essiac

Essiac is a proprietary herbal mixture originally popularized in the 1920s by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (the name "Essiac" is her surname spelled backwards). It consists of four main herbs: burdock root (Arctium lappa), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), slippery elm inner bark (Ulmus fulva or Ulmus rubra), and Indian rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum). Some later formulations—such as Flor-Essence—add watercress, blessed thistle, red clover, and kelp. Essiac is marketed as a dietary supplement and herbal tea with claims that it can detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, relieve pain, reduce tumor size or side effects from cancer treatment, improve quality of life and energy levels, and promote general well-being. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for treating cancer or any other disease; some studies have shown no benefit or even potential harm. The product has not been approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA for any medical use[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Brand names

Essiac

Other names

Flor-EssenceHerbal EssenceNAP Herbal TeaTea of LifeVitalitea