Evidence supporting the use of: Horsetail
For the health condition: Bladder (irritable)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for urinary tract health, including conditions like irritable bladder and mild urinary discomfort. Historical texts and folk medicine sources suggest that horsetail was used as a diuretic ("water pill") and to soothe irritation of the urinary tract. The silica content and certain flavonoids in horsetail are thought to contribute to its mild diuretic effect, which may help increase urine output and potentially flush out irritants from the bladder. However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety for irritable bladder specifically is limited and mostly based on small or poorly controlled studies. Some clinical studies suggest a mild diuretic action, but robust trials on its effect in irritable bladder syndrome are lacking. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges its traditional use for flushing out the urinary tract to support minor urinary complaints, but emphasizes that this is based on historical precedent rather than strong scientific validation. In summary, while horsetail is commonly used in traditional medicine for bladder health, high-quality clinical evidence for its effectiveness in irritable bladder is insufficient, and its use is best categorized as traditional rather than scientifically proven.

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