HOME > ESSIAC FAQ > OXALIC ACID IN ESSIAC TEA
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OXALIC ACID & ESSIAC TEA
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ESSIAC CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
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Should We Be Concerned About Oxalic Acid in Essiac Tea?
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HEALTH — A QUESTION OF BALANCE
Some Essiac websites claim there is cause for concern for the oxalic acid in Essiac tea which they say may cause kidney stones. One can find YouTube videos ringing alarm bells about oxalic acid.
The truth is that oxalic acid (aka, oxalates) is present in nearly all the fruits and vegetables we eat. The following short list reveals just some of the foods with the highest amount of oxalic acid:
carrots, garlic, sprouts, onions, kale, celery, nuts & peanuts, spinach, beets, green beans, strawberries, raspberries, peas, brussel sprouts, blackberries, sweet potatoes, lettuce, cilantro, broccoli, summer squash, blueberries, radishes, etc, etc.
These are all foods that are considered good for our health. So is oxalic acid in food something to be worried about for the average individual?
We know that the pure white, crystaline chemical “oxalic acid” made in a laboratory is harmful to the human body. Oxalic acid has numerous industrial uses such as a chemical in cleaning products, detergent, bleaching, removing rust and stains. It is used in wastewater treatment where it removes calcium deposits effectively from water and is also ideal for polishing stone and treating old wood.
However, pure, isolated oxalic acid does not exist in Nature. Oxalates exist in plants along with many other compounds. When eaten as food it results in many complex chemical reactions that occur in our human biology. Our own bodies even produce oxalic acid naturally. Science is just beginning to understand how all these reactions create a state of health in us human beings.
I have been drinking Essiac tea with both sheep sorrel roots and leaf on a daily basis since 2001. I have never had any kidney problems. In fact, I drink Essiac tea at four times the recommended strength for cancer patients.
If oxalic acid is bad for us why does our own bodies produce it naturally in the liver and kidneys? Have we been told the whole truth about oxalic acid?
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The information on this website is for educational and historical purposes and not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone’s body is different so there is no one-size-fits-all for health issues. It should be noted that medical doctors are not usually taught about such subjects as herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, non-pharmceutical approaches to health, etc. Therefore, choosing an appropriate health professional is a human right and that is up to the individual seeking health improvement.
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THE BIG PICTURE FIRST
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It turns out that kidney stones are a symptom of a much bigger problem and the oxalic acid in kidney stones is not the actual cause of the formation of the stones (Otherwise, everyone would be plagued with kidney stones from eating so much oxalic acid in their fruits and vegetables). Therefore, we need to take a look at the big picture before understanding how Essiac tea fits into this discussion, which has a surprising ending.
We, as human beings, have genetically adapted and evolved over thousands of years by eating the plants and animals that exist on this planet. That all changed with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution when food began to be unnaturally altered. The human body was not designed to handle artificial chemicals in our air, water, food and medicines. Our food is now conveniently boxed, bagged and bottled in plastic containers along with artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavor enhancers, artificial preservatives, herbicides, pesticides and now genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The number of known, cancer-causing man-made chemicals we are exposed to is staggering.
Is it any wonder why modern societies are plagued with a constantly rising tide of degenerative diseases like cancer, heart and circulatory “disease” and diabetes? However, if we could peek beneath the covers it is not the often-touted “doctor errors” (iatrogenesis) that is the third leading cause of death in the western world, but the entire medical establishment itself.
And the greatest contributor to that death toll are pharmaceutical DRUGS! The pharmaceutical corporations themselves must admit in their “black box warnings” that some of the side effects of their drugs include cancer, heart disease and many other debilitating and even lethal “side effects”. And the deaths and debilitating “side effects” began increasing even more in 2021. Since the “side effects” of drugs can cause both heart disease and cancer and since some of these drugs wind up being sold illegally on the street (e.g., fentanyl), one wonders if the medical establishment might rank higher than third place.
