Horsetail for Wound Healing

Research suggests that horsetail extracts may support wound healing through several complementary mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory activity, antibacterial properties, and stimulation of collagen production by fibroblasts, as demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies. The most clinically relevant human evidence comes from a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which a topical horsetail ointment showed significantly improved wound healing and reduced pain following episiotomy compared to placebo, though the authors acknowledged this was a first-of-its-kind study requiring further replication. Additional research has explored horsetail as a component in composite wound dressings designed for hemostatic applications, and a 2012 review noted that while oral horsetail use has been associated with elevated liver enzyme markers, serious liver injury has not been conclusively documented. Overall, the available evidence is preliminary and skewed toward laboratory and animal models, meaning conclusions about effectiveness in humans should be drawn cautiously until more clinical trials are conducted.