Essiac

Essiac/Nutrient Depletion:

  • CalciumCalcium: Anecdotal reports suggest impaired absorption of calcium due to oxalate content (67).
  • GlucoseGlucose: Burdock extracts have demonstrated conflicting hypoglycemic activity in rats (28; 27), but may lower blood glucose levels in humans (59, 60, 61). However, streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice administered burdock paradoxically experienced hyperglycemia (27).
  • IronIron: Anecdotal reports suggest impaired absorption of iron due to oxalate content (67). However, based on laboratory study, rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) may have a moderately enhancing effect on iron absorption (68).
  • PotassiumPotassium: The laxative and diuretic properties of herbs in essiac formulations may lead to low potassium blood levels that are potentially dangerous in people taking digoxin or digitoxin (12; 51; 52; 50).
  • ZincZinc: Anecdotal reports suggest impaired absorption of zinc due to oxalate content (67; 65). In theory, use of rhubarb and sheep sorrel may decrease the absorption of zinc (67).