pipes, Scouring Rush, Shave-grass, Toadpipe
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Cattle and other animals that continually eat large quantities of horsetail may suffer from toxicity similar to nicotine poisoning. Typically, affected animals appear weak--gradually losing muscle control over a period of days or weeks unless they stop eating horsetail. Some animal deaths have been attributed to horsetail poisoning. Although horsetail is not thought to have caused deaths among humans, it has been reported to cause muscular weakness in children who have put the hollow stems into their mouths to use as straws or whistles. The effects of nicotine are more pronounced for children than adults. Therefore, individuals under the age of 18 should not take horsetail.
Horsetail is known to block the absorption of thiamine, one of the B vitamins. If it is taken for more than a few days, a thiamine deficiency is remotely possible. Initial symptoms of thiamine deficiency may include constipation, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss, or sleep disturbances. If prolonged, thiamine deficiency may cause nerve damage.
Less Severe Side Effects
Occasional ases of seborrheic dermatitis--an oozing, scaly, itchy rash--have been reported by individuals taking or handling horsetail.
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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.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
