Essiac

Health and essiac

1. Human studies on essiac for its safety and effectiveness for cancer patients or for breast cancer treatment are lacking. Studies that have been carried out doesn’t seem to be beneficial as they have varied results, moreover essiac was administered along with other proven therapies for cancer making it impossible to isolate the effects of essiac. Also different brands of essiac may have variable ingredients in not a constant proportion making the comparative effectiveness of these formulas difficult. Not a single individual herb used in essiac is tested individually for its safety and effectiveness in cancer treatment. Individuals with cancer may benefit from essiac supplementation but it is very important to start the other proven cancer therapies and not delay cancer treatment.  
2. As the herbal combination of essiac is also believed to have immune enhancing properties, essiac has also become popular among patients with HIV and diabetes.

Side effects and essiac 

1. The tannins, oxalic acid and anthraquinones present in the herbs used as ingredient in essiac products. Tannins may cause stomach upset and in high concentrations may lead to liver or kidney damage.
   
   
   
   Oxalic acid in high levels can cause throat/mouth burning, very low blood pressure, seizure, blood electrolyte imbalances, nausea and vomiting. Anthraquinones may cause diarrhea, loss of fluid and electrolytes and intestinal problems.
2. Essiac or essiac containing products are not recommended in pregnancy and lactation its safety and effectiveness in these conditions is not proved.