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Dietary supplement

Essaic Tea Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutriNoche

Essaic Tea label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Essaic Tea against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Essaic Tea is a dietary supplement by NutriNoche with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for skin conditions like acne and eczema, digestive support, diuretic ('detox') and blood purifier.Based on those ingredients, 2,232 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Slippery Elm, Cat's Claw, Turkish Rhubarb. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Essaic Tea by NutriNoche

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Essaic Tea by NutriNoche — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Essaic Tea by NutriNoche

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 30, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (18 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Essiac Tea contains five active ingredients: burdock root, Turkish rhubarb, slippery elm inner bark, sheep sorrel (also called sorrel), and cat's claw. The product also contains distilled water as an inactive ingredient.

Each plays a traditional role in herbal blends, though the evidence supporting most of these uses is insufficient or limited in humans.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Menopausal symptoms — rated "Possibly Effective" (Rhubarb) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Pancreatitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Rhubarb) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for what Essiac Tea does is limited. Burdock has insufficient reliable evidence for acne, aging skin, breast cancer, common cold, and eczema.

Turkish rhubarb is possibly effective for pancreatitis and menopausal symptoms, but has insufficient evidence for appendicitis, nasopharyngeal cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and constipation. Slippery elm, sheep sorrel, and cat's claw all lack sufficient evidence for their proposed uses—including cancer, constipation, cough, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, bronchitis, hay fever, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Burdock Rhubarb Slippery Elm Sorrel Cat's Claw

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Burdock is likely safe as a food and for short-term use in healthy adults, though human safety data are limited. It's generally well tolerated, but rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and contact dermatitis have been reported; one case of liver disease was linked to a detox tea containing burdock and other ingredients, though causation is unclear.

Turkish rhubarb root (used medicinally, not the stalk) causes common side effects like cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term or excessive use can lead to potassium loss, kidney damage, and electrolyte problems.

Slippery elm is generally well tolerated short-term but has limited safety data; contact dermatitis and allergic reactions to the pollen are possible. Sheep sorrel is likely safe in food amounts but contains high oxalates; medicinal doses can cause kidney damage, and a case of kidney inflammation was reported in a child.

Cat's claw is generally tolerated short-term, though one clinical study reported anemia in 12% of participants and kidney injury in several case reports. Burdock, Turkish rhubarb, and cat's claw should be avoided in pregnancy.

Turkish rhubarb and cat's claw should also be avoided while breastfeeding; burdock and slippery elm don't have enough safety data to know whether breastfeeding is safe. Sheep sorrel is possibly safe in pregnancy, but medicinal amounts aren't proven safe and should be avoided while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Burdock Rhubarb Slippery Elm Sorrel Cat's Claw

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Burdock, Rhubarb, Cat's Claw, Sorrel, Slippery Elm.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 2,233 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Essiac Tea, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (like warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin or clopidogrel), water pills (diuretics), steroids, heart medications (digoxin, calcium channel blockers), medications for high blood pressure, any drug metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, immune-suppressing medications, the COVID-19 drug nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, the allergy medication fexofenadine, or any other oral prescription drug. The risk is moderate across all these categories.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Essiac Tea is a traditional herbal blend, but most of its ingredients lack strong evidence for the conditions they're claimed to treat. More importantly, it interacts with a large number of medications—blood thinners, water pills, heart drugs, steroids, liver and kidney medications, and many others—and can slow the absorption of oral drugs broadly.

If you take any prescription medication, run it through the interaction checker on this page before adding this product, then talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist to be sure it's right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Essaic Tea, straight from the product label.

Brand NutriNoche
Net contents 32 fl. Oz.; 1 Quart(s); 940 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 23, 2020
DSLD ID 230353
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Essaic Tea by NutriNoche, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 fl. Oz.
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 fl. Oz.
Servings per container
32
IngredientAmount% DV
Burdock0 NP--
Proprietary Blend18 mg--
Turkish Rhubarb0 NP--
Slippery Elm0 NP--
Sheep Sorrel0 NP--
Cat's Claw0 NP--

Other ingredients: distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 fluid ounce or 1 cap full daily.

Precautions

California Warning: This product contains Turkish Rhubarb. Follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Formula

Why essaic tea? Burdock root: Has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. A diuretic and promotes perspiration allowing the body to detoxify.

Sheel Sorrel reduces cholesterol and glucose levels. Purifies the liver.

Cat's claw bark stimulates the immune system. Has anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Slippery elm rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Soothes gastrointestinal conditions and inflammation. Turkish rhubarb has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turkish rhubarb has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Has shown to decrease menopausal symptoms.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Zero additives, artificial ingredients, preservatives, egg, peanuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, yeast

Original nurse caisse tea formula

Detoxifies the body Strengthens the immune system Restores energy levels

All herbs used in this supplement are organic or wild-crafted (grown and processed without chemicals).

