Shavegrass (Horsetail): What It Is and How to Use It
Shavegrass, better known as horsetail (Equisetum arvense), is a reed-like perennial herb naturally rich in silica and traditionally used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. If you're curious about this ancient plant, you'll find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry shavegrass in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try as a tea to a full bag for ongoing use. Buying in bulk means you only take home what you need, and our staff can help you find it on the shelf.
What We Carry
We stock shavegrass in cut and sifted form, which is ideal for brewing teas and infusions, as well as in powdered form for those who prefer to blend it into other preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shavegrass tea taste like?
Shavegrass tea has a mild, grassy, slightly earthy flavor that most people find easy to drink. Because the taste is so neutral, it's often blended with mint, lemon, or other herbs. It brews up a light, pale infusion.
Why is it called shavegrass?
The jointed stems contain tiny silica crystals that give them a rough, abrasive texture. Historically, people used the stems to scour pots and polish wood — and even to shave fine shavings off wood, which is where the name "shavegrass" (and its cousin name "scouring rush") comes from.
How do people usually use horsetail?
The most common use is brewed as a tea or herbal infusion. In folk herbal traditions, horsetail has been used to support the health of hair, skin, and nails, thanks to its naturally occurring silica content. Some people also add the powder to DIY hair rinses and skin preparations.
Is shavegrass the same thing as horsetail?
Yes — shavegrass is simply a common name for Equisetum arvense, also called field horsetail. When you see either name on a bulk bin, you're looking at the same plant.
Did you know? Horsetail is sometimes called a "living fossil" — plants in the Equisetum genus have existed for roughly 350 million years, long before the first dinosaurs walked the earth (source: Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find shavegrass and answer your questions.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.