Dangers of Essiac

Rene M. Caisse is primarily responsible for the herbal remedy known today as Essiac. While the original Native American Ojibway Indian formula is unknown, Caisse's original formula contains just four herbs. This is the basic formula, although some manufacturers do add other ingredients besides those listed here. The four main ingredients are burdock root, slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root.

Burdock Root

• Burdock root can interfere with the natural absorption of iron. It is a diuretic and may cause dehydration if consumed improperly. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women as it may cause spontaneous abortion.

  It also interacts with drugs and medications for diabetes, and with anti-inflammatories, lithium therapy and hormonal therapy. It should be avoided by those taking over-the-counter pain relievers, diuretics and blood thinners (and other herbs that increase the risk of bleeding). And it should be avoided before and after surgery. Anyone taking hormonal therapy or birth control should avoid it, particularly when taking other estrogenic herbs.

  Those allergic to ragweed or members of the daisy family will be allergic to it. Burdock also contains high amounts of pectin, so those with pectin allergies should avoid it. Those with HIV and AIDs have reported drowsiness and increased diuretic effects. However, burdock root (gobo) is eaten as a vegetable without precaution in Japan.

Slippery Elm Inner Bark

• Since slippery elm bark is used as a traditional food source and eaten much like oatmeal, it should be no surprise that it poses little danger. It does coat the digestive tract and may slow the absorption of other herbs and medications. It should not be consumed within two hours before or after other medications and herbal remedies. Pregnant women are encouraged to avoid slippery elm since it may contain substances that induce miscarriage. Since it also contains large amounts of mucilage (fiber) and tannins, some people may have an allergy to it. It does help neutralize stomach acid caused by indigestion.

Sheep Sorrel

• This is the main ingredient in Essiac that purportedly gives it its power. Sheep sorrel contains high amounts of oxalic acid, tannins, and anthraquinones. Some medical theories state that it may increase the risk of head and neck cancers, but there is no conclusive evidence. Symptoms of oxalic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, dangerously low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, throat swelling, and eventually kidney and liver damage and/or failure.

  On the other hand, sheep sorrel leaves can be chewed in moderation with little or no ill effects. Cooking breaks down the oxalic acid, rendering it inert. (Much like cooking rhubarb.) Therefore, cooked sheep sorrel may pose little or no health threat.

Indian Rhubarb Root

• Members of the rhubarb family have traditionally been used as diuretics and laxatives. For this reason, consuming too much Indian rhubarb may cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Rhubarb also contains oxalic acid (effects listed under sheep sorrel), but this is rendered inert when cooked properly. Prolonged or improper use could result in cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and loss of muscle activity (rigidity) caused by the dehydration and electrolyte (mineral) imbalances.

Overall Essiac Dangers

• As with any herbal remedy, food, plant, prescription medication, or over-the-counter medication, allergies and unknown reactions may and do exist. Just because a treatment works for someone, that doesn't mean it won't kill or injure someone else. Therefore, all medial treatments should be done only under the supervision of a medical professional. Until proven otherwise, all medical treatments are potentially allergenic, mutagenic or carcinogenic.