Essiac, a controversial cancer treatment, helps relieve symptoms of acne and rosacea, according to widespread testimonials. Native Americans used two of the herbs in essiac to treat skin disorders, but scientific evidence about their effectiveness is lacking. Essiac has few side effects, but it could harm fetuses and nursing babies.
History
Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse, obtained the formula for an herbal cancer treatment in 1922 from an Ojibwe medicine man. She named the formula essiac---the backwards spelling of her name---and treated thousands of cancer patients with the herb prior to her death in 1978. She kept the formula a secret until 1977, and a Canadian company currently sells a commercial form of the herbal remedy. You can also make essiac yourself by boiling and bottling the herbs used in its formation.
Native Americans Used Two Herbs in Essiac to Treat Skin Disorders
Although scientific testing for essiac has focused on its potential cancer-fighting properties and not its usefulness as a remedy for acne and rosacea, two herbs contained in the tonic were used by Native Americans to treat skin conditions.
Essiac tonic is made up of four herbs: burdock, traditionally used internally as a blood cleanser and diuretic and externally to treat skin problems; slippery elm, used as a salve by Native Americans to treat wounds, boils and skin inflammation and orally to relieve sore throats and stomach ailments; sheep sorrel, used by Native Americans to treat inflammation, scurvy ad fevers, and Turkish rhubarb root, used to treat appetite loss.
Expert Insight
Dr. Marijah McCain, a naturopath, said her interest in essiac was initiated by testimonials from her students. She believes the burdock root in essiac detoxifies your liver, allowing your natural immune system to kick in and heal assorted problems, including acne and psoriasis. She says the burdock root works especially well against acne because skin is the last eliminatory organ. If your liver is toxic, poisons seek escape through your skin. When your liver is cleansed, your skin clears up.
Causes and Standard Treatments for Acne and Rosacea
According to the Mayo Clinic, hormones likely play a cause in acne and three factors contribute to it: bacteria buildup, oil overproduction and irregular shedding of dead skin cells. Standard medical treatment for acne includes over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments, antibiotics, laser light therapy and, for women, oral contraceptives.
The cause of rosacea is unknown and can be treated but not cured. Factors that can cause outbreaks include spicy foods, sunlight, stress, alcohol and blood pressure medications. Rosacea mostly affects people with fair skin between the ages or 30 and 60 and is especially prevalent among menopausal women. Medical treatments include prescription topical treatments, antibiotics and Accutane, an oral medication prescribed for severe outbreaks.
Precautions
According to "The Globe and Mail," doctors generally consider essiac safe, although a lack of scientific studies exists about possible side effects. Two of the herbs in essiac may cause health problems for some. Sheep sorrel may cause diarrhea if taken in large quantities and with other laxatives. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking burdock and people allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums or ragweed may be allergic to burdock. Burdock could worsen symptoms of dehydration. Turkish rhubarb root contains a high number of tannins, which could be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
References
- Health Freedom: Essiac, Cancer, Diabetes & Detoxification
- Mayo Clinic: Rosacea
- Mayo Clinic: Acne
- "The Globe and Mail"; What Else Could it have been but a Miracle?; Roy MacGregor; Dec. 13 2003
- University of Maryland: Burdock
- University of Maryland: Slippery Elm
