ESSIAC TEA FROM CANADA, ESSIAC, OR OJIBWA TEA RENE CAISSE, a Canadian nurse from Ontario, Canada, worked with a patient who had a scarred breast. She had been diagnosed with a malignancy and declined a mastectomy. An Ojibwa Indian neighbor offered an herbal tea . Rene found that the recipe was easily assembled and pursued the results the rest of her life. Some patients who recovered inspired her to continue, however the medical community wondered. A family member recovered from stomach cancer, and terminally ill patients, who had nothing to lose, just to gain, also improved. In 1938, the legislature in Canada decided by 3 votes not to legalize the treatment. for terminal cancer. Cancer patients may obtain the formula from Dr. Hugh Wilson , the Resperin Co., by having their doctors submit written requests through Health&Welfare Canada. Gilbert Elondin of Hull, Quebec. he watched his wife recover 3 months after she began taking Essiac from Rene. Gilbert's problems began when he began to make the product, and asked for a D.I.N. number from Canadian health authorities, but was told he did not need one, as it was a food, not a drug. Suit was filed against him for advertising "Easy-Ac as a cancer therapy, and having no D.I.N. number. The judge decided it was a food, but fined him for his trouble. Dr. Gary L. Glum, a Los Angeles based chiropractor wrote "'Calling of an Angel" in 1988. It was Rene's story. The recipe: 1) 1 lb. of powdered Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella). Wild perenial miniature of garden sorrel. Fresh, green, smells like sweet grass. 2) 52 oz. cut Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)1 1/2 lb first year roots (biennial) , fresh roots 3) 4 oz. Slippery Elm inner bark (Ulmus fulva), also in powdered form. 4) 1 oz. of Turkey Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmatum). Not a local plant, purchase, as it is a native of Tibet. Common Rhubarb is less potent, and bitter. Some questions, posted on the alternative health newsgroups follow: Q: How can we be sure that Dr. Glum's recipe is the correct one? A: The four herbs in Dr. Glum's recipe are also present in Essiac. Rene often emphasized in the 1970's that only four herbs were being used and this today is still the decoction that continues to help people. Rene's motto, which her patients firmly believe in, was, "If it works, don't change it." Q: How much Essiac can be made out of the entire dried mixture? A: Remember, as stated before, this amount was for a large-scale production to treat hundreds of patients in a short period of time. One might want to experiment by with one quarter of this recipe. Once the herbs are mixed well, the kitchen measuring cup can be used to find out just how many eight-ounce cupfuls are in the mixture. Each decoction makes up at least twelve 16-oz. bottles of Essiac. One quarter of the dried recipe should provide an eighteen month supply for one person if he were to take one ounce of Essiac every single night. Powdered herbs tend to lose their medicinal properties faster than cut or whole plants so it is wise to replenish your stock every year when possible. Q: Do we weigh the eight ounces of dried mixed herbs on a scale? A: No. Rene only used a kitchen measuring cup and filled it up to eight ounce line. If this amount were measured on the scale the decoction would be much stronger. Q: Is the herb being sold today as Sheep's Sorrel a substitute? A. The samples I have received from many outlets in Ontario and the United States appear to be an inferior quality of an undetermined herb which may or may not be related to the Sorrel family. Since this is the primary herb in Essiac, one must become thoroughly acquainted with its appearance, aroma and taste. Q: Are Dr. Glum's directions for taking Essiac correct? A: Dr. Glum obtained his directions from a physician who treated patients with Essiac under close supervision, so the dose is stronger than the one Rene recommended. Here are her instructions: 1) Take one ounce of Essiac with two ounces of hot water everysecond day at bedtime, on an empty stomach two or three hours after supper. 2) Do not eat or drink anything for at least one hour after taking Essiac. 