Caisse's Herbal Tea

The are a variety of herbal programs that will assist the immune system. Many are considered worthwhile as nutritional support for cancer. One particular formula that has stood the test of time, is known as "ESSIAC". This is a formula which is used in the hope of preventing cancer, and to prevent cancer cells from spreading. This has yet to be clinically proven.

In the early 1920's a young Canadian Nurse by the name of Renee Caisse was given this herbal formula by a patient who had said that she had cured herself of breast cancer by using this combination prepared by a medicine man from the Ojibwa tribe. Caisse used the same formula on patients who were terminally ill. She claimed many cures and a staggering success rate. She obtained permission from the Canadian Government to use this to treat people who were hopeless cases.  Many attempts were made to legalize Essiac as a "cure for cancer", including the submission of a Bill to parliament, which was defeated by only a few votes. The affect was quite detrimental and Caisse's Essiac was outlawed, to be used only as an underground remedy.

There have been a few books and many articles written on Essiac. There are claims of the right to the trademark. For this reason many herbalists make this same formula under different names to avoid conflict. Our formula is called " Caisse's Herbal Tea ".

The formula is quite simple and consists of four basic herbs: Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), the primary herb, Burdock Root  (Arcticum lappa), Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus fulva), and Turkey Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmarum). Some add other herbs, Watercress, Kelp, Pau d'Arco or Red Clover Blossom.

Sheep Sorrel is the most important herb in the formula. It is considered by Herbalists to contain anti-tumor properties. It contains large amounts of vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, K, P, and U. It has a high mineral content, including sodium, calcium, sulphur, iron, magnesium, chlorine, silicon, and trace amounts of copper, iodine, manganese and zinc. It also contains malic, oxalic, tannic, tartaric acids as well as a high amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Chlorophyll raises the amount of oxygen in the body. Some believe that cancer cannot live or thrive when oxygen levels are increased in the body. Caretenoids include beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in the liver. This is a known antioxidant and is very high in oxalic acid which may be a contributing factor to the alleged anti-tumor aspects of the herb.

Slippery Elm Bark is well known for its highly nutritive qualities and may revitalize a debilitated system. It contains vitamins A, B-Complex, C, K, and P, and is high in minerals and gallic acids. It is a demulcent rich in mucilage and this quality reduces irritation and reduces sensitivity to acids.  (Please note: at this time Slippery Elm Bark is considered to be an endangered herb)

Burdock Root has been used for centuries for, what has been considered to be, its amazing healing properties.  It is an extremely powerful blood purifier.  It is also rich in vitamins and has similar minerals to Sheep Sorrel. Burdock contains phosphorous, potassium, selenium.  The principle ingredient in Burdock is a polysaccharide called inulin.  Inulin
strengthens vital organs. It is considered by some to be a powerful immune modulator
that can enhance white blood cell activity.

Turkey Rhubarb Root is a strong liver cleanser, which has also been used for many centuries. This herb is extremely high in its vitamin and mineral content, including B-Complex, C, P, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, iodine, copper, sulphur, zinc, silicon, magnesium, manganese. The acidic contents include gallic, malic, oxalic and tannic acids.

There are many reports that this combination has cured cancer. Some choose to take the word of those who claim to have survived. It is difficult to rely on just one formula as a cure for any complicated disease. All cancers are different and all people are different. Most people combine a variety of protocols.

This is nutritional support for cancer. You are always advised to embrace a fully holistic and nutritional program in dealing with any dis-ease. Ojibwa Tea may be one part of an holistic and nutritional protocol. Many traditional mainstream practitioners and scientists are now starting to realize the value of nutrition.

For those who are using this formula in the hope of preventing cancer, there is no guarantee of this formula providing this support.  It  may be something you can use four months for two weeks to one month,  in conjunction with your health care provider's program. In this case take  4 oz per day, for six days then one day off. After six weeks take one week off, then after six months take one month off.  You may also want to consider using other herbs, like Pau d'Arco, Watercress, or Red Clover. If you have arthritis, you should exercise caution in using Essiac due to high oxalic acid content.

You also may consider immune system support with herbs such as Red Clover, Echinacea, Burdock, or Hyssop; liver support with Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Gentian, Yellow Dock, or related herbs;  building herbs like Damiana, Ginseng, Gotu-Kola, Ginkgo, or Fo-Ti.

The key to good essiac is fresh, quality and organic herbs. When purchasing the teas, do not choose a brand off a store shelf. Be sure its organic, fresh, recently harvested and top quality herbs. You would be surprised at the poor quality products being sold today. The best way to use this formula is in the most natural way possible. Also ensure the useless twigs have been excluded . It is best to find bulk herbs that have not been mass produced. Avoid capsulated essiac formulas. This remedy needs to be made as a tea, for effectiveness, and to minimize the oxalic acid content. In our society we tend to want to do things the commercially viable and easy way.  This  is not always for the best results.   If you would like to add this to your protocol, our tea is organic.