Ojibway Herbal Remedy

The Herbs

Rene Caisse was a nurse in Canada. In 1923 she learned from one of her doctor's patients, of a herbal remedy used by the Ojibway indians. Rene found that the woman had obtained this herbal tea remedy from a tribal medicine man. Rene visited the medicine man, and he gladly and freely presented her with his tribe's formula. He explained that the Ojibway used their herbal remedy for both spiritual balance and body rejuvenation. The formula consisted of four common herbs. They were blended and cooked in a fashion which caused the concoction to have greater curative power than any of the four herbs themselves. The four herbs were Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Bark, and Rhubarb Root.

Four common herbs are involved:

The leaves of young Sheep Sorrel plants were popular as a cooking dressing and as an addition to salads in France several hundred years ago. Native Americans also use Sheep Sorrel leaves as a tasty seasoning for meat dishes, baked it into breads, as well as medially for several purposes. So you can say Sheep Sorrel is used as an herb, food, and medicinally.

A member of the buckwheat family. Also known as field sorrel, red top sorrel, sour grass and dog eared sorrel. But don't confuse it with Garden Sorrel. (Rumex acetosa). A relative but not the same plant medicinally.

Sheep Sorrel grows wild throughout most of the world. Found in open pastures, rocky areas, and the shoulders of country roads. Considered to be a common weed throughout the U. S. it thrives with little moisture, and prefers acidic soils.

Though the entire Sheep Sorrel plant can be harvested for use in Essiac we prefer the leaves and stems. This allows the plants to be "re harvested" later since the root it left to re grow new foliage. Sheep Sorrel may be harvested throughout the spring, summer, and fall, taken early in the morning after the dew has evaporated, or late in the afternoon. Harvest on a sunny day, making sure the plant is not wet from rain or dew. You do not want to give mold any opportunity here! Hang upside down inside a brown paper bag out of direct light but with adequate ventilation for several days to dry properly. Harvest the leaves and stem before flowers begin to form. Do not harvest once flowers have begun to form or are opened. At this stage, all of the plants energy is in the flowers and not the leaves.

Roots may be harvested in the fall, when the energy of the plant is concentrated in the roots. But this isn't the best practice since it can deplete the abundance of your supply! The shelf life of dried plants (leaves especially) is a year, discard any still in your cabinets at that point.

Roots, young stems, and seeds of the Burdock plant are edible. Young stalks are boiled to be eaten like asparagus while raw stems and young leaves are eaten in salads.

The Burdock is a member of the thistle family. Remember the last time you cleaned cockle burrs from your clothing after a sojourn in the woods or meadow? Chances are, you had run up against this very friendly and helpful plant, you just didn't know it! It is a common pasture weed throughout North America preferring damp soils.

The root is what you're after. Harvested from first year plants, the roots are about an inch wide, and up to three feet long. As with all roots, they should be harvested in the fall when the plant energy is concentrated in the roots. Of course for eating in salads summer and spring is best. Fresh and tender.

Inner bark of Slippery Elm tree has a long history of use as a food supplement and herbal remedy. Long used as a survival food by making a sort of a porridge. Powdered bark is still being used today, as a food additive and food extender, rich in vitamin and mineral content.

Only the inner bark of the Slippery Elm is used to make Essiac.

If your into harvesting your own Slippery Elm, strip the bark from branches, rather than from the main trunk system of the tree. Otherwise you'll damage the tree and it's very possible to kill the tree. Again dry in a hanging paper bag with adequate ventilation, out of direct light

Red, bittersweet stems are found in supermarket produce shelves each spring for rhubarb pie, jams and pudding. Turkey Rhubarb is the particular member of the rhubarb family used in Essiac as it has the potency we're looking for medicinally.

Notes:

1. Please respect the plants your harvesting. Offer tobacco, and a prayer before you harvest to the plants. Explain your actions, ask and Thank them for the help they will give you.
2. Know your plants, refer to a good identification book, or seek out herbalists who are willing to educate you on plant identity, harvesting techniques, plant drying and processing.
3. DO NOT collect herbs from roadsides, or areas where insecticides or herbicides have been used. You want only organic herbs! You're looking to get rid of toxins not accumulate!

These are the exact formula for a two gallon batch, as given by Rene Caisse is listed below. Reprinted

3 1/4 pounds: Burdock Root (cut or dried) (parts by weight)

1 pound: Sheep Sorrel

1 ounce: Turkey Rhubarb or 2 parts domestic Rhubarb

4 ounces: Slippery Elm

This is the basic four herb formula which was presented to the Royal Cancer Commission in 1937 and was found by them to be "a cure for cancer".

Later in her life, while working with Dr. Charles Brusch in Massachusetts, Rene added small potentizing amounts of four other herbs to her basic four herb formula. These extra four herbs were added as follows: Kelp (2 parts), Red Clover (1 part), Blessed Thistle (1 part), Watercress (0.4 parts). You may choose to add these, but they are not part of the original formula Rene learned from the Ojibway. So you decide.

