How to Use Horsetail to Lose Weight

Horsetail is a really effective slimming ingredient because it helps reduce fluid retention.

Reviewed and approved by the pedagogue in physical education and nutritionist Elisa Morales Lupayante.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 11 July, 2022

In recent years, more people have started to use horsetail to help them lose weight. In fact, although this plant has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes, nowadays it’s known as a supplement for those who want to lose weight.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It’s characterized by its seven to 23-inch round, rough, and ribbed stems. It’s a nonflowering plant.

From a nutritional standpoint, horsetail is known for the flavonoids, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals it contains. It also contains salicylic acid, caffeic acid, and other substances with diuretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties.

In this article, we review some of its properties and suggest several easy recipes you can try out to include it in your diet.

Benefits of horsetail

There are many interesting reasons why you should drink horsetail if you want to lose weight. This well-known herb has the ability to improve the lymphatic and circulatory functions, boosting the processes that help remove fat deposits.

Furthermore, its diuretic properties fight fluid retention, a condition that can lead to weight gain.

How to use horsetail to lose weight

These horsetail weight loss recipes can be included in your regular diet plan. However, you shouldn’t replace your main meals with them nor consume the plant in excess, as this could be counterproductive.

Horsetail tea

Horsetail tea is really easy to prepare. All you have to do is follow the steps below.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dry horsetail (5 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Method

• Put a teaspoon of horsetail in a cup of boiling water.
• Cover the drink, let it infuse for 10 minutes, then strain.
• Drink up to three cups a day.

Horsetail, artichoke, and lemon drink

This is an alternative to horsetail tea. The lemon softens and unifies the flavors, while the artichoke gives it a bit of body. Follow the steps below to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 artichoke.
• 2 cups of water (500 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of horsetail (30 g).
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (5 ml).

Method

• Cut the artichoke into pieces and boil the pieces in a pan with the water.
• Once it boils, lower the heat and add the horsetail.
• After two or three minutes, remove from the heat.
• Let it infuse for 15 minutes then strain.
• Serve it, adding a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Drink a cup on an empty stomach and again in the afternoon.

Horsetail and green tea

For a different (and more powerful) take on horsetail tea, mix it with some green tea. Follow the steps below

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• ½ teaspoon of dry horsetail (7 g).
• 1 teaspoon of green tea (5 g).

Method

• Boil a cup of water and, when it reaches its boiling point, add the horsetail and green tea.
• Lower the heat and then remove after five minutes.
• Let it infuse and then strain.
• Drink with your mid-morning snack.
• If you like, drink again in the afternoon.
• Drink in moderation. Don’t drink more than 3 cups a day.

Side effects of horsetail

Horsetail is safe when consumed moderately in a short period of time. However, it’s important to know its possible side effects or contraindications:

• Don’t take it if you’re suffering from vitamin B deficiency or alcoholism.
• Don’t consume it in excess as it can affect the kidneys.
• Avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Don’t give it to children.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney disease, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking it.
• If you have high blood pressure or heart problems you shouldn’t consume it.
• Excess consumption can cause diarrhea and gastric discomfort.

Don’t hesitate to try these horsetail recipes today. As you can see, they’re easy to make and have many benefits. Just make sure you’re not included in any of the above categories. If you’re able to take it, include it in your diet in moderation.