<<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

>From Earl Mindell's Herb Bible:

HORSETAIL (_EQUISETUM ARVENSE_)

FACTS:
Long used by herbal healers in Europe and China, horsetail-also known as
silica- is rich in nutrients, including silicon.  Horsetail facilitates
the absorption of calcium by the body, which nourishes nails, skin, hair
bones, and the body's connective tissue.  This herb helps eliminate excess
oil from skin and hair and is believed to make individual hair strands
stronger, thicker and more resilient.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

Good conditioner for nails and hair
Helps eliminate white spots from nails
Controls excess oil on skin
Helps strengthen bones

HOW TO USE IT
Orally: capsules or tablets: take 1 up to 3 times daily

Externally: used in many herbal beauty products for skin, nails and hair.


By the way, according to the same source, Aloe vera, while effective an a
promoter of general healing when taken internally, can also serve as a
laxative. Portia Iverson mentioned that her son has chronic diarrhea so
aloe might aggravate.  The book also states explicitly:

CAUTION: Do not take aloe internally during pregnancy. Aloe should not be
used internally by children or the elderly.


Lisa