Unfortunately, the modern educational system does not teach us how the balances that already exist in Nature sustain our survival. Instead, medical schools, supported by Big Pharma and Big Medical “donations”, teach profitable chemical treatments for disease with side effects that are harmful because they are out of balance with Nature. Big corporations are designed to make money, not seek Truth.
“Big Pharma Pours Millions Into Medical Schools”
https://globalnews.ca/news/5738386/canadian-medical-school-funding/
Therefore, the question becomes not just about Essiac tea but about healthy fruits and vegetables. It is a “QUESTION OF BALANCE” (to quote an album cover from 1970).
For sure, pure oxalic acid made in a laboratory or chemical plant can be harmful or lethal if consumed. However, the oxalic acid in healthy fruits and vegetables is BALANCED by other components such as citric acid, which can prevent and even dissolve kidney stones.
The main oxalate component in Essiac tea is the natural plant, Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella. However, Sheep Sorrel also contains—Guess what?–citric acid. It is naturally BALANCED. In fact, both citric acid and oxalate acid contribute to Sheep Sorrel’s lemony, sour, tangy taste that adds zest to ordinary salads. Click here to learn more about citric acid.
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RENE CAISSE DISCOVERIES
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Furthermore, as Rene Caisse discovered, it is Sheep Sorrel that is mainly responsible for Essiac’s anti-cancer properties. And specifically it is the oxalic acid in Sheep Sorrel that causes a metastasized cancer to retreat to the original tumor site whereupon the three other herbs assist the body to eliminate cancer cells and toxins using the body’s natural ability for detoxification.
On April 4, 1974 Rene M. Caisse wrote a letter to Dr. Chester Stock of the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research stating:
“The herb that will destroy a cancer (a malignant growth) is the dog-eared Sheep Sorrel, sometimes called sour grass. The entire plant must be used.”
In May of 1974 Rene Caisse further explained to Dr. Stock how Sheep Sorrel worked in relation to the other three herbs:
“It took years to find out the one herb that actually worked on the growth itself [Sheep Sorrel]. The other herbs [Burdock, Slippery Elm & Turkish Rhubarb] I used to purify the blood and throw off any infection thrown off by the malignant growth [tumor] as it regressed.”
In other words she developed a BALANCED herbal formula wherein all the herbs performed a different function but collectively and synergistically worked together to achieve a common purpose.
Furthermore, Rene Caisse discovered that Sheep Sorrel ROOTS were “very essential” to the Essiac formula. It was Rene Caisse’s friend, Sheila Snow, who discovered this fact after Rene’s death in 1978 by obtaining the letters Rene wrote to Dr. Chester Stock of the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research.
The oxalic acid in Turkey Rhubarb Root is a very small part of the Essiac Formula by weight and therefore its contribution of oxalate is minor in comparison to Sheep Sorrel Leaf and Flowers.
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What Rene Caisse discovered about Sheep Sorrel’s effect on cancer cells and tumors is amazing. Here is what Rene said:
“Most importantly, and this was verified in animal tests conducted at the Brusch Medical Center and other laboratories, it was discovered that one of the most dramatic effects of taking this remedy was its affinity for drawing all the cancer cells, which had spread, back to the original site at which point the tumor would first harden, then later it would soften, until it vanished altogether or more realistically, the tumor would decrease in size to where it could then be surgically removed with minimal complications.”
“In certain cases and at certain stages of the disease, the cancer would act as if it were ‘coming to a head’, similar to an abscess. It would then break down and slough away. These people all reported that when the mass breaks, it isn’t like pus but like a cottage cheese substance that comes away. Still other types will enlarge until the mass is localized, then loosen and reduce in size until there is nothing left, having been absorbed into and carried off by the blood stream and body waste.”
