Recipe for Essiac Tea: Easy Steps for a Healing Brew

Updated On: October 18, 2025

Essiac tea is a traditional herbal blend that has been cherished for generations due to its remarkable health benefits and soothing properties. Originating from Native American remedies, this tea combines a unique mix of herbs known for their detoxifying and immune-boosting qualities.

If you’re seeking a natural way to support your body’s wellness or simply enjoy a flavorful, earthy tea, making Essiac tea at home is a rewarding and straightforward process. With its rich history and potent ingredients, this tea has become a staple for herbal enthusiasts worldwide.

In this post, we will guide you through a detailed recipe for Essiac tea, including everything from the essential herbs to the brewing process. Whether you’re new to herbal teas or a seasoned tea lover looking to expand your collection, this recipe offers a gentle yet powerful brew perfect for daily enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Essiac tea recipe is crafted with authenticity and simplicity in mind, using carefully selected herbs to ensure maximum benefit and flavor. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, requiring minimal equipment and straightforward steps.

The blend is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for any time of day.

Beyond just the taste, this tea supports your body’s natural detox pathways, promotes immune health, and offers a comforting ritual that can become a cherished part of your daily routine. Plus, brewing it yourself means you can control the quality and freshness of every cup.

Ingredients

  • Slippery Elm Bark – 1/4 cup (powdered or finely shredded)
  • Burdock Root – 1/4 cup (dried and chopped)
  • Sheep Sorrel – 1/4 cup (dried)
  • Turkey Rhubarb Root – 2 tablespoons (dried and chopped)
  • Filtered water – 4 cups (for brewing)

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel or glass pot (at least 2-quart capacity)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Storage container with lid for brewed tea

Instructions

  1. Prepare the herbs. Combine the slippery elm bark, burdock root, sheep sorrel, and turkey rhubarb root in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
  2. Add the herbs to the pot. Pour 4 cups of filtered water into your pot and add the mixed herbs.
  3. Bring to a boil. Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer gently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent the slippery elm from thickening too much.
  5. Remove from heat. After simmering, cover the pot and let the tea steep for an additional 4 to 8 hours or overnight to extract the full benefits of the herbs.
  6. Strain the tea. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, carefully strain the tea to remove all herb particles.
  7. Store and serve. Pour the strained tea into a clean container and refrigerate. Drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily, warming it slightly if preferred.

Tips & Variations

“For the best results, use high-quality, organic herbs and fresh filtered water,” advises herbalist Jane Doe.

If you prefer a stronger tea, you can increase the herb quantities slightly, but be cautious as the flavor can become quite earthy and potent. Feel free to add a touch of honey or lemon to enhance the taste without overpowering the natural herbal notes.

Some tea drinkers like to blend in a small amount of peppermint or chamomile to soften the flavor and add additional calming effects. However, these are optional and not part of the traditional Essiac formula.

When storing, keep the tea refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and potency.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 1/2 cup serving
Calories 5
Carbohydrates 1 g
Fiber 0.5 g
Vitamin C 1% DV
Calcium 2% DV
Iron 1% DV

Essiac tea is naturally low in calories and contains small amounts of beneficial plant compounds. Its true value lies in the herbal antioxidants and detoxifying agents rather than macronutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Essiac tea is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve it in a cozy mug alongside a light snack such as nuts, fruit, or a small piece of dark chocolate for a relaxing afternoon break.

For a refreshing twist, chill the tea and serve it over ice with a slice of lemon during warmer months. This variation makes a delightful, healthful iced tea with a subtle tang.

Because of its mild flavor, Essiac tea pairs well with gentle herbal blends like chamomile or lavender when you want to create a soothing tea experience.

Conclusion

Making your own Essiac tea at home is a wonderful way to connect with a time-honored herbal tradition that supports wellness from the inside out. This recipe offers a simple, authentic method to prepare a nourishing tea rich in detoxifying herbs that can be incorporated into your daily routine with ease.

Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, enjoy a calming cup of herbal tea, or explore natural remedies, Essiac tea is an excellent choice. Its gentle yet powerful blend of herbs offers both flavor and function, making it a versatile addition to your tea collection.

Give this recipe a try, and discover the soothing benefits and earthy charm of Essiac tea for yourself.

For more herbal and natural recipes, check out our Herbal Infusion Recipes, Detox Drink Ideas, and Comforting Hot Beverages.

📖 Recipe Card: Essiac Tea

Description: Essiac tea is a traditional herbal blend used for wellness and detoxification. It combines several herbs steeped to create a nourishing infusion.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons burdock root (dried, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons slippery elm bark (powdered)
  • 2 tablespoons sheep sorrel (dried, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Indian rhubarb root (dried, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon turkey rhubarb root (dried, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon watercress (dried)
  • 8 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Combine all herbs in a large pot.
  2. Add 8 cups of filtered water to the herbs.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
  6. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer.
  7. Pour into a teapot or container and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 5 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 1g

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Marta K

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