How to Prepare Essiac Tea: A Guide to a Time-Tested Remedy
Essiac tea, a traditional herbal remedy, has been used for decades to support overall health and well-being. Originating from a formula developed by Canadian nurse and researcher Rene Caisse in the 1920s, Essiac tea is made from a blend of eight natural herbs. While there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating specific diseases, many people continue to use it as a part of their health regimen. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare Essiac tea, ensuring that you can enjoy its potential benefits at home.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin preparing Essiac tea, gather the following ingredients and tools:
– 1 cup of burdock root (Arctium lappa)
– 1/2 cup of sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
– 1/4 cup of Turkey rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum)
– 1/4 cup of slippery elm inner bark (Ulmus rubra)
– 1/4 cup of red clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense)
– 1/4 cup of cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
– 1/4 cup of dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
– 1/4 cup of watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
– A clean jar with a tight-fitting lid
– A cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
– A saucepan
– A spatula or wooden spoon
How to Prepare Essiac Tea
1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning all your ingredients. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the burdock root and rhubarb root, and rinse the other herbs in cold water.
2. Cut the burdock root and rhubarb root into small pieces. This will help the herbs to release their beneficial properties during the infusion process.
3. In a saucepan, combine the cut burdock root, rhubarb root, and all other herbs. Add 1 quart of distilled water to the saucepan.
4. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the mixture steep for 12 hours, or overnight, in a cool, dark place.
6. The next morning, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
7. Once strained, you can store the Essiac tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake the jar before each use to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.
8. To drink Essiac tea, take 1 to 2 ounces twice a day on an empty stomach. It is best to consume it 20 minutes before or after meals.
Remember that while Essiac tea has been used by many for its potential health benefits, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal remedy, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication.
