The original 8-herb formula given to Rene Caisse by Mrs. Johnson (or Johnston) who got it from the Native American medicine man… is different than ANY of the current 8-herb formulas available at the present moment.
Original Essiac Formula : (by Native American)
- burdock (Arctium Lappa)
- sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
- slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra)
- Indian rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
- red clover (Trifolium pratense)
- watercress (Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum),
- periwinkle (Vinca major/minor) – this isn’t in 8 herb blends today
- goldthread (Coptis trifolia) – this isn’t in 8 herb blends today
4 Herb Blend used by Rene Caisse: (what we recommend)
- burdock (Arctium Lappa)
- sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) with roots included; should say either whole plant or sheep sorrel with roots on the ingredient list of the product.
- slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra)
- Indian rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
Current 8-herb Formula: (by Dr Charles Brusch)
- burdock (Arctium Lappa),
- sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella),
- slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra),
- turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum),
- red clover (Trifolium pratense),
- watercress (Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum),
- blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) – different from the original 8 herb formula
- kelp (Laminariales) – different from the original 8 herb formula
Rene Caisse understood some of the original 8 herbs had side-effects for certain conditions and played with the herbs, taking one out at a time until she ended up with the 4 herb blend we use today. She used the 4 herb blend and documented many cases over her time which she successfully treated through the Essiac Archives.
The four herbs that she ended up with, again were:
- burdock root (Arctium Lappa)
- sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) with roots included; should say either whole plant or sheep sorrel with roots on the ingredient list of the product.
- slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra)
- Indian rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)
More Ingredients = More Risk?
While there may be some additional enhancing phytonutrients in the eight ingredients blend, one truth is that there are four more items to which to be potentially allergic. Each additional plant adds a new plant family that may stimulate an allergic reaction in some people. In addition to allergies, the chance for side effects is concurrently increased with larger numbers of ingredients. Diabetics may need even closer blood sugar monitoring with additional phytochemicals working. The new phytosterols in the mixture may affect glucose levels.
8 herb blend and pregnancy/nursing:
Now an absolute warning to anyone pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use the 8 herb mixture especially. The effects of red clover on the female reproductive system may jeopardize conception and pregnancy viability.
Watercress interferes with the cytochrome P450 drug metabolism enzyme system and may interfere with certain prescription drug use. If taking prescribed medications always check with a health care professional before starting any supplements.
Pros
- Adds some additional health benefits.
- Improved flavor? This is a big maybe. According to some the 8 herb tastes better, but it hasn’t been a common experience of ours. Most folks we know say the 8 herb blend tastes like ‘swamp water’.
Cons
- Increased risk allergies.
- Increased risk side effects.
- Additional items add to difficulty making tea yourself.
In the end only an individual can determine if the additional risks in the eight item formula balance the potential additional benefits. A prevailing attitude in modern society is that more is better. If one works, two will work better. In the case of the four ingredient versus the eight plant mixture the increased risks may outweigh any additional benefits.
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