Is Horsetail compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Horsetail?

Horsetail

July 2, 2015 (High Risk)

On latest update no relevant published data on breastfeeding were found.

Side effects and toxicity have not been tested, therefore its use would be preferably avoided or as much use it infrequently.

Topical use is compatible with breastfeeding whenever it not used on the nipple.

Stems of horsetail are used. It contains mineral salts (Sílicium, Potassium), flavonoids and steroids.

Unproven effects are: diuretic, wound healing for burning injuries.

Prolonged or abusive use may produce gastritis, vomiting, sea-sickness or stupor.

May be confused with Equisetum palustre which is toxic due to that it contains Thiaminase and be cause of severe Vitamin B1 deficiency.

A case possibly related to the appearance of Autism after the prolonged use in pregnancy has been described.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Horsetail.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Common horsetail
  • Equiseti herba
  • Field horsetail

Writings

  • Equisetum arvense (Latin, botanical name)
  • Equisetum hyemale (Latin, botanical name)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Ortega García JA, Angulo MG, Sobrino-Najul EJ, Soldin OP, Mira AP, Martínez-Salcedo E, Claudio L. Prenatal exposure of a girl with autism spectrum disorder to 'horsetail' (Equisetum arvense) herbal remedy and alcohol: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA-HMPC. Community herbal monograph on Equisetum arvense L, Herba. London: EMA. Doc. Ref. EMEA/HMPC/394894/2007. 2008 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)