Essiac tea is well-known for containing anti-cancer properties. The ingredients of this beverage are mainly composed of burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm. This particular mixture was first served in 1922 by Nurse Rene Caisse in a small clinic in Ontario, Canada. The current research has claimed that Essiac tea shows effects that lead to treatment and prevention to grave diseases such as leukemia, HIV, and AIDS.
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What is Essiac Tea?
Essiac tea is a mixture of different herbs that includes burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb. While these herbs are available as individual tea products, the blend maximizes its anti inflammatory, detoxification, antioxidants, and cancer-healing effects.
History of Essiac Tea
Northern Canadian Ojibway is believed to be the first maker of Essiac tea. The recipe was then handed down by word to different people until it reached the ears of a dutiful nurse from Ontario, Rene Caisse. She then later translated the recipe into a tonic that she offers to her patients to ease the pain they are feeling. The name of the tea was inspired by Rene’s last name “Caisse,” and it is when spelled backward it forms the word “Essiac.” Cancer patients widely consumed the tea during the early 20th century, and it made Rene a woman of an icon for her worthy contribution in eliminating the illness amongst people and bringing comfort to those who already have it. Despite its healing effects, Rene faced a lot of criticism in regards to her actions of providing herbal tea that is not authenticated by science as a medicine for cancer. But that didn’t stop Rene from offering her popular tonic to people, and she continued serving Essiac tea for free to those who badly needed it. Because of her persistence, it opened a lot of opportunities for scientists to learn and dissect the healing properties of Essiac against cancer.
Health Benefits of Essiac Tea
When it comes to health benefits, Essiac is the powerhouse of nutritional properties. Each natural ingredient of the formulation has its own contribution to keeping the body healthy and fit. Here are some of the well-known health benefits that one should know in regards to consuming Essiac tea.
Natural Cancer Fighter
Essiac is made from burdock root, a non woody plant that originates from the daisy family and its addition to the beverage helps ease the pain symptoms cancer patients usually experience. Though the tea is not yet verified as a treatment for cancer, many cases have been established that cancer patients – regardless of the stage – who consume this herbal remedy became free from their disease just after one year of drinking it regularly.
Strengthens the Immune System
Researchers discovered that the tea is also a rich source of Vitamin C because of the Indian rhubarb roots gathered to make Essiac. It stimulates the immune system to protect the body from viruses and different types of infection, thus it makes the body resistant to AIDS, HIV, lupus, and other immunodeficiency diseases.
Detoxifying the Body
Essiac is a great herbal tonic that cleanses your body. The mixture is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It reduces all the unnecessary toxins inside your body and it enriches the performance quality of your circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Maintenance for Diabetes
For diabetic individuals, it is mandatory for them to resort to a diet that will help them balance their blood sugar. Essiac tea is said to be a great addition to the diet as it basically uplifts the body to consume more low-carb foods. Researchers were able to verify that diabetes patients recorded no flares and overbearing symptoms after they consistently drank Essiac tea.
Increases Urine
Essiac tea increases the production of urine, making one pee more frequently. Diuretics are beneficial to the body because when the kidney produces more urine, it helps flush out the sodium and water in the body.
May Increase Bowel Movement
Some studies claimed that Essiac tea acts like a very mild laxative by speeding up the bowel movement. This could mean that it may help avoid constipation and bloating. Unlike senna tea and other laxatives, this will not cause any stomach cramps.
Proper Dosage and Side Effects of Essiac Tea
There are 5 different types of recommended doses for Essiac tea and it depends on the health condition of the person. First is called the Aggressive Dose and it should be used by people who are aiming to improve their health further. This dosage requires at least 9 oz. of consumption every day and it is divided into 3 oz. and it must be taken every after a meal. The next dosage is called Aggressive Dose Plus and this is for people who are currently in recession after chemotherapy and the recommended dose is 18 oz. of tea per day and the individual must consume it with an empty stomach. Maintenance Dose and Preventive Dose are for those who are in the recovery period from a disease, and the Detoxification Dose is administered for those individuals who want to cleanse their bodies and prevent acquiring health problems. These doses recommend at least 6 oz. of tea consumption per day.
