i don't see any reason why it would interfere with the action of the herbs. just remember to use a quality sweetener like black strap molasses or raw honey or sorghum or even stevia.

I do not know about the Pau D'arco, but I do know that when I was making Essiac under the directions of my Naturopath as part of a holistic cancer protocol, we were not allowed to sweeten the Essiac specifically because things like parasites and yeast like sugars/honey/syrup and we did not want to encourage that. I could use Stevia however. I used the liquid Stevia, its strong and the taste is different but I did eventually grow accustomed to it. I down Essiac without anything now. I use the caps everyday but a few months ago bought the liquid Essiac and downed my 2 ounces a day like a couple of shots.

blessings,
Zoe

-_-

Don't sweeten Essiac or pau d'arco. It will cause a different reaction - perhaps not a bad one. But it will lesson the effects of the detox...

Rest assured that after a few days of drinking it un-sweetened you will grow quite accustomed to the taste.

Here is a link to a web site and article claiming to have a certified document that confirms proof of the original Essiac formula of Rene Caisse's. This article says that on her death she passed the formula onto only one person, her close friend Mary McPherson. The web site is maintained by somebody who goes by the name Lanny; at least, this is the name that pops up when clicking on the option to send an email inquiry for more info on Essiac. Lanny does mention another person - Dr Gary Glum who wrote a book about Rene - Calling of An Angel, 1988, in which he also publishes the same formula.

If you read this information carefully, you will see that care is taken to point out to the reader the need to not deviate from the formula. Make of this what you will. To me this suggests against adding anything to it, even honey. This lends some credence to the old saying - if it's really good for your health, it's not supposed to taste good. Perhaps ask Lanny via email.

This article mentions a copyright that requires a request to Lanny before copying & posting this article and the formula in any part on the web. So, here is the link to the story of Rene and Essiac. If you read to the bottom of the linked document, there is a variety of other articles related to health. Of note, it seems that Lanny is a Chemtrail Enthusiast.

http://www.healthfreedom.info/Cancer%20Essiac.htm

I get my 4herb tea from herbalhealer.com they have lots of stuff they will send you a catolog free. I don't work there.