What Are the Benefits of Essiac?

Essiac is a combination of four herbs that are made into a strong tea and taken internally. The four herbs are burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, slippery elm inner bark and sheep sorrel. These four herbs grow in the area surrounding Ontario, Canada, where the formula is thought to have originated with the Native Americans who lived in this region. In the 1920s, Rene Caisse, a nurse in Canada, began studying and working with this formula as a cancer treatment. According to Rene Caisse's work, the four herbs aid in supporting the immune system and stimulate the body's abilities to release toxins and encourage healing.

Burdock Root

• Burdock root, also called Arctium lappa, is considered important in traditional healing as a blood cleanser and aid in digestive tract functions. Its mucus-reducing abilities can aid in improved gastrointestinal tract functions, while stimulating the immune system. Burdock root also aids in releasing toxins, both through the skin and with its diuretic qualities, and improves high blood sugar levels with chromium, while its vitamin A and selenium aid in apprehending free radicals in the body. Burdock root can be eaten as a vegetable and is turning up with increasing frequency at health food stores.

Indian Rhubarb Root

• Indian rhubarb root, or Rheum officinale, is another digestive tract aid, as well as having liver-cleansing properties. Its laxative properties are accompanied by an astringent action, which may also have antiseptic actions. The combination of waste elimination and astringent cleansing make Indian rhubarb root a strong digestive tract cleansing aid. Indian rhubarb should be used with caution and avoided by pregnant women. The leaves are poisonous and should not be ingested.

Slippery Elm Inner Bark

• The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is high in calcium, tannins, mucilages and magnesium, as well as several important vitamins such as A, B, C and K. The tannins and the mucilages aid the nerve channels, glands and tissues by dissolving mucus deposits. Calcium, magnesium and vitamins aid in supporting organs, tissues and membranes.

Sheep Sorrel

• Sheep sorrel, or Rumex acetosella, is a traditional herbal remedy for detoxification by stimulating sweating and encouraging elimination through the kidneys. Trace minerals include ascorbic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon and mineral oxides. It is also thought to stimulate cell rejuvenation, combat swelling and treat fevers.

Considerations

• There have as yet been no conclusive studies that essiac has the ability to cure cancer. Essiac should not replace traditional treatment or be taken without consulting a doctor. Many people have used essiac with varying results, some positive and some without results. You can read more about Rene Caisse's work, articles she wrote and her immune system theory on her website (essiacinfo.org).