does anyone no anything about essiac tea.
I have read a bit on the internet about it and am a bit unsure if i should try it or not.
I have secondaries in my lymph nodes - neck, chest and lungs and would be grateful if anyone has any news about this tea or anything else which could help me with getting through this awful time we are all going though.
I start my treatment on tues and am really hoping and praying the same as everyone else is that the chemo ( Navelbine ) works if not I dont know if they will try any other chemo or wot is next I was too frightened to ask at diagnosis.
when u are given 12-18 mths to live nothing else sinks in. I am 36 with 4 children and want to be here for a lot longer yet any suggestions???
I can not take herceptin or tamoxifin as i was negative to them
does anyone no of any immune system boosters or herbal remedies that helps us
Hi Zena
So sorry to hear you’re in such a hard place right now.
I am personally very sceptical of alternative remedies which promise cancer cures on the basis of no evidence. Essiac tea is one such remedy. It was first used by a womman called Renee Caisse (Caisse is essiac backwards) and is a mix of four herbs: burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, Indian rhubard.) Miracle claims have been made for the mixture but there is absolutely no scientific evidence that it helps cure cancer nor slow down the growth of cancer. CRUK has very good information on its webiste.
If you do consider taking any herbal tretaments please do discuss with your medical team.
As to other things to help you…lots of people find that complemetary therpaies offered for example in hospices and cancer centres helpful for copin…aromatherapy, massage etc. Not for curing cnacer but simlpy to help us cope.
Like you I’m triple negative and like you about to start on vinorilbine…I know the fear and desperation at the thought that chemotherapy won’t work.
very best wishes
Jane
Hi Zena, I haven’t tried the tea but I do take Manuka honey, 2 teaspoons a day and I like to think that, so far, it’s helped keep my immune system tip top. I was diagnosed with bone mets in 2003 and haven’t had any colds, sore throats etc since diagnosis, have been on the highest dose of Xeloda since end of April this year and my bloods have held up. I hope Navelbine is working well for you. Take Care…x
Helpful info on Cancer Research’s patient info site, try a google for ‘cancerhelp essiac’
I took Essiac tea a few years ago and can’t say it made any difference to me plus it’s a pain boiling it etc. You also have to make sure that you get the totally organic type as there’s two types (which I can’t remember off the top of my head).
There are a number of books on Essiac tea and the history of Renee Caisse who was, I think, an Englishwoman working in America.
I must admit that I’m also a bit sceptical about these things but thought I’d try it but I didn’t keep up with it for very long!