Ojibwa Essiac Tea of Life - 2 Ozs.

THE FOUR ESSIAC HERBS

The original essiac decoction is a blend of four herbs in certain proportions --
? Burdock root
? Turkey (or Indian) rhubarb
? Sheep Sorrel
? Slippery Elm bark

Some manufactures add other herbs, such as Kelp, Milk Thistle, Red Clover, and Cat's Claw, among others.

However, ask your nutritional consultant if the essiac brand you are purchasing contains irritating or stimulating herbs.  You need to know, because these types of additives cannot be safely taken every day, whereas brands without stimulating or irritating additions can be safely taken every day.  Each of the original four herbs has been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years.  Unlike many herbal formulations, these herbs have no irritating effect as used in this formula.  General properties of each herb are listed here.

Burdock Root   (Arctium lappa)
This herb is the best known for its beneficial effect on the skin.  It increases circulation to the skin and helps to detoxify (cleanse) the epidermal tissues.  Many users report exceptional beauty and glow of the skin from its use.  "Some of the conditions which may benefit from the root are: psoriasis, eczema, acne, boils, sties, carbuncles, ulcers of the stomach..."  Similar to garlic, the root has been reported to destroy bacteria and fungus cultures.  Anti-tumor properties have also been noted.  Nagoya University researchers in Japan found that the root helps reduce cell mutations.

Another beneficial feature of this root is its action as a "blood purifier."  This term means the formula helps eliminate toxins for the blood and lymphatic system.  Its action is also reported to work on the respiratory and urinary systems.  The liver, gall bladder, kidneys, and digestive system benefit from the properties of Burdock Root.  It may also help with elimination of excess fluids from the body.

Burdock Root is rich in vitamins B-complex and E.  Its trace minerals include potassium, phosphorous, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, silicon, zinc and sodium.

Because of its diuretic action, conditions of arthritis, rheumatism, and sciatia may be improved.  Many users report a rapid decrease in swollen ankles even if the condition hasn't responded well to other treatments.

Burdock Root contains inulin (not to be confused with insulin) which helps regulate sugar (glucose) in metabolism.  Diabetics may be helped and Inulin has also been shown to possess exceptional restorative properties.  It increases immunity by improving the efficiency of white blood cells.

Sheep Sorrel is rich in Vitamin A, B complex, C, D, K, and E.  Its minerals include significant levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, silicon, sulphur, zinc, maganese, iodine, and copper.

Sheep Sorrel is also rich in chlorophyll, which increases oxygen content in the blood.  High levels of blood oxygen can increase the body's action against many invasive conditions.  Research at the Linus Pauling Institute and a M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital has shown chlorophyll enhances the body's immunity against certain carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and has been shown to strengthen the immune system.  According to these studies, it appears to be effective against chromosome damage -- which is considered to be a precursor to cancer.

Sheep Sorrel is rich in potassium oxalate.  It aids digestion, and has been reported to relieve stomach hemorrhage and jaundice.

Slippery Elm Bark   (Ulmus fulva)
This herb's main constituent is mucilage.  Mucilage is a gum dissolved in the bark's juices.  This material has extraordinary cleansing properties.  It has been reported to reduce the pain of ulcers--the mucilage coats any area it passes through.  Slippery Elm Bark has a lubricating property which helps protect membranes linings and joints.  Relief of inflamed areas is commonly reported.  An antibiotic and anti-microbial effect has also been reported along with an ability to remove toxins from the body.

QUALITY OF HERBS IN OJIBWA TEA OF LIFE™

Ojibwa Tea of Life™ is pure, non-irradiated, certified organic or wildcrafted.

The herbs that the Native people used were gathered mostly from the area in which they lived.   However, the Ojibwa were one of the few tribes that traveled to obtain whatever herbs necessary for their medicinal needs.   We work with a network of certified organic domestic farms and growers to ensure the best possible organic/non-irradiated herbs.   Our herbs are gathered with respect, at the proper time of day and season.   They are either used immediately or carefully dried and stored.   All of our products are crafted form the finest ingredients and with the highest integrity!

Our Ojibwa Tea of Life™ (herb tea) is hand-packed and our Essence Of Ojibwa Tea™ (extract/tincture), processed with hand press, never allowing electromagnetic frequencies to pollute the extract.   Our preference is to batch small lots of herbs or essence at a time and to order herbs frequently to achieve maximum freshness for our tea drinkers. The facility used for our products is inspected by the State of Colorado and is a FDA approved clean room to ensure cleanliness of the environment.   Our labels are environmentally friendly using water or vegetable inks.   Some individuals or companies do not follow or are even knowledgeable of the laws in their state!   Before you purchase herbal products you may want to ask questions about packaging procedures!   Crude products can be effective in small amounts if the raw herb or crude product has maintained its energetic (life force) quality.