3) Continue the treatment every other day for thirty-two days, then take the treatment every three days. 4) Always keep Essiac refrigerated but never in the freezer. For the novice this is a trial and error experience; nobody becomes a cook overnight. It should not be attempted when a life-threatening situation is involved because the desperate run to any available source for herbs they may know nothing about. The complete mixture is sold in many stores but how can one tell if the powdered herbs are correct and of good quality, or how old they are or if the amounts of each are accurate? Why waste precious energy, time, money and even the mixture itself if it proves to be inferior? The routine for making the recipe may be simplified with practice. Understand that no two decoctions are exactly alike as any chemist will confirm. Don't be concerned about the number of bottles you get out of each decoction because various things affect the amount of liquid that will be absorbed by the herbs. Rene used one quart (32 oz.) of local spring water. (Never use treated tap water!) for one ounce of mixed herbs (measured in the kitchen cup, remember?) Once people are comfortable about cooking this brew, they may want to harvest the Sheep Sorrel plant and Burdock Root. Essiac is not a hoax or a fraud. To hear experiences described by the patients themselves cannot help but convince observers that dramatic and beneficial changes definitely took place in many but not all of those who received the remedy. Although the focus on Essiac has been as a cancer treatment, it alleviated and sometimes cured many chronic and degenerative conditions because it cleanses the blood as well as the liver and strengthens the immune system. It will continue to remain controversial until opened-minded an dedicated scientists and even lay researchers unveil and explore the unknow essences that create Essiac's healing magic. ABOUT SHEILA SNOW Sheila Snow has investigated Essiac, she was invited by the Consumer Health Organization of Canada to address its annual convention in Toronto on this topic. She has now prepared a small book , " The Essence of Essiac Of the four plants which were purportedly suggested by the Ojibwa Indians to Rene Caisse, only two, Arctium lappa and Ulmus_fulva have any recorded use by the Native people anywhere in North America. In fact, they are the only two indigenous plants. Rene must have added Rumex acetosella and Rhewn palmatum on her own initiative. Arctium lappa has a well established tradition on many continents for use as a depurative or 'bloodcleanser'. Mills calls it 'a general alterative remedy appearing to exert a cleansing effect on the tissues as such' and being a 'diuretic and mild laxative'. In moderm herbal practice, it is used primarily as a dermatological remedy, said to 'move the body towards a state of integration and health, removing such indicators of systemic imbalance as skin problems and dandruff. (Hoffman) A poultice is also applied to wounds and ulcers. But because of its action as a bitter, there is certainly stimulation of the digestive system and of the liver. James Duke records Shemluck's contention that the Chippewa used the root of Arctium as a, 'blood medicine' and Virgil Vogel notes that the Ojibwa used the root as an anodyne, stomachic and tonic. The native use of Ulmus fulva as a poultice for hard tumours and swellings was observed by Samuel Stearns and recorded by Virgil Vogel.(2) There is also some mention of its use in spitting blood from the lungs. This is, of course, a sign of one form of cancer. However, according to the BHP, Ulmus is a demulcent, emollient, nutritive and antitussive and although it is specifically indicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers because of these soothing qualities, one can see little reason to assume that it would have much more than an palliative action in a cancerous state. Rumex acetosema is a European alien 'traditionally used for fevers,scurvy and inflamaution. The fresh leaves poulticed (after roasting) were used for tumors, -and wens (sabacious cysts). The leaf tea was considered a folk remedy for cancer, according to Duke. 3 There is, however, no modern scientific evidence of this and its use by modern herbal medicine is virtually unknown. Due to its high oxalic acid con- tent, this species should be avoided if one is suffering from arthritis or kidney disease. (McIntyre) Rheum palmatum Radix contains anthraquinone glycosides and sennosides which act as laxatives and, in larger doses, purgatives. In China, Rhubarb is an important ingredient in many prescriptions to treat high fevers. According to McIntyre, it should be avoided by persons suffering from arthritis, kidney disease or urinary problems and during pregnancy. It is likely to be of benefit for someone suffering from constipation, which is a common complaint among cancer patients. Given these actions, it is not impossible to accept that such a combination might have some benefit for some people suffering from some types of cancer. And there is certainly little reason to believe that, if taken according to the originator's instructions, there is much possibility of harm or injury resulting. There are many more efficient herbs to help the liver cast off accumulated toxins. We now know of plants capable of boosting the immune system, plants which have been shown to inhibit metastases, plants which have an anti-tumoral effect and still other plants which work directly as cleansers for the lymphatic system. The danger of limiting oneself to a single 'formula' to treat cancer is this: there are many