Essiac is a mix of four herbs: slippery elm, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel and burdock root. This mixture was developed by Canadian nurse Renee Caisse in the 1920s to be used as a tea. Although manufacturers of Essiac herbal tonics and supplements claim it has a number of health benefits, little research has been done to substantiate these claims.
Use
Proponents of Essiac claim it may help to prevent or treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, as well as strengthen your immune system, relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Using Essiac involves drinking between 1 fluid oz. and 12 fluid oz. of Essiac tea per day for 12 weeks.
Side Effects and Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved Essiac for treatment of any health condition. Possible side effects from consuming Essiac include vomiting, fatigue and nausea, but these side effects should stop once you discontinue use of Essiac. If you have kidney or liver problems, you should not consume Essiac.
Effectiveness
No clinical trials have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and studies using animal cancer cells had conflicting results, with most showing Essiac having no beneficial effects in treating cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although some components in Essiac may have anti-cancer effects, it is unclear whether you receive enough of these ingredients through Essiac tea to achieve beneficial results. The FDA has not approved the manufacturer's application for approval of Essiac for cancer treatment, so Essiac is not approved for treatment of any health condition. Instead, it is sold as a supplement, which the FDA does not regulate.
Considerations
Some manufacturers of Essiac products recommend not undergoing any other cancer treatments while taking Essiac. This could be dangerous, as Essiac hasn't been found to be an effective cancer treatment and a delay in conventional cancer treatment may make it harder to treat your cancer. Essiac may also interfere with certain chemotherapy medications, making them less effective. As with any supplement, consult your doctor before taking it.
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