In the case of breast cancers, the primary growth will usually invade the mammary gland of the opposite breast or the auxilla (armpit), or both. My treatment, I found, reduced the secondary growth into the primary mass, enlarging it for a time. When it became localized, it was encapsulated and could then be removed without danger of recurrence. In one instance, a patient with breast cancer was instructed by her doctor to have six Essiac treatments before undergoing surgery. After the fifth treatment, however, the cancer disappeared, with no recurrence.”
[Source: “Sheila Snow Fraser Essiac Archive Collection” and in Sheila Snow’s first book, “The Essence of Essiac”, 1993]
Now read below what researcher and inventor Francis Hart discovered regarding the changes that tumors undergo with a high oxalic acid diet:
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FRANCIS HART’S OXALIC ACID DISCOVERY
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In 2004 Francis J. Hart published a book about oxalic acid and cancer:
“OXALIC ACID: God’s Natural Chemotherapy — CANCER: The Cure Is In Food”
https://www.myjourneytoacure.com/uploads/3/5/3/7/3537881/col_joe_hart_diet_procedure.pdf
Francis Joe Hart (aka, “Col. Joe”) explains how he stumbled into the oxalic acid/cancer connection through his own experience in the Introduction of his book. It is quite interesting how his own experience demonstrated that modern science was wrong on the subject of oxalates.
Up until the publishing of Col. Joe’s “Hart Dietary Procedure Plan” the thinking as far as the medical establishment was concerned was that since the majority of kidney stones were calcium oxalate, then oxalates must cause kidney stones. In other words oxalates were incorrectly blamed for the problem without actually researching any further. Ironically, it was a non-medical individual who discovered, researched and exposed the truth about oxalates.
Now read what Francis J. Hart stated in his book OXALIC ACID: GOD’S NATURAL CHEMOTHERAPY and compare this to what Rene Caisse said (above) about Sheep Sorrel, which has a high oxalic acid content:
“An interesting observation has been noted regarding cancerous tumors. After cleansing of the blood, a pattern develops regarding oxalic acid’s attack. The last or most recent tumor identified will be eliminated. The first or core tumor identified will be the last to be eliminated.
“When oxalic acid attacks a tumor, cells are returned to solution, the tumor liquifies, softens, and then decreases in size. This cycle repeats until only a small benign lesion exists.
“It may at times appear that the tumor has grown, which is normal during the process of liquidizing. Soon thereafter, the tumor will diminish in size until it is eliminated.
“Balance is the key. Understanding what BLOCKS oxalic acid’s action in eliminating abnormal cells in the blood is of EQUAL IMPORTANCE.”
It is amazing that Col. Joe’s description of the changes tumors undergo with foods rich in oxalates mirrors Rene Caisse’s description of the same phenomenon. Basically stated, oxalic acid causes metastasized cancer cells to return to the site of the tumor(s) wherein it will be changed into a substance that the body can eliminate–And all that without chemo or radiation.
The human body’s ability to heal itself is absolutely amazing! Col. Joe’s discoveries validate and explain Rene Caisse’s discoveries about Sheep Sorrel. However, Rene Caisse may not have known specifically about the oxalic acid connection.
Francis Joe Hart was a decorated WWII war hero and pilot. Click on his photo on the right for details of his amazing life! Be sure to read the testimonials regarding his “Hart Dietary Procedure Plan” in the comments section of that webpage.
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Not only did “Col. Joe” discover that oxalates cure cancer, he found that citric acid in Nature BALANCES potential oxalate overload. Since Essiac tea is balanced by citric acid in the leaves and by other compounds in Sheep Sorrel ROOTS, it does not cause the formation of kidney stones, which I have demonstrated over two decades of intense Essiac tea drinking! I’ve never even felt any pain or discomfort from my kidneys!
Here is the advice from Francis Hart on potential kidney problems concerning oxalic acid:
“An overload of oxalic acid in order to rid your body of cancer may result in a backache due to the irritation of the kidney. When this occurs, you are advised to take one (1) 100 milligram Vitamin B6 [pyridoxine] tablet. The backache will disappear when the pyridoxine flushes the oxalic acid from the kidney. Do not make a habit of this. The goal is to keep a highly effective level of oxalic acid in the blood. A slight reduction in oxalic acid foods will prevent the backache.”
