Essiac tea is an herbal formula made famous by Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse. In the late 1930s, she opened a clinic where she treated cancer patients with the herbal tea. Proponents say that, in addition to fighting cancer, Essiac tea supports the immune system, and is effective in treating the symptoms of a variety of diseases like diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. None of these claims, however, are backed by the FDA.
Ingredients
Essiac tea was originally made with just four herbs: burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb root. More recent formulations include other herbs, such as red clover, blessed thistle, watercress and kelp. Caisse said the original formula came from an Ojibway Indian medicine man in Canada. The herbs in the tea are traditionally used as diuretics, laxatives, to stimulate digestion and to strengthen the immune system.
Benefits
There is evidence that the herbs used in Essiac tea have significant antioxidant and DNA protective properties that may be helpful in maintaining good health, according to an article in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." A study reported in "Anticancer Research" says, "In vitro analysis of Essiac indicates significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, as well as neoplastic cell specific cytotoxicity consistent with the historical properties ascribed to this compound." This suggests that Essiac tea may be useful as a preventive measure, because of the antioxidants it contains and its effect on the immune system.
Potential
In an article in "Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy" the authors report that "Current evidence suggests that dietary intake of Asian ginseng, garlic, green tea, tomatoes and soy may be useful in preventing various cancers but additional research is needed in order to determine the efficacy of Essiac tea." While there is no evidence that Essiac tea can cure these diseases, studies of the individual herbs have revealed positive properties of each herb that can help you maintain good health. They contain beneficial antioxidants, free-radical scavengers and vitamins.
Dosage
Distributors of the tea recommend that you drink about an ounce a day when the tea is prepared according to the directions. At the recommended dose, the tea seems to be well tolerated with few side effects.
The herbs in the tea contain tannins, oxalic acid and anthraquinones, which, if taken in excess, can cause side effects. Patients with kidney stones should not take rhubarb, slippery elm or sorrel. Follow the directions that come with the herb to avoid side effects.
Combination with Conventional Medical Treatments
While the antioxidant and immune-stimulating effects of Essiac tea may be beneficial, occasionally the herbs can adversely affect prescription medications. For instance, the oxalic acid in rhubarb, slippery elm and sorrel can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be serious if you already have low blood pressure. Discuss any supplements you take, such as Essiac tea, with your physician, especially if you are being treated for a chronic or serious medical condition.
References
- Essiacinfo.org: History of Rene Caisse
- American Cancer Society: Essiac Tea
- The Authentic, Original Essiac Tea Formula & Recipe
- "Eur J Cancer;" How useful are unconventional cancer treatments?; Ernst E, Cassileth BR; Oct 1999
- "Anticancer Res;" In vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac; Seely D, Kennedy DA, Myers SP, Cheras PA, Lin D, Li R, Cattley T, Brent PA, Mills E, Leonard BJ; 2007 Nov-Dec
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