4 gallon stainless steel pot with lid 3 gallon stainless steel pot with lid Stainless steel fine mesh double strainer, funnel & spatula 12 or more 16 oz. sterilized amber glass bottles with airtight caps, or suitable substitutes.

l. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Place herbs in a plastic bag and shake vigorously. Herbs are light sensitive; keep stored in a cool dark place.

2. Cover and bring 2 gallons of sodium free distilled water to a rolling boil in the 4 gallon pot. Approximately 30 minutes at sea level.

3. Stir in 1 cup of dry ingredients. Replace lid and continue to boiling for 10 minutes.

4. Turn off stove. With a spatula scrape down the sides of the pot and stir mixture thoroughly. Replace the lid.

5. Allow the pot to cool and sit covered for 12 hours. Then turn the stove to the highest setting and heat to almost boiling (approximately 20 minutes). Do not let boil.

6. Turn the stove off. Strain the liquid into the 3 gallon pot. Clean the 4 gallon pot and strainer. Then strain the filtered liquid back into the 4 gallon pot. (You've just double strained the liquid.)

7. Use the funnel to pour the hot liquid into sterilized bottles immediately, and tighten the caps. After the bottles have cooled, re tighten the caps.

8. Refrigerate. Essiac herbal drink contains no preservatives. If mold should develop, pour it out - DO NOT DRINK. Disinfect and sterilized the bottle.

Caution: All bottles and caps must be sterilized after use if you plan to reuse them for Essiac. Bottle caps must be washed and rinsed thoroughly, and may be cleaned with a 3% solution of food grade hydrogen peroxide (purchase from health food stores). To make a 3% solution, mix 1 ounce of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of sodium free distilled water. Let soak for 5 minutes, rinse and dry. If food grade hydrogen peroxide is not available, use one half teaspoon of Clorox to one gallon of distilled water.

1. Keep refrigerated.

2. Shake bottle well before using.

3. May be taken either cold from the bottle, or warmed (never microwave).

4. As a Preventative, daily take 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) at bedtime or on an empty stomach at least 2 hours after eating.

Note:

Precaution: Some doctors advise against taking the herbal formula while pregnant.

Recommendation: The twelve hour brewing process is essential for Essiac to have its special powers.

Essiac is being offered to the public in pills, tea bags, and homeopathic drops. Essiac needs to be made fresh and has no long term shelf life once made. Essiac is meant to be made, and consumed and not stored for months. Some body may have created something that may or may not work. What you'll find here is the original formula so go with what you think best.

The components of Rene's herbal drink interact to have an amazing effect on the human body. The chemicals, minerals, and vitamins all act synergistically together to produce a variety of healing agents.

Sorrel plants have been a folk remedy for cancer for centuries both in Europe and America. Sheep Sorrel has been observed by researchers to break down tumors, and to alleviate some chronic conditions and degenerative diseases.

It contains high amounts of vitamins A and B complex, C, D, E, K, P and vitamin U. It is also rich in minerals, including calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and has trace amounts of copper, iodine, manganese and zinc. The combination of these vitamins and minerals nourishes all of the glands of the body. Sheep Sorrel also contains carotenoids and chlorophyll, citric, malic, oxalic, tannic and tartaric acids.

The chlorophyll carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Diseased cells do not live in the presence of oxygen.
It also:

• reduces the damage of radiation burns
• increases resistance to X-rays
• improves the vascular system, heart function intestines, and lungs
• aids in the removal of foreign deposits from the walls of the blood vessels
• purifies the liver, stimulates the growth of new tissue
• reduces inflammation of the pancreas, stimulates the growth of new tissue
• raises the oxygen level of the tissue cells

Sheep Sorrel is the primary healing herb in Essiac.

For centuries Burdock has been used throughout the world to defend against illness and disease. The root of the Burdock is a powerful blood purifier. It clears congestion in respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and circulatory systems. It promotes the flow of bile, and eliminates excess fluid in the body. It stimulates the elimination of toxic wastes, relieves liver malfunctions, and improves digestion. The Chinese use Burdock Root as an aphrodisiac, tonic, and rejuvenator. It assists in removing infection from the urinary tract, the liver, and the gall bladder. It expels toxins through the skin and urine. It is good against arthritis, rheumatism, and sciatica.

Burdock Root contains vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and P. It contains high amounts of chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and zinc, and lesser amounts of calcium, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Much of the Burdock Roots curative power is attributed to its principal ingredient of Unulin, which helps to strengthen vital organs, especially the liver, pancreas, and spleen.

Slippery Elm Bark is widely known throughout the world as a herbal remedy. As a tonic it is known for its ability to sooth and strengthen the organs, tissues, and mucous membranes, especially the lungs and stomach. It promotes fast healing of cuts, burns, ulcers and wounds. It revitalizes the entire body.