“Take the B6 only when and if the backache presents itself. Do not continue to take the B6 once the backache has been eliminated.”
Oxalic Acid Blockers
Francis Hart stresses the importance of avoiding any mineral, plant, food, beverage, additive, or supplement that inhibits, reduces, or binds with or otherwise reduces or eliminates the beneficial effect of oxalic acid.
He lists five ways that BLOCKS oxalic acid from being available to fight cancer, viral and bacterial infection, and diseases of the vascular system:
1. Citric Acid [which is not the same as Vitamin C]
2. Free Calcium as in Cow Milk, Milk Products and Calcium Supplemented Foods
3. Exposure to high levels of Electric Magnetic Fields [EMF]
4. Foods high in Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine]
5. Alcohol
In other words, people concerned with kidney stones can eat citrus fruits to help BALANCE their diets, such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. Many people simply add lemon and/or lime juice to their drinking water on a daily basis. Citric acid used in packaged foods as a preservative or flavor enhancer is not natural. It is made chemically using black mold to ferment sugars. Therefore, organic lemon juice is a much better and natural source for citric acid.
Unfortunately, Francis Hart’s little softcover booklet did not make the New York Times best seller list. So for the past two decades this major discovery has gained very little notice. Obviously, the cancer industry cannot afford to let such a discovery destroy their cash cow. Nevertheless, Mr. Hart’s softcover book is still available from online used book sellers.
Francis Hart’s three oxalic acid US patents: https://patents.justia.com/inventor/francis-j-hart
The key issue on which to focus is, of course, Nature’s BALANCE—A phenomenon that human beings must necessarily discover on their own as it applies to their own individual bodies. With all the artificial additives in packaged foods that have been grown with cancer-causing herbicides and pesticides it makes more sense than ever to eat organically-grown whole foods.
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SHEILA SNOW’S RESEARCH
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Sheila Snow (photo on left) was a trained herbalist, Essiac historian, creator of the Sheila Snow Fraser Essiac Archive Collection and a friend and helper to Rene Caisse. She discovered the following health attributes of Sheep Sorrel ROOTS:
“A decoction of the root alone helps check stomach hemorrhage and blood coughed up from the lungs, clear up a jaundice condition as the liver is cleansed, and assist the expulsion of gravel from the bladder or kidneys.” [THE ESSENCE OF ESSIAC; 1993; Sheila Snow; p. 61 & 62]
So here again we see a BALANCED herbal formula wherein Sheep Sorrel ROOTS perform several functions, one of which is to help clear the kidney and bladder of stones. The additional liver support by the roots is important as the liver performs over 500 functions including detoxification, which is vital in today’s world of unnatural chemical exposure.
“Essiac does not consist purely of oxalic acid. Again, when the correct herbs are used at the correct dosage, we have found no reports of kidney damage, either past or present. Mail [Klein] has been taking Essiac almost continually as an experiment for over seven years, and her inborn weakness of the right kidney has shown no sign of deterioration.” [“ESSIAC: The Secrets of Rene Caisse’s Herbal Pharmacy”; 2001; Sheila Snow & Mali Klein, p. 119-120]
QUESTION: “Would the oxalic acid content in the herbs make Essiac potentially toxic to the existence or underlying kidney or stomach ulcer conditions?”
ANSWER: “The archive evidence from the remaining Bracebridge Clinic case history books documents apparently successful treatment for both internal and external ulcers and kidney conditions. When the formulae have been correctly prepared and the decoction diluted as directed, there is no record either written or spoken of anyone who has been using Essiac long term having contracted either kidney or bladder stones.” [“The Complete Essiac Essentials” by Sheila Snow & Mali Klein; 2010; p. 122-123]
QUESTION: “Should I take Essiac if I have kidney cancer?”
