Rene Caisse, a Canadian naturopathic nurse, developed the formula for Essiac tea in the early 1920s. Caisse based this product, which she regarded as an effective cancer treatment, on a traditional Native American tea formula. After Caisse's death in the 1980s, the rights to her product passed to Dr. Charles Brusch and his colleague, Elaine Alexander. The two added an additional four herbs to the formula and renamed the product Flor-Essence. Today, Flor-Essence is used as an alternative treatment for cancer, liver disease, arthritis and several other conditions.
Burdock Root
Burdock root has been used for centuries as a "blood purifier," laxative and diuretic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This popular medicinal herb is a core component of Flor-Essence and the original Essiac tea formula.
Slippery Elm
The University of Maryland Medical Center regards slippery elm as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive-supporting herb. Slippery elm is associated with few side effects, but there is little scientific evidence to support its use.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a powerful herbal laxative and may cause several serious side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, rhubarb contains toxic compounds called anthraquinones, which irritate the lining of the intestines. Excessive use of rhubarb can cause diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal cramping and dependence.
Sheep Sorrel
Rene Caisse included sheep sorrel in the original Essiac tea formula; she believed that it strengthened the immune system and helped to destroy cancerous cells. The National Institutes of Health warns that sheep sorrel contains trace amounts of oxalic acid. In large doses, this compound can be acutely toxic; it may damage the kidneys or liver.
Blessed Thistle
Flor-Essence contains blessed thistle leaves, flowers and roots. The leaves of the blessed thistle plant have traditionally been used to support healthy digestion, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may help to improve appetite and immunity in cancer patients, but scientific studies have not sufficiently evaluated its efficacy.
Red Clover
Brusch and Alexander added red clover to Flor-Essence to potentiate the effects of the original Essiac herbs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, red clover has a long-standing history as an alternative cancer treatment, but there is not enough evidence to support its use as a treatment for any disease.
Kelp
This common sea vegetable contains high concentrations of iodine and other minerals. The manufacturers of Flor-Essence include kelp because of its antioxidant capacity, but there is no evidence to support the notion that it effectively "detoxifies" the body or treats any form of cancer.
Watercress
Like kelp, watercress contains folic acid, iron, calcium and iodine. Alexander included watercress in Flor-Essence because of its traditional reputation as a cancer treatment. In 2007, The Times reported that watercress as part of a healthy diet may defend against some types of cancer. There is not enough evidence to support the use of watercress tea as a cancer treatment, but it is generally safe and associated with few side effects.
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