How to Prepare Essiac Tea: 15 Steps
Introduction:
Essiac tea is a herbal concoction that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. The formula contains four main ingredients: burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and Indian rhubarb root, which are believed to help support the immune system. Follow these 15 steps to prepare Essiac tea at home.
1. Gather the ingredients:
– 1 cup burdock root
– 1/4 cup sheep sorrel
– 1/4 cup slippery elm bark
– 1 tbsp Indian rhubarb root
2. Measure 8 cups of fresh, filtered water.
3. Pour water into a large stainless steel or enamel-coated pot.
4. Crush the burdock root using a mortar and pestle to release its nutrients more effectively.
5. Add the crushed burdock root to the pot of water.
6. Bring the water and burdock root mixture to a boil.
7. Lower heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
8. While simmering, chop sheep sorrel leaves and roots finely.
9. Add sheep sorrel to the pot and mix well.
10. Let the tea mixture continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
11. Turn off the heat and add slippery elm bark powder and Indian rhubarb root powder. Mix thoroughly.
12. Cover the pot and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 12 hours or overnight to steep and cool.
13. After steeping, transfer tea into a clean glass jar or bottle using a fine strainer or cheesecloth to catch any solid residue.
14. Store Essiac tea in your refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed container to maintain freshness and potency.
15. To consume, shake well and pour about 2oz (60ml) of Essiac tea into a cup. You can drink it cold or gently warm it on the stovetop, but don’t bring it to a boil again, as this may destroy some of the nutrients.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of Essiac tea at home. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any herbal supplements to your diet, particularly if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.