Is Essiac Actually Effective Against Cancer?

Essiac was originally developed as a cancer remedy in the 1920s. The traditional essiac recipe calls for four health-boosting herbs: sheep sorrel, burdock root, Turkish or Indian rhubarb root and slippery elm bark, though some modern-day manufacturers often add ingredients, such as kelp or watercress, to the formula. Although essiac hasn't been approved by the FDA as a cancer remedy, the herbal blend has shown to be effective in treating the effects of cancer, including fatigue, pain and toxicity, especially when used in conjunction with modern medicine.

Pain Relief

• Use essiac to relieve aches and pains resulting from cancer. Slippery elm bark helps sooth sore spots by reducing swelling. Also, look for essiac formulas with watercress, which contains rhein, a natural pain reliever.

Fight Cancer

• Studies have shown that certain essiac ingredients are effective in stopping the progression of cancer. For instance, burdock root may have anti-mutation properties. Some studies have shown that burdock root has stopped the growth of tumors in certain mammals. Also, look for essiac herbal blends with red clover. Red clover provides a rich source of isoflavones, antioxidant organic compounds that can reduce cancerous cells in the body.

Immunity/Detoxification

• Essiac can also help the body fend off cancer by providing extra nutrients, which, in turn, give the body more fuel with which to battle disease. Sheep sorrel contains a variety of health-fortifying nutrients, including potassium, iron and vitamin C. Look for essiac formulas containing kelp tend to boost energy and overall health by maintaining proper cell metabolism.

  Essiac contains antioxidants that help eliminate harmful substances from the body, such as cancer. Burdock root helps organs function more efficiently, helping the body eliminate more destructive waste. Rhubarb root also cleanses the body by stimulating the bile duct. Several essiac ingredients, including sheep sorrel and burdock root, are diuretics, which aid the body in getting rid of excess substances more quickly.

Using Essiac

• Drink an aggressive dose of essiac herbal tea, in addition to other medications and therapies to fight cancer effectively. The suggested dosage is nine ounces per day, which can be broken down into two or three smaller doses, for the duration of the cancer. However, if currently on chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the recommended daily dosage is upped 18 ounces, because these cancer treatments can lower the effectiveness of essiac. After the cancer is in remission, experts suggest taking a maintenance dose of three ounces daily to build immunity. To ensure that the maximum amount of essiac is digested, take essiac on an empty stomach, about two hours after and one hour before eating.