The mackerel (Equisetum arvense) is a plant recognized for its thin leaves and appearance that resembles a horse’s tail — a characteristic that inspires its popular name. Rich in minerals, antioxidants and natural compounds, it has traditionally been used as an ally in body care and health maintenance.

Horsetail tea is one of the best-known forms of consumption and arouses interest due to its light and natural action on the body. As it contains substances that act on different functions, it can help maintain balance and daily well-being. Next, discover some of the potential benefits for the body!

1. It is a natural diuretic

Horsetail tea is a powerful diuretic, helping to increase urine production and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. This can be especially helpful for people with liquid retention or urinary problems.

Fluid retention often causes swelling in areas such as hands, feet, face and abdomen. The discomfort can be occasional or recurrent and is related to factors such as hormonal changes, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet rich in sodium.

2. May Help Relieve Pain and Inflammation

Chronic pain and inflammation are common problems that affect quality of life. In this scenario, horsetail tea has attracted attention because it contains natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and protective effects on nerve cells.

A study published in the journal Nutrientstitled “Molecular Insights into the Nociceptive Modulation by Palmitoylethanolamide and Equisetum arvense Extract: An In Vitro Study Across the Blood-Brain Barrier“, showed that horsetail extract, combined with the substance palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and increased the resistance of nerve cells.

The research carried out in in vitroled by scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont (Italy), suggests that the plant’s compounds can help relieve pain and inflammation naturally.

3. Improves digestion

Horsetail tea can help improve digestion and alleviate discomforts such as bloating, poor digestion and mild constipation. This effect is related to the presence of flavonoids, saponins and phenolic acids — compounds that stimulate the production of gastric juices and facilitate the digestive process. Furthermore, these components have a mild anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action, helping to reduce the feeling of heaviness in the stomach and intestinal cramps after meals.

4. Reduces cholesterol

Cardiovascular health can be promoted by regular consumption of horsetail tea. This is because this plant can help reduce high levels of cholesterol LDL (bad) in the blood. This effect is possible due to the antioxidant properties and the potential to improve blood circulation provided by the compounds present in the plant.

According to data from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), around 40% of adults in Brazil are diagnosed with high cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

5. Strengthens the immune system

The immune system is the body’s main defense against viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents. To keep this protection in good working order, the body depends on nutrients such as vitamin C, known for stimulating the production and activity of defense cells.

In general, for adults, the recommended daily intake of the nutrient is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Horsetail tea is a natural source of vitamin C, in addition to containing antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress — a process that weakens immunity over time.

6. May help control high blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and is usually associated with fluid retention and excess sodium in the body. High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in Brazil, affecting approximately one in four adults, according to the Vigitel 2023 survey, by the Ministry of Health.

Horsetail tea can help with this control as it contains flavonoids and saponins, compounds with natural diuretic action that promote the elimination of sodium and water through urine, reducing blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure.

Additionally, the plant contains potassiuma mineral that helps balance body fluids and regulate heart function. However, continuous use without guidance can cause excessive loss of electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium itself — which can have the opposite effect, deregulating blood pressure.

7. Supports Liver Health

The liver is responsible for metabolizing substances and eliminating toxins, and horsetail tea can contribute to this function due to the presence of silicon, caffeic acid and flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol), compounds that have antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions. These elements help reduce oxidative stress in liver cells and protect the organ against damage caused by poor diet, alcohol and pollutants.

Moderate consumption of tea can, therefore, support the detoxifying function of the liver and contribute to the maintenance of general health, especially when combined with a balanced diet and adequate hydration.

8. Promotes wound healing

Horsetail tea can help with wound healing due to its concentration of silicon, a mineral essential for the production of collagen and tissue regeneration. This nutrient strengthens the skin, vessels and connective tissue, in addition to working together with the plant’s antioxidant flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and promote the closure of injuries.

Although horsetail tea offers numerous health benefits, it is important consume it with caution and in an appropriate manner to avoid adverse effects.

• Recommended dosage: the recommended dosage is 2 to 3 cups of tea per day. Avoid consuming excess to prevent the loss of important minerals, such as potassium and magnesium;
• Avoid prolonged use: Prolonged use of horsetail tea can cause thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It is recommended to take breaks in consumption after 2 to 3 weeks of continuous use;
• Contraindications: pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with serious kidney problems should avoid consuming horsetail tea;
• Drug interactions: Horsetail tea can interact with diuretics, anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications. If you use any of these remedies, consult your doctor before consuming them.

Important precautions

Despite the many benefits that horsetail can offer to your health, it is important to highlight that drinking the tea does not replace medical treatments or professional support. It can be an ally in your diet, but it should not be seen as a unique solution to health problems. Furthermore, maintaining healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular physical exercise and periodic visits to the doctor, remains essential for general well-being.