forms of cancer and they affect 'the body and its systems in many different ways. Cancer patients can benefit from herbal treatment, to strengthen themselves, even while taking chemotherapy or radiotherapy. And as the court decided, Essiac is a food. By receiving personal attention from a trained professional herbalist, there is a much greater probability that appropriate herbs can be chosen which are especially suited to the particular sufferer. Moreover, the wholistic herbalist is committed to looking beneath the symptoms, to correcting the faulty or destructive diet or lifestyle which underlies the body's final protest, to working with the patient in all aspects of his mental and spiritual struggle: in short, to treat the person as a whole, not the disease entity. Because of our obsession with a formula, we may well have overlooked this aspect of Rene Caisse's work. REFERENCES Snow, Sheila. 'Could Essiac Halt Cancer'. 2 Vogel, Virgil J. American Indian Medicine. New York: Ballantine Books, 1973 by arrangement with the University of Oklahoma press. 3 Duke, James A., & Foster, Steven. Eastern Central Medicinal Plants. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Company, 1990. COMMENT Essiac is an herbal formulation that may have some benefits for people with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, the only available information is anecdotal. Only laboratory and clinical studies will confirm the antitumor and immune modulating effects of Essiac. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are some additional useful books from the file TNIR.TXT: BEATING CANCER WITH NUTRITION by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., R.D. [Registered Dietitian] (paper, Nutrition Times Press). Contact ImpaKt Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 12496, Green Bay, WI 54307-2496 or call 800-477-2995. Dr. Quillin has stated: "Of the 2.5 million cancer patients who are being treated in America today, 40 percent will die from malnutrition, not from the cancer. That is a tragedy which must be remedied." Dr. Quillin organized the first international symposium on "Adjuvant Nutrition in Cancer Treatment" and helped to develop the comprehensive nutritional therapy program for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Serious nutrition and food supplement programs are, of course, rare in conventional hospital treatment of cancer. However, in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America nutritional therapy is an important part of treatment . WHAT YOUR DOCTOR WON'T TELL YOU by Jane Heimlich (Harper Perennial, 1990). Excellent, clear discussion of cancer and heart disease treatments designed to strengthen the immune system. Also high blood pressure, arthritis, cataracts and lots more. DR. ATKINS' HEALTH REVOLUTION, Robert Atkins, M.D. (Bantam Books, 1989) This is an amazingly clear and easy-to-read book about subjects which can be confusing. It is a major education in itself, mostly in medical treatment, but also in how the medical establishment works (or does not work). I recommend it very strongly for anyone with serious illness - especially cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, hypoglycemia and any immune disorder. THE NEW SUPERNUTRITION, Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., recent. Excellent, very readable, highly recommended. Good information on cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, PMS, cystic mastitis, senility, Alzheimer's, cataracts, menopause, osteoporosis, prostate problems and more. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: A DEFINITIVE GUIDE; I do not yet have bibliographic information on this book. It is available from Nutrition Encounter, P.O. Box 5847, Novato, CA 94948-5847; 415-883-5154 or Fax: 415-883-9051. One source says, "The Washington Post gives it rave reviews. Norman Shealy, M.D., says, "It is the best such publication to date." 380 of the world's most knowledgeable physicians explain their treatments in this 1100 page, exquisitely designed book...four years in the making. HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND FEEL BETTER, Linus Pauling, Ph.D. One of the best of his several important books. REVERSING HEART DISEASE, Julian Whitaker, M.D. Order directly from Phillips Publishing at 800-777-5005 or write Phillips Publishing 7811 Montrose Rod, Potomac, MD 20854, Attention WB.