Herbs grown in the United States are preferred because many imported herbs undergo fumigation (gassing) and "protective" radiation.   These processes can virtually destroy the potency of the herbs.   The important point is to use no pesticides.   Any of the following growing methods in this list are acceptable:

Therefore, growing and harvesting techniques are as important as manufacturing.   Exposing a plant to harsh growing environments or harsh processing can alter or damage it.   A processed plant whose integrity has been maintained will possess attributes far beyond chemical constituents alone.   These wonderful plants must be harvested from the earth with great respect and reverence as we receive the gifts of health and healing.   Using plants in the freshest, most vital form possible is life enhancing for the entire planet.   To retain the spiritual and life force of the plant energies, Ojibwa Tea of Life and packing are done the old way with the practice of giving back to Mother Earth and prayers for health.

We treat this herbal formula as a gift of nature with the intention to help all on a journey to wellness!   Thank you for allowing us to share your process of health.   We urge you to always seek the advice and support of your chosen health care practitioner!

Quality vs. Quantity

You may find cheaper herbs, but are they a better choice?   Were they grown and processed by people dedicated to preserving the optimum potency and biological action after harvest?   Is using five times as much of a cheaper herb to make a tea the same as using less of a quality herb? No.  Lesser grade herbs are sometimes so inactive that even large amounts may lack the medicinal constituents.

Why “certified” organic?

Today there are hundreds of synthetic poisons available to agriculturists.  Why put a toxically sprayed herb into your body?   Years ago this was not a concern but now many health conditions may be from affects of pesticides themselves!

USAGE GUIDELINES for ESSIAC HERBS

- Specific brewing directions will arrive with your order.
- These are just guidelines for suggested amounts of tea.

The formula is based on a decoction originally developed and used by Canadian Indians.  A decoction is a very special type of "tea".   Specific barks, roots, and leaves must be boiled, then carefully simmered for at least 6 hours in a special process.   This is no simple tea.   No synthetic preservatives, flavorings, alcohol, glycerin, or other ingredients should be added.

Herbs should be natural and unadulterated -- organically grown or ethically wildcrafted -- so taste and color may vary slightly from batch to batch.   For example, herbs grown in Washington state taste different from those grown in California!   Sheep Sorrel's taste varies greatly from sweet to mellow depending on the growing area, and can even "deepen" and develop a smoother flavor after a few days in the refrigerator.  Also, the amount and appearance may vary from bottle-to-bottle.

Distilled water is best for brewing the essiac formula.  A lower standard of purity would decrease effectiveness of this product.  With today's high water-pollution levels, city tap water, bottled spring, or even "purified" drinking water can often leave much to be desired.

This decoction should be prepared with stainless steel vessels and instruments.  Stainless steel, while much more costly than other metals, is the most sanitary and nonreactive.  No harmful preservatives should be used.  Preparation must be meticulous.  Herbs are light-sensitive, so amber-colored glass bottles should be used to retain maximum potency and value, as every glass bottle will do.

Many users take the decoction as a "preventative" tonic, even if they are in good health -- they want to stay in good health.  It must be remembered that each of us has a different level of wellness.  For example, a smoker will have a different accumulation of toxins than a non-smoker.  Time to see results will vary with each user.  Depending on your specific conditions, this could take as long as a year, although the majority of users report significant results within the first week.

Be reasonably patient when waiting to notice effects from taking the decoction, allow at least 60 days for a fair evaluation.

For all its possible positive benefits, we know of no negative side-effects reported over a 50-year period!

Many users have conducted their own personal tests by ceasing to take the decoction for a short time, only to find their physical condition returns to a "pre-tea" state.  The decoction functions as an optimizer and detoxifier, it apparently has the unique ability to improve the efficiency of virtually most of the body's natural mechanisms.

NATIVE AMERICAN MEDICINE

Native American's as well as most indigenous cultures consider Medicine, or the power to heal, to be generated by Spiritual Practice.

Medicine, is prayer and ceremony.

Medicine, takes into many modalities of healing - that is the use of massage, sweat baths, mud baths, mineral hot springs, decoctions of herbs, roots and barks, sunray's, pinewood air and smoke, and faith.

