Essiac Tea

Essiac Tea for Dogs and Cats

Modified on Apr 01, 2024

Essiac tea, a formula crafted by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse, is renowned for its cancer-treating abilities. This gentle yet potent blend offers significant health benefits not only to humans but also to pets. Its primary use is in cancer treatment, but Essiac tea is also a natural solution for various chronic health issues and benign tumors.

The Herbal Composition of Essiac Tea

  • Burdock Root: Known for its blood-purifying properties, burdock root is used over several months to promote healing. It's also consumed as a food in some cultures.
  • Sheep Sorrel: Rich in vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene, sheep sorrel reduces inflammation and purifies the blood.
  • Slippery Elm: Nutritious and mild, slippery elm bark soothes the throat and digestive tract, making it a common remedy for digestive issues.
  • Turkey Rhubarb: Used in small quantities in Essiac, turkey rhubarb acts as a laxative, aiding in toxin elimination. Its astringent tannins are also beneficial.

8 Herb Essiac Blend: An Extended Formula

Some formulations include kelp, watercress, red clover, and blessed thistle alongside the original four herbs. While these additions are nutritious and have health benefits, the original four-herb Essiac blend is more historically renowned for its effectiveness against cancer.

Optimal Essiac Forms for Pet Treatment

  • Home-Brewed Tea: Brewing Essiac tea according to original methods is ideal. The steeping process extracts the herbs' nutrients effectively, especially beneficial for pets with digestive issues.
  • Essiac Powder: If pets reject tea, Essiac powder mixed into food is an alternative, albeit less ideal.
  • Essiac Capsules: Suitable for pets that are comfortable with capsule dosing.
  • Essiac Tincture: While alcohol-based tinctures are not recommended for pets, non-alcoholic versions can be used. However, they might not yield the same results as water-based extracts.

DIY Essiac Tea Blend Recipe

  • Burdock root (1 1/2 pounds, cut)
  • Sheep sorrel (1 pound, powdered)
  • Slippery elm (1/4 pound, powdered)
  • Turkey Rhubarb root (1 ounce, powdered)

Preparing and Dosing Essiac Tea for Pets

Essiac tea should be prepared in stainless steel or glass pots. The dosage varies for cats and dogs, based on their size, and is typically administered on an empty stomach. Detailed instructions on preparation and dosing are available.

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