To make Essiac tea, steep 1 part burdock root, 1 part sheep sorrel, 1 part slippery elm, and 1 part turkey rhubarb in boiling water for 10 hours, then strain and serve.
Essiac tea is a traditional herbal remedy with roots in Canadian folk medicine. This powerful herbal blend combines burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and Turkish rhubarb root. While not scientifically proven to cure diseases, many use it as a complementary wellness tonic.
The Original Essiac Tea Recipe
The traditional Essiac tea formula requires careful preparation to maintain its potency. Follow these steps exactly for best results.
Ingredients Needed
- 6 1/2 cups chopped burdock root (cut, not powdered)
- 1 pound powdered sheep sorrel (25% roots recommended)
- 1/4 pound powdered slippery elm bark
- 1 ounce powdered Turkish rhubarb root
For smaller batches, use these ratios: 1.5 tbsp herb mix per 1 liter water.
Preparation Steps
- Combine all herbs thoroughly in a glass jar
- Bring spring or distilled water to boil in stainless steel pot
- Add herbs (1 oz per 32 oz water ratio)
- Boil covered for 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and let steep overnight (8-12 hours)
- Reheat to steaming (do not boil again)
- Strain through fine mesh into sterilized amber glass bottles
Storage & Serving
Refrigerated Essiac tea lasts 2-3 weeks. For serving:
- Dilute 2 oz tea with 2 oz hot water
- Drink on empty stomach morning and/or night
- Recommended dose: 2-4 oz daily
Modern Variations & Additions
Some modern versions include additional herbs like:
| Herb | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Red clover | Blood purification |
| Blessed thistle | Liver support |
| Kelp | Mineral content |
| Watercress | Antioxidant boost |
Flor-Essence is a commercial version that includes these additional herbs. For homemade versions, many herbalists recommend starting with the original 4-herb formula.
Equipment Considerations
Proper equipment is crucial for maintaining Essiac’s potency:
- Use only stainless steel or glass cookware (no aluminum)
- Store in amber glass bottles to protect from light
- Fine mesh stainless steel strainer recommended
- Consider a non-toxic juicer for preparing fresh herb components
Scientific Research & Safety
While anecdotal reports praise Essiac’s benefits, scientific evidence remains limited:
- 2006 study showed antioxidant properties (source)
- 2007 mouse study found no immune system effects
- No human clinical trials proving cancer treatment efficacy
Safety precautions:
- Consult doctor before use if pregnant or on medications
- May interact with diabetes or blood pressure drugs
- Not a substitute for medical treatment
Historical Context
Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (pronounced “Reen Case”) developed Essiac in the 1920s after observing its use by Ontario cancer patients. The name “Essiac” is her surname spelled backward. She administered the tea to thousands of patients under medical supervision until her death in 1978.
For those interested in herbal preparations, you might also explore wheatgrass juicing as another wellness practice with historical roots.
Buying vs. Making Essiac
While commercial preparations exist, many prefer homemade Essiac for:
- Cost savings (up to 70% less than pre-made)
- Control over ingredient quality
- Freshness assurance
When sourcing herbs, look for:
- Organic certification
- Wildcrafted sheep sorrel (contains roots)
- Freshness date on packaging
For large batches, consider a commercial juicer to process fresh herb components efficiently.