Medicine, is the respect for all life.   The tea and packing are done the old way with the practice of giving back to Mother Earth and prayers for health.   We treat this herbal formula as a gift of nature with the intention to help all on a journey to wellness.

In Native American culture, nothing is done without prayer, whether one is beginning a new day, or conducting a ceremony.   Treatment of oneself must first start with the Spirit, then the mind and lastly the body, according to how we were created.

Resources and literature abound in regards to this healthful remedy.

Our herbal formulas are developed to share the elements of Native American, other indigenous remedies, as well as freshly created herbal teas and tonics.   By using herbs in our daily life, we assist the plant kingdom to carry out its purpose on this planet.   Herbs are nature's forces that must be treated with respect.   When herbs are brought together in a formula, they enter into a relationship, creating something new, more than the sum of separate ingredients.   Great care and understanding must be taken to create a harmonious blend, one in which the herbs unite and become one in purpose and Spirit.   Herein lies the important aspect of our working with the herbs.

Native American Healing WHEEL
A Guide To Balancing The Elements

The Universal Center and Ojibwa Tea

Ojibwa tea is a formula that was given to a Canadian nurse named Rene Caisse by an Ojibwa medicine man (whose name seems lost to obscurity) as a cure for her mother's cancer.   It is also called Essiac, which is Caisse spelled backward.

The medicine man was probably a member of the Mide (the Grand Medicine Society).  Perhaps he envisioned the formula; perhaps it had been passed on for generations.  Whichever the case, it is a remarkable example of how the wheel may be used to create an herbal formula.  The blend is made of four herbs, and four is the number of balance on the wheel.  Notice how the formula's components visually increase in increments of four.  We have roughly 1 part (by volume) of rhubarb root to 4 times that amount of burdock and slippery elm, to 4 times that amount of sheep sorrel.

Burdock and rhubarb root would be placed in the west, as they are gathered in the fall and their medicinal qualities follow the body's deep internal rhythms.  Slippery elm would be associated with the north simply because bark is one of the few things that can be gathered during the long frozen winters of the Far North.  Also, the medicinal action of slippery elm affects the breath (spirit).  Gathered in mid spring and healing to the skin, sheep sorrel leaves bring the aspect of the east to the formula.

What is missing from this formula?  A plant aspect from the south.  Why?  Because cancer is an imbalance of excessive growth, and the energy from the south is growth.  Not only physical growth, but also the emotional, mental and visionary excesses of growth.  To add herbs from the south (as some formulas add red clover blossoms) renders it less effective on a metaphysical level, according to the cosmology of the wheel.

The ultimate beauty of Native American herbalism is that it allows for your own personal preferences and differences.  I have been told endless times when I ask about an herb, "Well, this is what worked for me, but I don't know if that will help you any at all."  And if it is another theory of healing that you choose to follow, but follow it well, because that is what works for you.

Accepting our innate differences is an intrinsic part of healing.  Medicine is and always will be an art as well as a science.  The best we can do is to follow the Great Law of Peace and agree that if we can't agree on anything else, at least we can agree to get along with one another.

1)   What is Ojibwa Tea of Life™ (essiac)?
Ojibwa Tea of Life™ is an "essiac" four-herb formula.   It contains Burdock Root (Arctium lappa), Sheep Sorrel (Acetosella vulgaris/ Rumex Acetosella polygonaceae) whole herb, Turkey Rhubarb Root (rheum palmatum) Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) Powder.   This formula is prepared according to tradition.
Note: These herbs are to be used in the manner as root, plant and powder as directed.   The structures are for the remedy to be most efficacious.   They are not to all be powdered and broken down.

This formula, based on a decoction originally developed and used by the Canadian Ojibwa Indians.   Brought to awareness, this herbal tea made famous by Canada's Cancer Nurse, Rene Caisse, who treated the terminally ill with remarkable success for over 50 years beginning in 1922.   Thousands expounded that "she had eased their suffering, or ended it entirely and restored them to full health."

2)   How is Ojibwa Tea of Life™ different than other "essiac" products?
We purchase fresh herbs every other week from a small network farms and domestic (USA) growers, who are certified organic.   The herbs are harvested at their peak of their growth cycle. Organic herbs are grown without pesticides and picked in harmony with the cycles of the day and season.   We support small organic farmers as part of our mission.   Some of the other herbs they offer are ethically wild -crafted.   However, non are imported. Ojibwa Tea of Life™ uses certified organic or ethically wild-crafted herbs that are grown or ethically picked in the USA.

