Rene Caisse, a Canadian naturopathic nurse and cancer survivor, developed Essiac tea in the 1920s. Her original formula--a combination of burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb--was inspired by formulas used by the Ojibway Indians of Canada. Caisse recommended it as an adjunct treatment for cancer patients. Essiac tea is still used as a natural intervention treatment for several diseases and conditions, but evidence of its efficacy is extremely limited. The National Institutes of Health notes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend Essiac as a treatment for any condition.
Cancer
The American Cancer Society notes that Essiac tea has been used as a treatment for almost every form of cancer. Essiac supporters historically have believed that the tea can transform tumors into normal, healthy tissue. ACS notes that 86 case studies, examined by Canadian health officials, revealed no evidence that Essiac can slow or stop the spread of any kind of cancer. However, cancer patients may benefit psychologically from treatment with Essiac. Caution is warranted in patients with estrogen-sensitive cancers; Essiac has been shown to increase the growth of breast tumors in mice.
Detoxification
Essiac has been used to detoxify the body and purify the bloodstream. No studies support this use, but burdock--one of the tea's constituents--has a long-standing traditional use as a blood purifier. According to the American Cancer Society, Essiac proponents say that the tea acts by stimulating the digestive tract and eliminating excess mucus from the liver, colon, lymph system and nerves. The herbs found in Essiac tea may have a diuretic (fluid-flushing) effect and a weak laxative effect.
Arthritis
Essiac tea purportedly can relieve inflammation and lubricate bones and joints. Therefore it is sometimes used to treat arthritis, but this use is based only in tradition and theory. Burdock and rhubarb, two herbs found in Essiac tea, have both been used traditionally in arthritis treatments.
Immune Support
In theory, Essiac and its constituent herbs may help stimulate the immune system. The National Institutes of Health regards Essiac as a theoretical and unproven treatment for serious immune diseases such as HIV and AIDS, lupus and multiple sclerosis. More studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these theoretical uses.
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