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Horsetail (silica): is it safe to take for hair and nails?

Horsetail is a plant rich in silica, so it's popular with people who want stronger hair, nails and skin. There are rare reports of liver injury, but the general view is that a typical dose of about one capsule (around 400 mg) is not a problem. Just avoid taking large amounts as a tea or juice.

Who it’s for

People with thinning hair or brittle nails, or who are concerned about skin firmness

Daily dose

Take the labeled amount (usually about 400 mg per capsule). Don't take extra on purpose

When

No set time. Taking it with vitamin C is a good idea

Best form

Horsetail extract capsules, or a silica combination product

What is horsetail?

Horsetail is a common plant that grows in fields. It's packed with a mineral called silicon (silica).

Your body uses silicon to make collagen (the protein that supports your skin, bones and blood vessels). That's why supplement makers often use horsetail extract as their silica source.

Horsetail benefits: where it may help

  • Collagen production: Silicon is used when collagen's "raw material" stage (procollagen) turns into finished collagen.
  • Hair and nails: It may help strengthen hair and nail tissue. Think of it as playing a similar role to MSM.
  • Skin and gums: These tissues are rich in collagen, so people take it to support them too.
Silicon needs vitamin C alongside it for collagen fibers to form properly. If you take a horsetail product, get enough vitamin C as well.

Horsetail and liver side effects: how worried should you be?

Horsetail sometimes shows up on lists of "herbs that are bad for the liver." But when you look at the details, it's not a big worry.

ConcernWhat the evidence shows
Reports of jaundice and high liver enzymesRare. Most involved drinking tens of grams a day as juice.
Liver injury risk ratingA "possible" rating, based on about one case.
Typical dosesIn studies, even 6 g or more of extract a day caused no problems.

In short, about one capsule (around 400 mg) is fine — just be careful with high doses.

  • Avoid brewing it strong and drinking large amounts as a tea or juice.
  • If you have liver disease or take medications that are hard on the liver, talk to your doctor first.
  • If your eyes or skin turn yellow or your urine gets dark while taking it, stop right away and see a doctor.

How to choose a horsetail supplement

  1. Check the ingredient name — The label shows "Horsetail extract" or names its silica source.
  2. Check the amount per capsule — Usually around 400 mg. You don't need high-dose products with much more than that.
  3. Check the other ingredients — Many combination products also contain vitamin C, collagen or MSM. If you already take any of these separately, make sure they don't overlap.

Combinations

Works well with: Vitamin C, Collagen, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Frequently asked questions

Is horsetail bad for your liver?

There are rare reports of raised liver enzymes, but most involved drinking very large amounts as juice. The general view is that a typical dose of about one capsule (around 400 mg) is not a problem.

Are horsetail and silica the same thing?

Silica (silicon) is the name of the mineral, and horsetail is a plant that contains a lot of it. Horsetail extract is a common source for silica supplements.

Does horsetail work for hair?

Silicon is used to strengthen hair and nail tissue, so it may help. But results don't show up quickly, so give it a few months of steady use.

What should I take with horsetail?

Take it with vitamin C. Silicon and vitamin C need to be present together for collagen to form properly.

Related concerns

Skin & hairHair lossHealthy aging & antioxidantsGum health

Last updated 2026-10-12