Essiac tea has been cherished for decades as a traditional herbal blend reputed to support health and well-being. If you’ve heard about this natural tonic and want to learn how to make Essiac tea yourself, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through everything you need to know to brew your own Essiac tea at home, step by step, with easy-to-follow instructions.
What Is Essiac Tea?
Essiac tea is a blend of herbs originally used by Native Americans and later popularized by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse in the 1920s. The name “Essiac” is simply “Caisse” spelled backward. This herbal tea typically contains four main ingredients:
– Burdock root
– Sheep sorrel herb
– Slippery elm bark
– Turkey rhubarb root
These herbs are combined for their traditional uses in supporting the immune system and overall health.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Before you start brewing, gather the following:
– Essiac tea blend (usually pre-mixed with the four herbs above)
– Fresh spring or distilled water (avoid tap water)
– A stainless steel or glass pot (avoid aluminum or non-stick pans)
– Fine mesh strainer or colander
– Clean amber glass bottles or jars for storage
– Measuring spoons or a kitchen scale
Using stainless steel or glass utensils is important because metal can react with the herbs and affect the tea’s quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Essiac Tea
1. Measure Your Ingredients
– For 1 gallon of tea: Use 1 gallon (about 3.8 liters) of fresh spring or distilled water and 16 level tablespoons (4 ounces) of Essiac tea blend.
– For 1 quart of tea: Use 1 quart (about 1 liter) of water and 4 level tablespoons (1 ounce) of the tea blend.
2. Boil the Water
Bring the water to a full boil in your stainless steel or glass pot.
3. Add the Essiac Tea Blend
Stir in the measured Essiac tea blend into the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid.
4. Simmer the Tea
Reduce the heat to a medium boil or simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the herbs are well mixed.
5. Let It Steep Overnight
Remove the pot from heat and stir the tea well. Then cover it and allow the tea to steep at room temperature for 12 hours (about overnight). This slow steeping extracts the herbal properties fully.
6. Boil the Tea Again
After the 12-hour steeping period, bring the tea back to a boil and simmer for another 10 minutes. Then remove it from heat.
7. Strain the Tea
Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or colander to remove all the herbs. Pour the liquid into clean amber glass bottles or jars. Amber glass helps protect the tea from light damage.
8. Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the tea to cool completely, then tightly cap the bottles. Store the tea in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the tea stays fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
How to Drink Essiac Tea
– Shake the bottle well before each use to mix any settled herbs.
– Dilute 2 ounces of the concentrated Essiac tea with 2 ounces of boiling fresh spring or distilled water.
– Drink 2 to 4 ounces daily on an empty stomach, ideally before bedtime. Many users find splitting the dose into two servings (morning and evening) works best.
Important Tips and Warnings
– Always use stainless steel or glass utensils and pots to prepare Essiac tea. Avoid aluminum or other reactive metals.
– Pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before using Essiac tea.
– If you experience diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain, discontinue use as some ingredients like rhubarb root may worsen these conditions.
– Individuals with kidney stones or other health concerns should use caution and consult a healthcare professional.
Why Make Essiac Tea at Home?
Making Essiac tea yourself ensures you have a fresh, potent herbal decoction without additives or preservatives. It also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the brewing process. Plus, it’s satisfying to prepare a traditional remedy that has been used for generations to promote health naturally.
Essiac tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual of wellness rooted in history. By following these simple steps, you can brew your own batch and enjoy the benefits of this herbal classic.
Enjoy your Essiac tea journey!
Essiac tea is easy to make at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients. Brew, steep, strain, and store it properly to enjoy its traditional health benefits safely and effectively.