Horsetail Tea: Recipe, Detox Claims and Safety

Horsetail tea is an infusion of the horsetail plant in water; this chilled recipe takes about 2 hours and makes 1 cup (240 mL).

What is horsetail tea?

Horsetail tea is made by steeping prepared horsetail plant material in water. It is one option among herbal detox teas, although its role in detox is often overstated.

Look for a commercially prepared tea labeled Equisetum arvense, the species commonly sold as horsetail. Do not forage for it unless an expert has identified it: other horsetail species can be toxic, and plants may be contaminated by their growing environment.

For the cold-infused recipe below, choose a product whose label says it is suitable for cold infusion and allows a steep of 2 hours or less. If you cannot find one, follow the preparation directions on a product intended for hot tea instead.

How do you make horsetail tea?

Preparation time: About 2 hours
Yield: 1 cup (240 mL)

Ingredients

• Drinking water: 240 mL (1 cup; approximately 240 g)
• Horsetail tea suitable for cold infusion: 1 tea bag labeled 1 g. The loose contents are approximately 1 teaspoon (1/48 cup), though volume varies with the cut of the plant.

Use a product that permits this serving size for 240 mL of water, and follow its label if it calls for less. The tea bag’s labeled weight is more reliable than measuring the loose contents by volume.

Instructions

1. Check that the horsetail tea label permits cold infusion and a steep of 2 hours or less.
2. Place the tea bag in a clean covered container and add the water.
3. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If the package specifies a shorter steep, remove the tea bag at the specified time, then continue chilling until the drink has spent about 2 hours in the fridge.
4. Remove the tea bag if you have not already done so, then serve. Keep any remainder refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours.

For another preparation idea, use the AI detox recipe generator.

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What does horsetail tea do for detox?

Horsetail tea can contribute fluid, but it has not been shown to remove toxins from the body. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Staying hydrated supports normal body function, but a particular herbal tea is not required for that process.

Horsetail has a history of traditional use as a diuretic, meaning a substance used to increase urination. Evidence is limited, however, and the effect of a cup of horsetail tea is not established. More urination should not be confused with better detoxification.

Research on a plant or concentrated extract also cannot automatically tell you what a cup of tea will do. The amount extracted can vary with the product and how it is prepared.

How much horsetail tea should you drink, and when?

There is no established detox amount or schedule for horsetail tea. If you choose to drink it, follow the product's serving directions and do not exceed them. Avoid making it a daily habit for an extended period without checking with a healthcare professional.

There is no proven best time of day for detox. If you notice that horsetail tea makes you urinate more often, drinking it close to bedtime may be inconvenient. Water remains a straightforward choice for everyday hydration.

What are the side effects and safety concerns?

Horsetail tea may cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction. Stop drinking it and seek medical advice if you develop a rash or other concerning symptoms. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.

Avoid horsetail tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not give it to children unless a healthcare professional advises it. People with kidney or heart disease, low potassium, or a thiamine deficiency should check with a healthcare professional before using it. Some horsetail preparations contain thiaminase, an enzyme that can break down thiamine, also known as vitamin B1.

Check with a healthcare professional before drinking horsetail tea if you take diuretics or lithium, because interactions or fluid and electrolyte changes are a concern. Do not stop or change prescribed medication to use it.

If you experience persistent dizziness, unusually little urine or other signs of dehydration, seek medical advice. Horsetail tea is not a treatment for a medical condition.

Frequently asked questions

The answers below cover flavor, caffeine and choosing plant material.