Essiac

Essiac is a herbal tea that is often used as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of cancer. It was originally developed by a Canadian nurse named Rene Caisse in the 1920s, who named the tea after her last name spelled backwards.

History

Rene Caisse first learned about the herbal mixture from a patient who claimed to have recovered from breast cancer after taking the tea. The patient had reportedly been given the recipe by an Ojibwa medicine man. Caisse began to experiment with the tea, eventually treating patients in her own clinic. Despite some anecdotal reports of success, scientific studies have not found Essiac to be effective in treating cancer.

Ingredients

Essiac is made from four main herbs: burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and Indian rhubarb root. Some versions of the tea also include watercress, blessed thistle, red clover, and kelp.

Use in Cancer Treatment

While Essiac is often used as a complementary treatment for cancer, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute both state that there is not enough evidence to recommend Essiac for cancer treatment. Some studies have even suggested that Essiac may promote tumor growth.

Side Effects and Risks

Potential side effects of Essiac include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also interact with other medications, including chemotherapy drugs. People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or liver disease, should avoid Essiac due to the potential for serious side effects.

See Also

• Herbal medicine
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Cancer treatment

References

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