Though not scientifically proven well, one should also be aware of the side effects of Essiac tea and it includes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, swollen lymph nodes, skin blemishes, flu-like symptoms, and migraines. Pregnant women must also be cautious in drinking this herbal tea as it is not advised by most physicians because it causes miscarriages and abnormalities with the baby. Moreover, cancer patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy should avoid drinking Essiac tea as this formulation and the radiation will further intoxicate the body.
Best Essiac Tea Brands
Starwest Botanicals Organic Essiac
Starwest Botanicals is a brand that offers bulk orders of herbs, spices, and other natural products. The brand is recognized as one of the main suppliers of herbaceous plants across the country with a plantation and a production house that is almost 150,000 sq. ft. in size. Starwest Botanicals introduces its variety of Essiac tea and it is sold inside a 1lb resealable mylar bag.
The product contains the usual components of Essiac which are burdock root, organic rhubarb root from Turkey, and organic slippery elm bark. The product is Kosher certified and approved by the National Organic Program standards. Starwest Botanicals Organic Essiac is perfect for those individuals who are seeking a more serene type of herbal tea and it definitely will give you the same health benefits for its organic quality.
Organa Essiac Tea
Essiac is believed to be a good conductor of detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system.
For Organa, Essiac is one of their versatile products that can provide those detoxifying benefits and at the same time, it can also act as a stress reliever. Proudly made in the USA, Organa’s Essiac is also made up of the main four botanical herbs of Essiac tea but with the addition of Cat’s Claw on the list. Its organic formula is one of the best remedies to fight stress and aids sleeping habits. The product is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant components.
Flora Essence Detox Dry Tea Blend
Flora Essence Detox Dry Tea Blend has been following the traditional Ojibwa formula of Essiac tea for decades. Unlike the other herbal supplements that are too strong to take, this product is suitable for everyday consumption and aside from its detoxifying qualities, it also assists in normalizing digestion and also helps in releasing gas to lessen stomach bloating. The product is made of 90% natural ingredients and each tea bag can accommodate at least 3 quarts of tea per serving.
Optimally Organic Essiac Tea and Powder
Optimally Organic Essiac can offer several health benefits that can contribute to a convenient and better lifestyle. Each tea bag contains ingredients that are hustlers of various nutritional elements. The brewed Essiac tea can also be added to juices and smoothies as an extra kick to the flavor.
Moreover, Optimally Organic doesn’t use preservatives and additives in manufacturing their products. The brand boasts its essiac tea product as a top-notch variety for providing the body a healthy skin and releasing unnecessary toxins. It is also advised by the brand to not throw away the herbs used in steeping and they positively recommend consuming it together to get more rewarding results from the beverage.
Essiac Canada International Supplement Powder
Since 1955, Essiac Canada International has been holding the rights of the original recipe from its original Ojibwa Indian makers. Right after the death of its sole founder, Rene Caisse, the Canadian company continued her legacy in making the topmost quality of essiac tea. Today, the brand has been exporting medicinal products that are based on essiac such as supplements, powdered teas, herbs, and pet medications.
The four main herbs that are present in this product purports to purge toxic build-ups, cleanse the blood, promote cell repair, and assist in effective assimilation and elimination. Each bottle of the supplement powder can last for up to 2 weeks and the formula may be sweetened with honey by desire.
Despite the uncertainty buzzing around this herbal formulation, Essiac tea is still supported by several cancer institutes for its purported uses of destroying cancer cells inside the body.
Throughout the years, the formulation has been tested by research to verify further the rewarding qualities. Today, Essiac tea contributes to the betterment of the individual’s health by being an alternative therapy for cancer, AIDS, HIV, diabetes, and other stress-related ailments such as anxiety and sleeping disorders.
