I wrote about Essiac Tea in the cancer section of my first book, “The Year I Stopped Wearing a Bra – How We Got Our Health Back”, for a very special reason. Yes, I completed the 6 month Essiac Tea protocol to help manage my skin cancer (basal cells). What happened, you ask? Let’s just say, it felt like Christmas…
Before Essiac. Like many people, I was so used to getting spots biopsied, cut, or burned that I became numb to the entire torture-ridden process. Every dermatology appointment was the same—spot check, procedure of choice completed, then as we’re wrapping up the appointment, that look of utter disappointment as I was lectured on the need to use sunscreen as if my life depended on it. I was desperate to try anything in an effort to avoid another painful appointment. Research started, and I found Essiac Tea. Then I discovered Genuine Essiac, and the rest is history. Guess what—I haven’t been cut on since.
My Essiac Protocol. I completed a full 6-month protocol, taking 3 ounces, 3 times daily. With a little planning, a bulk batch of tea could be made for the entire week. I poured 3 doses each day as needed directly from the refrigerator with no additional preparation. If we were on the go, I’d simply pour 3 oz in little glass juice shot bottles and take them with. The instructions on the tea I chose to purchase are easy to follow, and fool proof. Here is a video I made documenting how to make a batch and take a shot of the tea.
Results. After three months, I noticed the pre-cancer spots on my face started to dry up and the age spots on my hands getting lighter with some disappearing completely. After the full 6-month protocol, several suspect spots were completely eliminated or reduced significantly. I have not been cut on since, and that is a glorious thing.
What is Essiac Tea? The original Essiac tea is made with a combination of four herbs: burdock root, sheep sorrel including the root, slippery elm bark, and Turkish rhubarb root. It is named after Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse, who is credited with discovering the formula from an Ojibway Native American medicine man. Those who love Essiac tea believe that the combination of herbs work synergistically to boost the immune system, detox the body, and purify the blood. This combination is contributed to helping thousands of people suffering from cancer. Essiac Tea has been upgraded to include 8 total ingredients. The powdered 8 herb formula includes the original four ingredients above plus blessed thistle, kelp, red clover, and watercress. It has a slightly bitter, bark-like flavor. I actually grew to love it over the course of my protocol, and looked forward to each dose as I knew it was healing my body from the inside out. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Essiac Tea, this book is fantastic. Additional information on the tea itself, history, testimonials, and the formula’s proof of authenticity can be found at GenuineEssiac.com.
Where Do You Get It? The company I have grown to love is GenuineEssiac.com, owned by Bryan and Gina Paulhus. Their family has an amazing story that I encourage you to research for yourself. Genuine Essiac offers an organic powdered blend of Essiac tea, that is affordable and even has a money back guarantee. Bryan and Gina took over the business from Dr. Charles Brusch, who worked directly with Rene Caisse at the Brusch Medical Research Center from 1959 to 1967. Dr. Brusch was famously known as President Kennedy’s personal physician. Remember, Rene Caisse discovered the formula from an Ojibay Native American medicine man, and Dr. Brusch worked directly with Rene. Bryan and Gina are literally keeping the legacy going. I am not affiliated with this company, but believe in their product so much that I decided to write a blog and mention them in my book in hopes of others finding them.
Full Skin Protocol. In addition to the Essiac Tea protocol, I stopped using all commercially sold sunscreens, which is the topic of another blog coming soon. Instead, I make my own sunscreen, and the recipe can be found here or in my book. I also started enjoying the sun again! Instead of being scared of the sun, I simply cover up or use my sunscreen when needed. Did you know our bodies (and minds) actually need sunlight? I have also worked extremely hard to heal my gut. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and needs to be cared for accordingly. Everything our family learned through our successful healing experiences is fully documented in “The Year I Stopped Wearing a Bra – How We Got Our Health Back”.
Lesson Learned. I only completed one 6-month protocol for my skin, but should have stayed on the maintenance program. One year after completing the protocol, I visited my dermatologist, who helped me address some pre-cancer spots with a prescription cream. I am planning to return to Essiac to establish a maintenance routine, in hopes of never needing a pharmaceutical again!
Cover Photo by Danielle Geva on Unsplash, and Essiac Tea photo by Genuine Essiac.