Re: Essiac-need advice

If you're into making it yourself for long-term use, you can save a load of bucks by doing it yourself.  I always make a double batch - it keeps for a long time.  Use stainless or glass for cooking and storing.  If your storage containers have plastic tops, don't shake the Essiac, but stir it with a stainless steel spoon.

Here's a site for the formula for the four herb Essiac which I also believe to be the best.

http://www.homehealthresource.net/apothecary/essiac.html

Then go to this site and order your individual herbs and search for them in the search box - they have organic of each one:

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

You can than make your own batch and have about 2 1/2 pounds (dry weight) for around $40 plus shipping.  They are the cheapest I've found for organic herbs, and they are reliable.  Then mix it yourself and store in a covered container.  That will make several gallons.  I find that if you prepare tea with 32 ounces of water that you will lose some of the water in process, mainly do to the absorption of the ingredients, that's why I do a double batch..

In order to to ensure a quality tea I brew it this way - per instructions from Mountain Rose Herbs (when I bought the pre-mixed dry ingredients, I now buy them separately and mix myself):

Supplies needed:                                                              

Large 1 + gallon stainless steel pot with lid                        

Measuring cup                                                                 

Distilled water                                                         

Warm plate or heating element                               

Large 32+ ounce glass bottle or jar

Mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Preparation:

Mix your essiac blend thoroughly.

Take a large container and mix 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) of the dried Essiac blend to 32 ounces of distilled water, and shake/mix thoroughly. If you need to make more, simply double the proportions.

Boil at high heat for 10 minutes (covered), proceed to turn off the heat but leave sitting on warm plate overnight (covered), or other warm element

In the morning, bring to a medium heat until it develops steam; after a steam develops bring the heat back down and allow to settle for a few minutes. Then pour through a fine steel strainer or cheese cloth into sterilized glass bottle or jar and allow to sit and cool After it has been sitting at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, you may now place it in The refrigerator.  All prepared essiac must be refrigerated when opened, and you must shake the blend well before pouring for consumption.