100% pure and natural Made in Utah, USA

100% natural

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Refrigerate after opening

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Consistent Quality

Made in U.S.A Product

General Statements

Go to our website and join our VIP club to receive special savings and coupons

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Essaic Tea by NutriNoche label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Essaic Tea label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Essaic Tea by NutriNoche

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 fl. Oz. Dosage formLiquid Servings per container32 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

18 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Essaic Tea by NutriNoche Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Essaic Tea?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
2,232Drugs
2,232 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Slippery Elm 2,022
Cat's Claw 962
Turkish Rhubarb 658
Sheep Sorrel 169
Burdock 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Essaic Tea interact with 2,232 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Essaic Tea interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Slippery Elm Cat's Claw Turkish Rhubarb Sheep Sorrel Burdock

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Essaic Tea with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Slippery Elm1 drug type · 2,022 drugs

Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilage, which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Slippery Elm full monograph & interactions

Cat's Claw6 drug types · 962 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can inhibit platelet aggregation. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. In vitro and animal research suggests that rhynchophylline can lower blood pressure. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains various alkaloids, including rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, and isocorynoxiene. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can lower blood pressure by acting as calcium channel blockers. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Cat's claw may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. In vitro research shows that cat's claw can inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. In one case report, a patient taking cat's claw (at an unspecified dose) experienced increased serum levels of atazanavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, all of which are CYP3A4 substrates. Levels returned to normal 15 days after discontinuation of the cat's claw supplement, suggesting inhibition of CYP3A4 by cat's claw. In contrast, animal research suggests that rhynchophylline, an alkaloid contained in cat's claw, induces CYP3A expression and accelerates the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, cat's claw might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In human and laboratory research, cat's claw has been shown to have immunostimulating activity. It stimulates phagocytosis and increases respiratory cellular activity and the mobility of leukocytes. Theoretically, this could interfere with the activity of immunosuppressant medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid)

Theoretically, cat's claw may decrease the levels of nirmatrelvir.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that this alkaloid induces CYP3A expression, thereby accelerating the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cat's Claw full monograph & interactions

Turkish Rhubarb8 drug types · 658 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might compound corticosteroid-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking rhubarb with cyclosporine might reduce cyclosporine levels.
Animal research shows that co-administration of rhubarb decoction 0.25 or 1 gram/kg with cyclosporine 2.5 mg/kg, decreases cyclosporine maximum plasma concentration and overall exposure levels when compared with taking cyclosporine alone. The authors theorize that rhubarb might reduce cyclosporine bioavailability by inducing of P-glycoprotein and/or cytochrome P450 3A4. However, since rhubarb was administered as a single oral dose and enzyme induction usually occurs after multiple doses, it is possible that cyclosporine absorption was actually reduced via rhubarb's stimulant laxative effects. Also, the composition of the rhubarb decoction was not described.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, overuse of rhubarb might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of rhubarb with potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Some animal research suggests that anthraquinones in rhubarb might have hepatotoxic effects. Also, rhubarb use has been linked to at least 24 cases of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nephrotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, long-term use of anthraquinones from rhubarb might increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with nephrotoxic drugs.
The anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity in animal research. Additionally, in a case report, a 23-year old female presented with kidney failure after taking 6 tablets of a proprietary slimming agent (found to contain the anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin from rhubarb) daily for 6 weeks and then adding diclofenac 25 mg 4 times daily for 2 days. The authors postulate that the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb contributed to the renal dysfunction, and the addition of diclofenac, a nephrotoxic drug, led to renal failure. Until more is known, advise patients to avoid taking rhubarb if they are taking other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, rhubarb might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, excessive use of rhubarb might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of rhubarb.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Turkish Rhubarb full monograph & interactions

Sheep Sorrel3 drug types · 169 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, sorrel might cause additive effects and side effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, sorrel has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Sorrel might reduce the effectiveness of fexofenadine by reducing its absorption from the gut.
In vitro research shows that an ethanol extract of sorrel inhibits organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2), which transports fexofenadine from the intestine into cells. In rats, concomitant administration of sorrel extract with fexofenadine reduces oral absorption of fexofenadine and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC).

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Sorrel might reduce the effectiveness of OATP substrates by reducing their absorption from the gut.
In vitro research shows that sorrel inhibits OATP1A2. Theoretically it may inhibit other OATPs. The OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and transport drugs into cells. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sheep Sorrel full monograph & interactions

Burdock1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking burdock with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.

In vitro research shows that lignans from burdock reduce rabbit platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Burdock full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Essaic Tea, from the product label.

NutriNoche

See all NutriNoche products
Name
Noche Inc.
Street Address
4066 Shady Plum Way
City
South Jordan
State
Utah
ZipCode
84009
Phone Number
801-814-9615
Web Address
www.NutriNoche.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Essaic Tea by NutriNoche: Common Questions

