MAKING THE ESSIAC TEA DECOCTION

Step 1: Bring 32 ounces of water to a boil. 

Step 2: Pour Essiac tea mix into boiling water. Steep, covered, at a medium boil for approximately ten minutes. 

Step 3: Remove water with tea from heat. Collect the herbal matter from the sides of the pot and transfer back into the water, then cover. Allow the Essiac tea decoction to sit at room temperature for ten to twelve hours. 

Step 4: Prepare jars to store your decoction. For a better shelf life, you should sterilize the jars using a canning kettle or large pot and boiling them for at least five minutes. Be sure to sterilize the lids of the jars as well. 

Step 5: Reheat the Essiac tea decoction until it is steaming, but not boiling. Use a stove; never microwave Essiac tea. 

Step 6: Remove the decoction from heat and allow it to sit for around five minutes. This will allow the sediment to settle to the bottom of the pot. 

Step 7: Pour the Essiac tea decoction into your previously prepared jars. Using a funnel and strainer is preferable but not necessary. Sediment in the bottom of the jars is normal even when straining and the sediment can be consumed as part of the tea. 

Step 8: Allow the decoction to cool in the jars, then refrigerate to store.

HOW TO USE YOUR ESSIAC TEA DECOCTION

Once the decoction is made it is not necessary to reheat the tea prior to consuming it. For one serving, mix one to two fluid ounces of decoction with two to four fluid ounces of hot water (Essiac tea can also be prepared with cold water if you prefer it). Suggested usage is one serving per day. It is not recommended to consume more than two servings per day.

People who consume Essiac tea regularly are encouraged to take “time off" (i.e. one day a week, or one week a month, etc). Essiac is best consumed on an empty stomach. Drink it slowly, and wait at least a half hour after you finish your tea before you eat anything.

Discard unused decoction if your Essiac tea ever tastes sour, or if there are any visible growths on top of your decoction jars. These can be signs that the decoction has passed its shelf life.