The History of Essiac Tea

Essiac got its name in 1922 from Canadian Nurse Rene Caisse, who inadvertently discovered its benefits via one of her patients, according to the Essiac Info website. It should be noted that essiac is Caisse spelled in reverse. Caisse learned about essiac when a woman, who was suffering from breast cancer, took it and recovered from the cancer. The ailing woman had been given the essiac by a medicine man from the Ojibwa tribe. Caisse began using the herb in her practice.

History

• Caisse proceeded to treat her patients with her secret tea formula, as well as giving them an injection, according to the Cancer website. However, in 1938 she was investigated by the Canadian authorities who deemed that there was insufficient evidence regarding the benefits of using essiac. Years later (1977), the nurse handed over her secret formula to a Canadian manufacturer.

Composition

• Essiac tea is actually a mixture of various herbs. When it was first discovered, its contents included slippery elm inner back, burdock root, Indian rhubarb root and sheep sorrel. In later years, blessed thistle, watercress, red clover and kelp were added. When this occurred, the tea was subsequently called Flor Essence. While some of the specific herbs in essiac tea do possess anti-cancer properties, it has yet to be designated as an anti-carcinogen.

Possible Benefits

• Despite the fact that there is no clinical evidence to support the efficacy of essiac in regard to treatment of diseases and, specifically, cancer, many have found that drinking the tea is beneficial and helps combat fatigue, fibroid tumors, hypoglycemia, hemorrhoids, impotence, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, ulcers, warts, allergies, arthritis, dementia, psoriasis and even AIDS, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Additional Benefits

• Essiac aficionados claim that it cleanses the blood, detoxifies the body, restores energy levels and relieves inflammation, as well as rids the body of excess mucous, stimulates the stomach and bolsters the immune system.

Process

• If you are going to drink essiac tea, it is advised that you do it on an empty stomach and drink 1 to 12 oz. a day. This tea can purchased in both liquid and dry formulations.

Warning

• According to the American Cancer Society, there are possible side effects when drinking essiac tea, including low blood sugar, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting and potential damage to the kidney and liver. Do not mix essiac with other herbs or drugs because adverse reactions could occur.