Question 1

What is Essiac Tea?

Accepted Answer

Essiac is a purifying herbal remedy developed by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse based on traditional Ojibwe knowledge and is widely used as an alternative anti-cancer treatment. It contains four key organic or wildcrafted ingredients: burdock root, sheep sorrel root and stem, slippery elm bark and Indian rhubarb root.

Question 2

Does this blend follow the original formulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Essiac tea is made using the four ingredients in Rene Caisse’s formulation, according to the proportions she devised. It does not contain any additional ingredients.

Question 3

What is Essiac Tea used for?

Accepted Answer

Essiac Tea is designed to aid the body in removing toxins and waste, allowing cellular renewal. It is designed to support the immune system and promote overall good health.

You can read more about the health benefits associated with this blend further below.

Question 4

What does it taste like?

Accepted Answer

Essiac Tea has a slightly earthy and bitter herbaceous taste. Because it is made into a decoction which is taken with hot water, it is possible to adjust the intensity of the flavour by experimenting with the amount of herb included in the initial brew and in how much it is diluted to serve. It can be sweetened with honey if desired.

Profile: herbaceous + earthy + slightly bitter

Question 5

How do you make Essiac Tea?

Accepted Answer

Combine 10g of loose leaf OM’s Essiac Tea per 1 litre of filtered water in a saucepan on the stove.
Boil, on high for 10 minutes with the lid on.
Turn off the heat and stir the mixture, ensuring you get all the residue from the sides and lid.
Allow to cool (keeping it on the stove top) and steep further overnight or approximately 10 hours with lid on.
Strain and store the mixture in a sterilised container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Dosage of Essiac Tea:

The amount of tea consumed depends on you and the condition of your health. Typically, we recommend starting with a small dose at first: 30ml dosage of herbal tea diluted in 60ml of hot water.

This should be sipped slowly, preferably before bed or on rising. The reason for sipping the tea is that the tongue is the initial point of interaction with the herbs and some of the components start their action here, specifically the bitter actives. Food should be avoided at least an hour after drinking the tea.

Question 6

How do you store it?

Accepted Answer

To preserve the vitality, flavour and therapeutic actions of our teas, we recommend storing in our signature MIRON ultraviolet glass jars – or in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Storing in this manner will extend the blends aroma, vibrancy and benefits for up to 24 months.

Question 7

Health Benefits of Essiac Tea

Accepted Answer

ESSIAC TEA FOR CANCER & CHEMOTHERAPY:

Rene Caisse’s traditional formula has many health benefits and is commonly used for chronic conditions and as an alternative treatment for cancer. While it is not officially recommended as a cancer treatment, there are studies that show an improved sense of well-being for those who consume it. Further studies indicate that the Essiac herbal tea formula “possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents.”

BURDOCK HEALTH BENEFITS:

Organic burdock root is a key ingredient in our Essiac tea. A 2016 review study evaluated Lappaol F, an anticancer constituent found in burdock (Arctium Lappa), and found that it “suppressed cancer cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human cancer cell lines of various tissue types.” Furthermore strong growth inhibition of xenograft tumours was demonstrated. The constituent was well tolerated without significant toxicity in treated animals. The results of this study demonstrated for the first time that “Lappaol F exhibits anti-tumour activity in vitro and in vivo and has strong potential to be developed as an anticancer therapeutic”. (Read more: Pharmacological effect of arctium lappa)

Further sources confirm that “the medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancer” have been reported.

SHEEP SORREL HEALTH BENEFITS:

Sheep sorrel is good for the immune system due to its naturally high vitamin A and C content. Some sources suggest that René Caisse believed sheep sorrel to be the most active herb in her formula. Independent studies concluded that the herb destroys cancer cells, based on evidence that the herb demonstrates substantial cell growth inhabitation.

SLIPPERY ELM BARK HEALTH BENEFITS:

Benefits associated with this nutritious herb are mostly based on its soothing properties, reducing pain and inflammation. In traditional medicine, the herb is an effective remedy for treating: sore throats, coughs, wounds, diarrhoea, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and heartburn.

RHUBARB ROOT HEALTH BENEFITS:

The herb has a high content of vitamins, minerals and acids. Its effects on the body include: laxative, inflammatory, tonic, antibacterial, good diuretic. This herb is often recommended for detoxifying the body, treating stomach diseases, fevers and constipation.

Furthermore, studies have shown that it is good for protecting the skin and eyes from the effects of free radicals, which can cause healthy cells to mutate or die. This is due to it being a good source of polyphonic compounds such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein.

You can read more about the health benefits of each ingredient in our Materia Medica library.

This purifying and tonifying bitter decoction has traditional benefits and plant compounds that are:

Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antitumor
Detoxifying
Laxative

Which may naturally:

Aid natural detoxification via the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system
Soothe inflammation
Tone digestion
Fortify immunity
Protect against chronic disease

Question 8

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Some people can experience side effects like headache, nausea, mild diarrhoea and runny nose while taking Essiac tea. To avoid unpleasant side effects the dosage of the tea and the frequency with which it is taken should be moderate. Also, it is important to allow your body to acclimate to a change in dose.

Question 9

Allergen Information

Accepted Answer

This product has been manufactured, packaged and stored in a facility that is free from nuts, dairy, soy, sesame seeds, sulphites and eggs.

Please be mindful

Talk to your health practitioner prior to taking this Essiac blend, if you:

are trying to conceive, currently pregnant or nursing.
have colitis or ulcers.
are known to have increased blood iron levels.
have any sort of kidney issues.
currently experience diarrhoea or any sort of bowel obstruction.
are a child under the age of 12.

Herbal infusions are considered food grade therapeutics and are generally safe to consume. Even though our blends are made using organic ingredients and formulated by our founder and naturopath, the information provided is not intended to diagnose in any way. We recommend consulting your Primary Healthcare Professional such as your GP, Naturopath or Herbalist, if you are unsure, have any underlying health conditions or are on pharmaceutical medication, as they can advise on what’s right for you.

Proudly:

Question 10

Provenance

Accepted Answer

Proudly Australian made and owned. All blends are naturopathically hand-blended and packaged by the Organic Merchant team in Sydney, Australia. Made using the highest quality local and internationally sustainably-sourced certified organic ingredients.

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Selection	Tea Box, Glass Jar, Refill Pouch 200g, Refill Pouch 500g (best value)

Essiac Tea

LOOSE LEAF ESSIAC TEA – PURIFYING & TONIFYING

Certified Organic and Wildcrafted Ingredients: