Question
Does Essiac interact with HIV medication?
30 March 2010. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Supplements and herbs.
I wanted to take Essiac formula made up by a friend who is a homeopath and an aromatherapist, as a spring detox.
I thought I should check if the ingredients (slippery elm, thurkey rhubard, sheep sorrel and burdock root) might interact with my HIV medications, Truvada, ritonavir and atazanavir.
I know there is evidence that some things like garlic and St John’s Wort interfere with HIV medications and so reluctantly I avoid them. Your help in finding the most recent and balanced information would be appreciated.
Thanks
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Essaic appears to be safe to use. However, there have been no scientific studies which assess the effects of Essiac in HIV positive people only anecdotal evidence. There have also been no tests to see if any of the four ingredients in this formulation interact with HIV medication.
As with any drug you are wanting to take, herbal or otherwise, it is important to speak to your HIV doctor before taking it.
Burdock root and Rhubarb have been found to have strong laxative effects so if you do decide to take it then be aware that this may affect the absorption levels of your drugs. It is also important to eat during your detox if you are taking HIV medication. I know some people prefer to use the tea alone.
As you said, St. John’s Wort does interact with your HIV medication but garlic does not so feel free to eat as much garlic as you want. Garlic is actually very good for you.
For more information on Essiac use in HIV positive people please follow this link
Hi Phakama, yes you can. This ‘detox tea’ is not going to interact with your treatment.
Hi I’m M. Can I use the detox tea foe a short period of time. It hat has sunflower, linseed, burdock and senna. I am in ART.
Hi Lali, there are no interactions with the drugs you are taking.
More info on Odefsey is at this link:
https://i-base.info/guides/11382
The best website to check for HIV drug interactions is:
https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org
Hi does rhubarb and burdock interfere with HIV medication I am taking Odefsey, acyclovir and calcium with vitamin D
Hi Billy,
If you’re asking, what is better, tea or ARVS, then the answer is ARVs. This is because only ARVs can control a persons immune system. If I’ve misunderstood your question, could you please rephrase it.
Which is better to use tea or the capsules I am hiv for 13 years I would like to get my.immune system up since I did not find out until 2012 that I was hiv .I have tried to eat good and I do not drink alcohol or smoke. So how long have you been taking your capsules
Essiac herbal pills may appear to be safe to use. However, there have been no scientific studies to assess the effects of Essiac when taking ARVs. There have also been no tests to see if any of the four ingredients in Essiac interact with HIV medication.
As with any drug you are wanting to take, herbal or otherwise, it is important to speak to your HIV doctor before taking it.
2016/05/14 at 3:42 pm
I am using essiac pills with my ARVs. I don’t have a problem. I am active and I am doing very well.