3)   Why don't you purchase from other sources?
We chose not to purchase our herbs from large supply houses.   Most large supply houses do not offer fresh, domestic, certified organic herbs.   Herbs that come from large (cheaper) supply houses generally source their herbs from overseas, while cheaper, are sprayed, gassed or fumigated.

4)   What about packaging etc.?
The herbs are sent every other week, fresh from the farm, and products are packaged and prepared at a facility that is "certified, kosher organic clean room."

5)   Why do other sellers offer cheaper - "discounted" "essiac?
So that they can offer a "discount" to the end user that is of less quality to the consumer.   "Cheaper and discounted" and does not equal "best quality."   Anyone can purchase from a large supply house and re- package an "already" blended product that might be inferior to the consumer.   Some cheaper marketers also are not herbal or nutrition trained - if they were, they "know better" than to use an inferior quality of any herb or nutritional product!   If they do not have any "qualifications" to answer any health queries and be "just selling" herbs - with no knowledge and answer health related queries that they are untrained to do.

6)   Why do some seller/marketers "make claims" about their products?
To perhaps "save the consumer money" - to sway them to a product, which may be purchased in a ready made blend, some without proper proportions or ratios of the herbs, which are pre-blended for them by a large supply house.

7)   What about expertise?
Our people at Ojibwa or those affiliated are herbalists, nutritional consultants, homeopaths, naturopathic doctors etc.   No medical claims are purported, as this is not in compliance.   Any other company who "makes claims" or others who offer "testimonials" are not properly trained.   Ethics are highly regarded by our company.   We also refer consumers to health care professionals, clinics, and holistic resources that are more suited to offer individual health consults.

8)   What if I can purchase a less expensive product?
Your health is most important ... and quality is what is most important.   Our domestic fresh herbs are packed fresh per order, batched in small lots for freshness.   We know our products and where and how they are sourced for our clients.   Can you imagine a large supply house trying to track down the origination of the herbs?   Our herbs are not sitting on a shelf in a shop, with the customer wondering about the location that the herbs came from or how they have been there!   FRESH and domestic most important!   Our products, whether sold to the individual, health care professional, or a health stores are purchased and delivered frequently to ensure fresh quality for our clientele.

9)   Ojibwa Tea of Life™ is available in different forms?   Can you explain the way that the tea is available?
Ojibwa Tea of Life™ herbal formula is traditionally brewed 4 herb original form of "essiac" as the tea by Nurse Rene Caisse.   For your convenience, it is packaged in different sizes - at the request of our tea users.   Depending on your requirements, and what the frequency and usage will be. Over the many years of longevity and consumer feedback, we have different ways and sizes in which we offer the tea.

10)   Why do some essiac teas taste different from batch to batch?
The same herb can be grown and treated in the same manner yet contain different natural chemical composition.   The altitude, air quality, and soil conditions affect potency.   All any manufacturer can do is to try these same herbs grown at different growing regions.   Herbs should be natural and unadulterated - organically grown or wild-crafted.   Taste can vary slightly from batch to batch.

11)   Why use the Ojibwa Tea of Life™ herbal tea that you brew yourself?
This is the traditional brew as Nurse Caisse prepared it for her patients as well as the traditional Native American way to use herbs. A decoction is the "traditional" manner in which this particular remedy is prepared.

12)   What about directions?
Directions for brewing and the amount to take arrive with your order.

13)   What if I misplace the directions to brew the tea?
Contact aliveandaware@aliveandaware.com

14)   What about the tincture or extract (essence)?
We offer Ojibwa Tea of Life™ as a 4 oz tincture (or extract).   Many individuals prefer to take an extract because they tend to be more concentrated, easier to use for work or travel, and some to take the tea this way due to convenience.   It is best suited for adults.   If one does not like to have the alcohol of the tincture, the alcohol can be dissipated.   The alcohol in an extract can be evaporated by putting the dose in boiled distilled water and letting it sit for about seven minutes as this will effect the sensitive herbal constituents.   Do not cook or boil your dosage, as this will affect the sensitive herbal constituents.   Please do not microwave the tea or water.

15)   You also offer a 32-ounce pre-made bottled Ojibwa Tea of Life™?
Many prefer to purchase the pre-made bottled tea if they find that they will be consuming at least a few ounces a day or if they are unable to use the tincture or brew their own tea.   The pre-made tea uses certified organic and pure distilled de-ionized water.

