<<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