It contains, as its primary ingredient, a mucilage, as well as quantities of garlic acid, phenols, starches, sugars, the vitamins A, B complex, C, K, and P. It contains large amounts of calcium, magnesium, and sodium, as well as lesser amounts of chromium and selenium, and trace amounts of iron, phosphorous, silicon and zinc.

Slippery Elm Bark is known among herbalists for its ability to cleanse, and strengthen the body.

Rhubarb, also a well known herb, as been used worldwide since 220 BC as a medicine.

The Rhubarb root exerts a gentle laxative action by stimulating the secretion of bile into the intestines. It also stimulates the gall duct to expel toxic waste matter, thus purging the body of waste bile and food. As a result, the liver is cleansed, and chronic liver problems are relieved.

Rhubarb root contains vitamin A, many of the B complex, C, and P. Its high mineral content includes calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc.

1. Prevents the buildup of excess fatty deposits in artery walls, heart, kidney and liver.

2. Regulates cholesterol levels by transforming sugar and fat into energy.

3. Destroys parasites in the digestive system and throughout the body.

4. Counteracts the effects of aluminum, lead and mercury poisoning.

5. Strengthens and tightens muscles, organs and tissues.

6. Makes bones, joints, ligaments, lungs, and membranes strong and flexible, less vulnerable to stress or stress injuries.

7. Nourishes and stimulates the brain and nervous system.

8. Promotes the absorption of fluids in the tissues.

9. Removes toxic accumulations in the fat, lymph, bone marrow, bladder, and alimentary canals.

10. Neutralizes acids, absorbs toxins in the bowel, and eliminates both.

11. Clears the respiratory channels by dissolving and expelling mucus.

12. Relieves the liver of its burden of detoxification by converting fatty toxins into water-soluble substances that can then be easily eliminated through the kidneys.

13. Assists the liver to produce lecithin, which forms part of the myelin sheath, a white fatty material that encloses nerve fibers.

14. Reduces, perhaps eliminates, heavy metal deposits in tissues (especially those surrounding the joints) to reduce inflammation and stiffness.

15. Improves the functions of the pancreas and spleen by increasing the effectiveness of insulin.

16. Purifies the blood.

17. Increases red cell production, and keeps them from rupturing.

18. Increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen by raising the oxygen level in the tissue cells.

19. Maintains the balance between potassium and sodium within the body so that the fluid inside and outside each cell is regulated: in this way, cells are nourished with nutrients and are also cleansed.

20. Converts calcium and potassium oxalates into a harmless form by making them solvent in the urine. Regulates the amount of oxalic acid delivered to the kidneys, thus reducing the risk of stone formation in the gall bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract.

21. Protects against toxins entering the brain.

22. Protects the body against radiation and X-rays.

23. Relieves pain, increases the appetite, and provides more energy along with a sense of well being.

24. Speeds up wound healing by regenerating the damaged area.

25. Increases the production of antibodies like lymphocytes and T-cells in the thymus gland, which is the defender of our immune system.

26. Inhibits benign growths and tumors.

27. Protects the cells against free radicals.

It appears that Essiac's actions to remove heavy metals, detoxify the body, restore energy levels, and rebuild the immune system, all act to restore the body to a level to where it is able to better defeat the illness. In other words, Essiac rebuilds the immune system and improves the illness defeating ability of the body so that it can then rid itself of the illness.

Dr. Julian Whitaker publishes a very informative and enlightening monthly newsletter named Health & Healing. It has 43O,OOO subscribers. In his November, 1995 issue he stated that to strengthen his body and defend against illness, he personally would follow a regimen which included changing his diet, taking the nutritional supplements Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q1O, and he would take Essiac tea.

Dr. Whitaker has over twenty years of experience. He has written five major health books: Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, Reversing Health Risks, A Guide to Natural Healing, and Is Heart Surgery Necessary? Dr. Whitaker directs the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, California, which has treated thousands of patients. Should you desire information about subscribing to his newsletter, call (800)705-5559.

Highly recommend newsletter to anyone who wishes to become more knowledgeable about the complete range of healing modalities which are available. He also proscribes a 7 step 30 day wellness program "that will turn your life around".

We are not permitted, nor do we make any claims that Rene Caisse's herbal formula will cure any disease including cancer. We have only gathered together of the already published information that is available to the general public about Rene's herbal remedy so that you may better make informed decisions. The documents which were used to compile this are listed in the bibliography. Consult your physician before using Rene Caisse's herbal remedy.

The Calling of an Angel by Dr. Gary Glum, 1988, Silent Walker Publishing, PO Box 80098, Los Angeles CA, 90080 Tel: (310) 271 9931

The Essence of Essiac by Sheila Snow, 1993

Essiac: Nature's Cure For Cancer: An Interview with Dr. Gary Glum by Elisabeth Robinson, "Wildfire Magazine", Vol. 6, No. 1

Cancer Therapy by Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D., Equinox Press, 331 W. 57th St., Suite 268, New York, NY 10019, 1992

Health & Healing newsletter by Dr. Julian Whitaker, Phillips Publishing, 7811 Montrose Rd., Potomac MD 20854