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Essiac, also known as Flor Essence, is a blend of herbs made from Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, burdock and slippery elm bark. Some versions are purported to also contain blessed thistle, red clover, kelp and watercress. It is supposedly an ancient Ojibwa medicine drink and was applied by a Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse, to which it owes its name. It was first introduced to the medical scene in the 1920s, used up until the 1970s and then was attempted to be commercialized thereafter. The effort met little success though and is now mainly drunk for herbal cleansing purposes. Rene Caisse learned of the herbal drink formula from a patient and used it to help her aunt cope with her illness. By 1924, she opened her own clinic and offered the herbal mixture to patients. Thousands were served and by 1938, her business was investigated by Canadian medical authorities. It was then found out that there was little efficacy behind the medical management she’s providing. And upon the closure of her practice, she sold the 4-herb formula to a Toronto-based manufacturer, and died by 1978. Essiac tea is notably bitter of taste, especially the eight-herb variety. This can be mainly attributed to the watercress – a water plant containing significant amounts of iodine, folic acid, iron, calcium and Vitamin A and C. It takes a few weeks before the initial disgust wears off. And since the recommended serving is only about 3 oz. per day, it shouldn’t be that much of a problem to ingest small amounts even if you don’t find the flavor appealing. Besides, essiac tea is not known to be a recreational drink. It is a form of alternative medicine and taken like a tonic. For those who are brave enough to try it, experts advise that you swish your mouth with orange juice after drinking it to counteract the after taste. On top of that, it should also be taken 2 hours before meals, on an empty stomach. The dosages may vary though depending on the condition, weight and tolerance of the user. And manufacturers allow as much as 12 ounces to be taken daily for enhancement of therapeutic effects. They are usually sold as either dry or liquid formulas. And the method of preparation usually varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Spring or non-flouridated water is required to brew the tea so that the natural components are not counteracted. And refrigeration is compulsory after preparation. Essiac is sold in many health food stores as a dietary supplement and are also available by mail order in both the United States and Canada. They are sold anywhere between $20 and $30 a package. And soft gels are retailed at $40. Although they are accessible, it is essential that you first consult health professionals before you try them out so you do not aggravate pre-existing conditions. It may also be contraindicated to certain medications you are taking. So never carelessly mix and match until you are given approval by a medical practitioner. For more information about essiac and essiac tea visit our website essiactea.org.
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