(10.95 plus 4.95 shipping and handling). Some of the best and most current information on actually reversing heart disease. THE HEART SURGERY TRAP: WHY MOST INVASIVE PROCEDURES ARE UNNECESSARY AND HOW TO AVOID THEM, Julian Whitaker, M.D., (Poseidon Publishers 1992 ?) THE CHOLESTEROL CONSPIRACY, Russell Smith, PhD; "Saturated fats and cholesterol are not the cause of coronary heart disease. That myth is the greatest scientific deception of this century, perhaps of any century." This view is shared by an increasing number of nutritionally informed doctors and scientists. REVERSING DIABETES, Julian Whitaker, M.D. Order directly from Phillips Publishing at 800-777-5005 or write Phillips Publishing 7811 Montrose Rod, Potomac, MD 20854, Attention WB (11.95 plus 4.95 shipping and handling). Some of the best and most current information on controlling and in many cases actually reversing diabetes. THE WHITAKER WELLNESS SEMINAR, an audio tape bonanza consisting of four 90 minute audio cassettes plus a reference guidebook, by Julian Whitaker, M.D. is available from Phillips Publishing, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854, or call 800-777-5505. This gives the information at the core of The Whitaker Wellness Institute's one week residential learning clinic which typically costs $2000. If you like to listen, this is a great place to start learning the basics. SMART NUTRIENTS, Hoffer and Walker, Avery Publishing, 1994. A highly practical discussion of nutrients which prevent and reverse senility. CANCER PREVENTION AND NUTRITIONAL THERAPIES, Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., Revised and Rewritten version of Cancer and Its Nutritional Therapies. Reviews the exciting research and clinical experience of the last several years which has confirmed and won wide acceptance for the roles of nutrients in controlling, treating and preventing cancer. Passwater is an important authority in this area. DR. ALEX DUARTE HAS PUBLISHED FOUR BOOKS with detailed discussions of life-saving drugs and treatments that can relieve and sometimes cure chronic diseases. He focuses on alternative and off-shore resources which are suppressed in the U.S. by our well-meaning but seriously misdirected FDA. I have not seen these books but expect that they carry a tidal wave of useful information. For information: Dr. Duarte's books, reports, and newsletter are available through his office at 10175 Joerschke Drive,Suite 335, Grass Valley, CA, 95945; (916) 272-4247. HOW I SURVIVED PROSTATE CANCER...AND SO CAN YOU, James Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., Foreword by E. Roy Berger, M.D., Health Education Literary Publisher, P.O. Box 948, Westbury, NY 11590; 800-874-5000, ext. 71, ISBN 1-883257-06-9, LC 94-10168. Written by a survivor and member of PAACT and reviewed and edited by a Medical Advisory Board. HEALING YOUR BODY NATURALLY, ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS TO ILLNESS, by Gary Null, Revised and Updated 1992 (Wings Books). Very useful discussions of alternatives, some highly specific, many relating to cancers. THE 10% SOLUTION FOR A HEALTHY LIFE by Raymond Kurzweil with Steven Flier, M.D., Robert Bauer, M.D. and Peter Kurzweil, M.D., medical advisers, Crown Publishers, New York, 1993. See index for numerous references to various types of cancer. RECALLED BY LIFE, Anthony Sattilaro, M.D. RECOVERY, FROM CANCER TO HEALTH THROUGH MACROBIOTICS, Elaine Mussbaum THE CANCER PREVENTION DIET, Michio Kushi HOW TO FIGHT CANCER AND WIN, William L. Fischer with forward by Leslie H. Salov, M.D., revised and updated edition. Available through Fischer Publishing Co., One Fischer Square, P.O. Box 368, Canfield, OH 44406; Phone: 216-533-1232, Fax: 216-533-9860. I have not seen this book, but if I had cancer in any form at any stage, I would buy it in a minute (along with several others listed here). Ask the publisher to send you the "Highlights of Featured Topics" which is basically a detailed table of contents. CANCER FREE--30 WHO TRIUMPHED OVER CANCER NATURALLY, compiled by the East West Foundation with Ann Fawcett and Cynthis Smith THE CURE IS IN THE KITCHEN, Sherry A. Rogers, M.D. THE CANCER INDUSTRY, Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. This will probably give you a totally new and disturbing perspective on what cancer treatment is and is not in this country. It is a book that could affect your decisions. CANCER THERAPY, Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. An "allergic shiner" is a classic symptom of milk allergy. Switch to fortified soymilk and see if it helps. I am interested in any information on Kombucha Tea. Anything that might be translated from German or Russian. The tea made from the Kombucha mushroom is a folk-remedy that has been around for thousands of years. It is reputed to have miraculous healing properties and I am looking for any and all information on it or where I may find posts that discuss this mushroom and it's properties in more detail. http://www.webcom.com/~sease/kombucha/kombucha.html Has links to the FAQs on the Kombucha mushroom and explains how to join the mailing list. Jim Sease maintains. Flor-Essence ® Endorsed by Elaine Alexander, Canadian health researcher, signature on packaging and instructions to vouch for authenticity more information at http://www.wbj.com/ Canada page http://www.essiac.info.ca/essiac/ [Image] Herb Page copyright ©: january 1996 1PAGEFX