ANSWER: “Yes, you can, as long as your Essiac is prepared in the right proportion and you take the correct dose of one fluid ounce a day. We have had several reports of kidney cancers being successfully treated with Essiac.” [“ESSIAC: The Secrets of Rene Caisse’s Herbal Pharmacy”; 2001; Sheila Snow & Mali Klein, p. 119]
“The same acid in the form of iron oxalate, potassium, sodium or calcium oxalates, as found in rhubarb stems (like for rhubarb pie) and in sorrel leaves (as in sorrel salad), is quite harmless and those herbs are consumed in great quantities by both man and animals.
Rhubarb is one of our best laxative and blood purifying herbs….Sheep Sorrel has also been used for reducing adipose (excess fatty) tissue, in the treatment of foul and sloughing ulcers and for cancer. Several of our very best therapeutic agents are members of this family; all of them contain iron, each and every one of them contains oxalates from 2-40%.” [“Advanced Treatise on Herbology”; Dr. Edward E. Shook; 1934]
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CORRELATION IS NOT CAUSATION
What modern science and doctors did was to mistakenly reason that since there is a relationship or association between oxalates and kidney stones, oxalates were therefore the problem that created them. After all, the majority of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate and calcium is a good thing so oxalates must be the bad thing. That is like saying that you stubbed your toe and then came down with a cold, so your cold was caused by your stubbed toe. Correlation is not necessarily causation.
In other words, just because two phenomena happen in the same time frame, under the same circumstances, in the same space or even in the same chemical reaction, it does not necessarily mean that one caused the other to happen. Which now brings us to the question: What actually does cause kidney stones?
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GUT HEALTH & OXALIC ACID
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More recently, the issue of gut health in relation to oxalic acid has come to light. In short, it appears that it is the modern diet of unnatural chemicals that has upset the microbiome of the gut and throwing the body OUT-OF-BALANCE.
HOW YOUR GUT MICROBIOME AFFECTS YOUR OXALATE TOLERANCE
by Dr. Joseph Mercola
> Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in many plants, including vegetables and fruit.
> While they’re a normal part of human metabolism and your diet, they can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and other problems in sensitive individuals.
> The problem isn’t the oxalates themselves but a damaged gut, which interferes with your body’s ability to clear oxalates effectively.
> In my interview with Ruth Ann Foster, ScD, BSN, RN, we explore the underlying causes of that gut dysfunction and how it relates to overall health.
> A diet of ultraprocessed foods and antibiotics are two primary culprits underlying gut dysfunction and oxalate intolerance.
Read the entire article here:
How Your Gut Microbiome Affects Your Oxalate Tolerance
https://media.mercola.com/ImageServer/Public/2024/June/PDF/oxalate-intolerance-gut-microbiome-pdf.pdf
and
From the National Library of Medicine:
Gut Microbiota and Oxalate Homeostasis:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5300851/
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FROM THE DISINFORMATION AGE TO THE INFORMATION AGE
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For the past century our educational systems have been infiltrated by vested interests such as pharmaceutical corporations, big food companies, elitist billionaires, etc, who have used their money to mold the curricula of universities and medical schools to their own self-interests.
Fortunately, with the advent of the internet there is more of a level playing field now in that the disinformation from profit-motivated individuals and corporations is countered by unbiased scientists, doctors, researchers and truth seekers who question authority. This phenomenon is creating a great awakening of the human population that may indeed steer the course of humanity in a much more positive direction. I hope so.
Good Health to You,
Huckleberry
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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
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ESSIAC CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
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The information on this website is for educational and historical purposes and not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone’s body is different so there is no one-size-fits-all for health issues. It should be noted that medical doctors are not usually taught about such subjects as herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, non-pharmceutical approaches to health, etc. Therefore, choosing an appropriate health professional is a human right and that is up to the individual seeking health improvement.
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