Essiac Tea Used for Cancer Fighting Properties

Essiac tea is an herbal tea mixture that is rapidly growing in popularity among cancer patients. It isn't a cure all but can help those with compromised immune systems with detoxing and strengthening the body's own natural immunity that is so often destroyed by chemo and radiation. It can be used alone, though many use it as a complimentary therapy. It should not be viewed as cure by any means.

There is little scientific evidence that essiac tea works but there are hundreds if not thousands of people who have used it with positive testimonials. Personally I have a friend who used it while undergoing chemo for ovarian cancer. She continued working a 40 hour week during the course of her treatment amazing everyone around her!

The tea is not only used in treating the body for cancer but is also used by many as a tonic and for detoxing the body. It has been said to help with pancreatic and liver disorders as well as stabilizing those with diabetes. Essiac is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. With any herbal therapy you will want to do your research first and look at any medications you are currently taking for any negative interactions. For the most part essiac is a very safe and complimentary therapy.

Essiac tea is actually a remedy of the Ojibwa tribe of North America, It was first "discovered" in 1922 when a Canadian nurse names Renee Caisse had a patient who seemed to have cured their own cancer using this native remedy. The patient in turn got the recipe from the Ojibwa healer and passed it along to Ms. Caisse. Caisse in turn opened her own cancer center and administered the tea to hundreds of patients with good results. The Canadian government almost approved the tea for use in terminally ill cancer patients. For unknown reasons, some believe conspiracy theories, MS Caisse's life's work was destroyed in a fire in or around 1938. The essiac formula seemed to have been forgotten until it resurfaced in the late 1980's.

The original formula is said to have included 4 herbs. Those being; burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb. This is the most common formula of essiac though there are formulations that also include small amounts of kelp, red clover, watercress and blessed thistle. There is some debate as to which formula is the original authentic essiac. I would stay with the first 4 as that's the one I have seen in widespread use.

The following is what the properties of the 4 herbs;

Burdock Root- detoxes the blood and cleanses the lymphatic system. Strengthens vital organ systems and can prevent kidney stones.

Slippery Elm-Cleanses the body of toxins. Soothing to all organ systems.

Sheep Sorrel- Nourishes the blood. Contains many vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Sheep sorrel is thought to kill cancer cells.

Indian Rhubarb- Detoxes the liver, helps clean out the gut and improves circulation.

You can make your own essiac tea or buy pre made concentrate or pills. Mixing up your own herbs is best for optimum freshness. Ideally you would buy a lb each of the four herbs and mix them in equal parts. To prepare essiac you will want to use 1.5 ounces to 2 gallons of water. Bring this mixture to a boil then simmer until it is cooked down to approx 2 quarts or so. Remove from heat and let sit for 24 hours. Bring to a boil again and skim off any residue from the surface. Strain through cheesecloth and bottle in dark bottles. Take 1 oz of tea 3-4 times day. Be sure to shake your bottle well before each use. The tea should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for several weeks. You will want to store your dried herbs in a cool dry area away from sunlight and in glass jars. Buying high quality organic herbs is preferred.

The tea may not taste very palpable at first but eventually you will come to not mind the taste and in fact many start to crave it.