16)   Why don't you offer essiac as a pill or capsule?
Liquid teas are more bio-available. With this particular formula, and the nature of "Essiac" traditional 4 herbs; liquids tend to be fresher and more efficacious.   Herbs made by further manufacturing into a capsule for an "essiac" formula, can loose potency and effectiveness.   It is known that the body as a liquid form as a decoction, tincture or pre made tea best utilizes "essiac".   Liquids are more readily absorbable.   This formula must be prepared specifically in order to retain its effectiveness.

17)   What about "tea bags" with these herbs?
Again, the particular structure of these herbs must be either brewed as a decoction, extracted as a tincture, or pre made (also brewed) are the manner in which this formula has shown efficacy in the years of its availability.

18)   I have heard that there are other sellers and marketers who claim that their product has been tested in clinical studies?
In the United States and other countries "NO extensive clinical studies have been performed as yet which would provide conclusive evidence that Rene Caisse's herbal formula will alleviate, cure or prevent any disease or condition."

19)   How might Ojibwa Tea of Life™ or essiac be beneficial for health and wellness?
The efficacy of the four herbs may assist in normalizing and balancing the body systems by cleansing the blood, eliminating toxic build up, promoting cell repair and aiding in effective assimilation and elimination.   When these herbs are combined it is believed that the synergy of beneficial effects are enhanced.   These days there is wide spread interest in Holistic, blended and naturopathic medicine, along with deeper awareness of the human immune system, this formula is being used with popularity and at great desire of alternative formulas.

20)   There seems to be contradiction as to the formula being 8 herb or 4-herb "essiac" recipe?   Please explain.
Rene Caisse experimented with many versions of her formula. She tested decoctions of each herb until the eight original herbs were gradually modified down to the four in the formula, as we know it today.

21)   Why do other marketers sell the 8 herb- formula?
The original essiac decoction utilizes a blend of the 4- herbs.   Some of the other herbs that have been added to the 8-herb formula may contain irritating or stimulating herbs.   Some of the herbs in the 8-herb formula should not be taken every day.   For example, red clover, in an 8-herb formula, is estrogenic in nature, and should not be taken be someone with an "estrogen" dominant tumor (i.e. ovarian, breast, uterine, etc. female) based tumors.

22)   What if I want an 8-herb formula?
While other marketers sell an 8 herb formula, only because Nurse Caisse "experimented" with other herbs, there are several books and resources that will site that Rene Caisse stayed with the original 4 herb essiac and other marketers changed the formula after her death.   One should consult herbal references as well as their practitioner.   If a health care practitioner requests an addition to our 4-herb formula, we can prepare a custom blend.   Again, stressing that this would be a request by a health care professional using only organic and wild crafted domestic herbs.

23)   What if I purchase a larger amount of Ojibwa Tea of Life herbal formula?   Will the herbs "spoil"?
We give proper storage directions when purchasing a large amount of tea and also provide extra directions just in case you wish to share you tea with others or misplace the directions.   Most people like to order a larger amount to share with others.

24)   Can I freeze the herbs?
Please do NOT freeze the herbs as this can create moisture and allow for mold to grow as well as break the cellular membrane of any delicate herb!

25)   What about Pets?
Ojibwa Tea of Life™ has been used for pet health and wellness.   When ordering for a pet there is an area on the order form that you can let us know that you would like pet directions.   We have had wonderful feedback from pet owners.   Our re-known and deeply respected pet advisor Dr Jean Hofve, DVM, recently retired as Editor in Chief of the American Holistic Veterinarian Journal is also avaiable for private (fee) consultations.   There are additional pet products on our site also.

26)   Can children use the products?
Yes, but always be sure to check the area on the order form that a child will be using a product so that the proper directions are sent.   If there is an option for additional literature we highly suggest that it be ordered as well.   Always consult your health care practitioner!

27)   Why are there no testimonials on the web site?
It is not in compliance and what one's experience is, is not that of another.   Each individual has a unique DNA structure, health condition, physical and spiritual makeup.   Everyone's identity is not going to have the same experience with ANY remedy.

28)   Do you have any other comments that may assist me in choosing Ojibwa Tea of Life™ products?
Perhaps it is best identified with the experiences and loyalty of our cherished clients, that we are mentioned in books and that Ojibwa Tea of Life™ has been here for people and pets for almost 20 years.   Our involved professionals continue to offer expert care and concern to our clients, wholesale accounts remain pleased with the products, individuals that prepare our teas, other exceptional vendors that we offer their excellent and unique products, shipping people, and our excellent web master.