Does Essaic Tea by NutriNoche interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Essaic Tea has a known interaction with 2,232 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Essaic Tea contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Essiac Tea while I'm pregnant?
Burdock, Turkish rhubarb, and cat's claw should be avoided during pregnancy due to lack of safety data and possible effects on the uterus. Sheep sorrel is rated as possibly safe in pregnancy, but medicinal amounts haven't been proven safe. Slippery elm doesn't have enough reliable safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I take Essiac Tea while breastfeeding?
Burdock, Turkish rhubarb, and cat's claw should be avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. Sheep sorrel medicinal amounts aren't proven safe while nursing. Slippery elm has too little information on safety during breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're nursing.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
Turkish rhubarb commonly causes cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Contact dermatitis has been reported with burdock, especially with prolonged use. Slippery elm can cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. Sorrel pollen may trigger allergic rhinitis or asthma in sensitive people. Most ingredients are generally well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term safety data are limited.
Does this product actually work for cancer or other serious conditions?
The evidence for Essiac Tea's ingredients is insufficient to establish effectiveness for cancer, Alzheimer disease, asthma, osteoporosis, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Turkish rhubarb is possibly effective for pancreatitis and menopausal symptoms, but the other ingredients lack reliable evidence for their traditional uses. Don't rely on this product as a treatment for any serious condition without talking to your doctor first.
Why does slippery elm matter if I take other medications?
Slippery elm contains a thick mucilage that may coat your digestive tract and slow the absorption of oral medications, potentially making them less effective. This could affect any drug you take by mouth. Space this product away from your medications, and check with your pharmacist about the timing.
What is cat's claw and why does it interact with so many drugs?
Cat's claw is a South American vine traditionally used in herbal blends. It contains alkaloids that affect how your liver breaks down medications (CYP3A4 enzyme) and may lower blood pressure. Because the liver enzyme involved is responsible for breaking down a huge number of drugs—from allergy medicines to certain cancer treatments—the potential for interactions is broad. That's why it's crucial to check your specific medications with your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Essaic Tea label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Essaic Tea’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Burdock

Interacts with 122 drugs

Burdock is a traditional herb most often used for skin problems and as a so-called 'blood purifier,' but high-quality human studies are lacking and most claims are not well proven. It is wid...

Read the full Burdock monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rhubarb

Interacts with 658 drugs

Rhubarb root has a long history of use as a laxative and in traditional Chinese medicine, and its edible stalks are a common food. Most medicinal claims are backed by limited or low-quality...

Read the full Rhubarb monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Slippery Elm

Interacts with 2,022 drugs

Slippery elm is a traditional herbal remedy made from the inner bark of a North American elm tree, used mainly to soothe sore throats and irritated digestive tracts. Its mucilage can coat an...

Read the full Slippery Elm monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Sorrel

Interacts with 169 drugs

Sorrel is a tangy, leafy herb used in cooking and traditional medicine, often for congestion, digestion, and inflammation. Solid human evidence for any health benefit is limited, and its hig...

Read the full Sorrel monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cat's Claw

Interacts with 962 drugs

Cat's claw is a South American vine traditionally used for inflammation, joint pain, and immune support. Some small studies hint it may help with arthritis symptoms, but the overall evidence...

Read the full Cat's Claw monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Essaic Tea's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 58 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Burdock 11 references
  1. Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40:1196-8. PubMed
  2. Sasaki Y, Kimura Y, Tsunoda T, Tagami H. Anaphylaxis due to burdock. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:472-3. PubMed
  3. Rhoads PM, Tong TG, Banner W Jr, Anderson R. Anticholinergic poisonings associated with commercial burdock root tea. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1984-85;22:581-4. PubMed
  4. Rodriguez P, Blanco J, Juste S, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to burdock (Arctium lappa). Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:134-5.
  5. Kassler, W. J., Blanc, P., and Greenblatt, R. The use of medicinal herbs by human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Arch Intern Med 1991;151(11):2281-2288. DOI
  6. Chan, Y. S., Cheng, L. N., Wu, J. H., Chan, E., Kwan, Y. W., Lee, S. M., Leung, G. P., Yu, P. H., and Chan, S. W. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011;19(5):245-254. PubMed
  7. Breed, F. B. and Kuwabara, T. Burdock ophthalmia. Arch Ophthalmol 1966;75(1):16-20.
  8. Bryson, P. D., Watanabe, A. S., Rumack, B. H., and Murphy, R. C. Burdock root tea poisoning. Case report involving a commercial preparation. JAMA 5-19-1978;239(20):2157. DOI
  9. <p>Fletcher GF<span>, </span>Cantwell JD. Burdock root tea poisoning. JAMA <span>1978 Oct 6;240(15):1586.</span></p> DOI
  10. Latif A, Fichadiya H, Abid F, Capo G. Herbal Teas and Thrombocytopenia: A Curious Case of Yellow Dock and Burdock-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2022;9(3):003247. PubMed
  11. Niazi B, Ahmed K, Ahmed M, Ali S, Song K, Elias S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury from Herbal Liver Detoxification Tea. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2022;16(3):612-617. PubMed

See these in context on the Burdock monograph →

Rhubarb 20 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  5. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  6. Kwan TH, Tong MK, Leung KT, et al. Acute renal failure associated with prolonged intake of slimming pills containing anthraquinones. Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:394-7.
  7. Fairbairn JW. The anthraquinone laxatives. Biological assay and its relation to chemical structure. Pharmacology 1976;14:48-61. PubMed
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Slippery Elm 3 references
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Sorrel 8 references
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Cat's Claw 16 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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