Side Effects of Essiac Tea

Essiac Tea, also known as Flor Essence, is a blend of herbs that has touted as an alternative treatment for cancer and other illnesses. As with many alternative or holistic remedies, the exact composition of essiac is not fully known but it reportedly contains burdock, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm bark. Some blends of essiac may also contain watercress, blessed thistle, red clover and kelp.

Possible Side Effects of Essiac Tea

Since the 1920s, Essiac tea has been promoted as a cancer treatment by Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse and its namesake (spelled backwards), who claimed that it had been given to her by a patient and that the recipe derived from an Ontario Ojibwa medicine man. The actual scientific or medical benefits of drinking Essiac tea have not been widely proven, recorded or accepted by the medical community. Its status as a holistic treatment should not necessarily discount it as an effective treatment for battling some cancers. However, as with all medicines, holistic or not, one must remain wary of side effects.

In 1977, Caisse sold the Essiac formula to a Canadian company, which then attempted to commercialize the product. Despite Caisse's claims, the company could not show any proven effectiveness of Essiac against cancer, as repeated laboratory tests showed that essiac failed to slow tumor growth and, in large enough doses, killed test animals. In fact, in some studies, essiac actually increased the rate of cancer growth. As a result both the U.S. and Canadian governments refused to approve Essiac as a medical treatment. In more recent years, Essiac has been marketed more as a dietary supplement, making it subject to looser regulation.

In addition, the varying amounts of oxalic acids in Essiac tea are irritating to the kidneys making it an unideal drink for those who suffer from kidney disease, stones or infections. Properties found in Essiac tea also affect certain aspects of the digestive system. Therefore, those suffering from peristalsis, ulcers or colitis should avoid drinking Essiac tea.