A NOTE TO READERS

At times, it may be misunderstood that complementary (or alternative) choices are at the exclusion of allopathic (Western medicine) options. This is simply not the case. Both modalities have their unique merit and advantages. Having spent my adult life studying both, I find that they blend well together in many situations. I do not believe, nor do I endorse, that any one treatment is a cure for cancer or any other illness. In society today, we have the wonderful option of “high tech” medicine, and the ancient wisdom of the societies who used—and continue to use—plants as a health option. I view the blending of these two as complementary.

The phrase “alternative medicine” has it’s merits, yet many times lends a feeling of estrangement from modern medicine. The work I am involved in has the intention of complementing that which we can obtain from physicians. I would much rather work with a physician toward the goal of that which is in the best interest of the patient, than to be viewed as working against them. Many times my profession is viewed as antagonistic toward the modern medical science. I find that to be changing, as more physicians educate themselves about many aspects of healthcare. I invite physicians to exchange dialogue with me on how we can best work together to achieve our common goals: First, to do no harm. Second, to support a person in their goal toward better health. Third, to work as a team in offering that person the very best options for their individual needs.

I find that the large majority of our clients are hesitant to approach their physicians about using complementary choices, because they feel they will be chastised or told that it is quackery. There are many deceptive persons claiming to have your health needs in their best interest who are involved in healthcare. There are “quacks” and downright dangerous people waiting to take advantage of your health challenge—to capitalize on your plight. Educate yourself about your disease and treatment options (both allopathic and complementary), and then make your choices based on valid information given to you. It is your body, and your responsibility to seek that which is right for you. Please do not let fear and desperation be your guiding force.

I do not believe that the essiac tea is a “cure-all,” or the only choice a person should utilize in their health options. Our bodies—as well as diseases themselves—are more complicated than what any one treatment or option could address in totality. I ask that you consider the use of essiac as a complementary adjunct to other treatments.

My research into this blend is not from the focus of a “cure” for cancer, or any other health challenge. It is intended to provide the public with a more scientific and herbal-based approach to this tea, and as a credible adjunct to other treatment plans. I have found that most persons who take this tea, report that it seems to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery and give them a greater sense of well-being. I view this tea as a support to the physician’s recommendations. Nothing more, nothing less.

Illness, disease, or physical imbalances are complicated. I am not a physician; I do not have the extensive training of that profession. My nursing background gives me one perspective, and herbal studies another. They do not contradict one another, but serve to blend into a greater picture of what may work in the body to assist it back to health. Thankfully, many medical professionals are embracing the further study of natural treatments in their practices. There are countless studies which have been done, and continue to be undertaken, on the effects of herbs, supplements, massage, etc., in promoting health. Most of the studies are being conducted in European countries, with amazing results. Additionally, many natural healthcare professionals in the U.S. are understanding the importance of not alienating the allopathic professionals, and embracing the need to work with one another in finding evidence that certain modalities have credibility.

It is for all of you that I continue to do my research. If it helps just one person, I will feel blessed.

In 1992, I began my research work with the blend commonly referred to as “essiac.” I thought it was just another one of those “hypes” that goes around all too frequently in the complementary medicine circles. I ignored it as long as I could; then decided to investigate it to see if it had any merit. In the beginning, all I could find out was what most of you read in the books published then, or on obscure websites.

Since the early ‘90’s, this blend has become a marketer’s dream. It’s been reported to cure everything from cancer to the common cold and all illnesses and maladies in-between. As in the case of too many products reported to help with cancer, it has been misrepresented, mismarketed, and sadly, little has been done in the way of concrete unbiased research on this blend. I kept looking for it, and didn’t find it. That’s when I decided to fill that gap. You may also find in your research of marketers in the “essiac trade,” that they usually don’t have a clue about the factual history of this blend, let alone the all-important ramifications and implications of it’s use. None that I know of actually even discuss the importance of dosage. I’m dismayed about one thing more than any other: You, as the consumer, are not given the facts and discussion on this blend that is so necessary in making your choices about your own healthcare.

If you are one that has, or is, facing the monumental challenge of cancer, then you have every right to know exactly what this tea is about, how it may affect your body, what your individual dosage should be, and the research being done. This handbook comes from countless hours of work in which I had to pave new ground, or put concepts together that had not been connected before, or compile data that was scattered here and there. I’ve combed more books than you can imagine, sat here blurry eyed from vast amounts of reading, and yet it is all necessary. You see, I’ve lost several family members to cancer, who chose not to incorporate complementary methods in their fight. I’m tired of seeing people suffer, taken advantage of, and led down a “primrose path” full of empty or non-substantiated promises. Even though I am not a “marketer” of this blend, I am the ONLY one that I know of who is undertaking a very large unbiased study and research on this blend.

Yes, I am deeply impassioned about this tea. It is known all over the world, and sought out by people who are many times desperate, afraid and vulnerable. I understand the fear and desperation. But, when the emotional dust settles, you have every right to know what you are taking. Through becoming more pro-active in your healthcare, you will make the decisions right for you as an individual. No other single human being has the right or the know-how to fill that role. Each and every one of us in the healthcare profession is there 1) to provide you with the information in which we are knowledgeable, and which may pertain to your current circumstances, 2) to uphold your right to make the decisions you deem appropriate to your case, and, 3) not to take over responsibility for your health choices.

Not only in my work as a nurse, but in my current role of discussing options with those who have cancer (and their families), I have seen one thing time and time again: Those that take control and responsibility for their own health and treatment are those who stand a much better chance of survival and recovery! I sincerely hope that this booklet will give you some of the tools you need to make choices appropriate for you.

Kathy Sedler - January 2001

Note: Many references are made in this handbook to cancer in relation to the essiac blend. This is due to the fact that most people are taking it for that health issue, based on the publicity it has attained from Rene Caisse’s work. I am aware of persons taking this tea for a variety of reasons other than cancer. For clarification purposes, I make no claims that this tea will cure or reverse cancer. Testimonies and research give a strong indication that it may be useful as an adjunct to other treatment plans. All materials published on this website are for educational purposes only. Always seek a compassionate healthcare professional for health concerns.

This information is provided for educational purposes and to promote discussion only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or claim cure for any disease or imbalance in the body.

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