Essiac tea any comments

[Sz123]

Hi ladies,

I am just wondering if anyone tried Essiac tea.I have heard about it????

Shab's

[Lyndy]

No?! Do tell....? xx

[Yoshbosh]

I've read up about it, and as with all the alternative treatments there are mixed views, but it looks like one of those things where it can't hurt to try it.

[Hidden]

Have heard of it but havent tried it, I expect it can be got in a Health shop?

[koffeekat99]

Hi

Essiac tea is just a particular blend of dried herbs. The general mix is burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm and indian rhubarb root. You can find others with watercress, blessed thistle, red clover and kelp in too.

Burdock root, slippery elm, blessed thistle and red clover are used in herbal medicine in the UK for a variety of reasons, but wouldn't particularly be associated with cancer. Sorrels are sometimes a salad addition, but aren't for everyone as they contain oxalates, but again not particularly associated with cancer. I'm not familiar with indian rhubarb root, but haven't heard of it being associated particularly with cancer. Watercress and kelp would again usually be food items.

Looking at the mix of herbs you might find that it moves your digestive system along a bit if it's sluggish. But I wouldn't recommend taking it for that reason if that's what you want. You're better off with herbs that are suited specifically to your situation as this particular mix of herbs may not be suitable for you.

The use of red clover may not be the best addition to a tea for people with cancer that could be hormone related.

Overall I wouldn't bother with it. If you really wanted to take a herbal tea the best advice I can give is to ask a qualified herbalist, especially someone who specialises in cancer. They'll suggest something that won't interfere with any of your existing medication and will be suitable for you personally, i.e. look at your health overall, look at possible allergies, contraindications, etc. If they're properly qualified they will not tell you that an herbal tea will cure your cancer. By qualified I mean someone registered with a professional body, not someone over the counter in a health food shop.

Cancer research UK have an article on Essiac tea, which does provide some basic information. However, they aren't familiar with the specific herbs and therefore haven't commented on whether the herbs can be taken or not. Everyone is different, so these tea blends tend not to be a great idea for people with complex health issues.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...