The original Essiac formula, the basis for Daniel Chapter One's 7 Herb Formula, has been around for centuries. The precise blend and preparation of herbs was used by the Ojibway Indians of North America as a means of optimizing health. Jim Feijo, founder of Daniel Chapter One, researched this formula and connected with two American doctors to develop what is known today as 7 Herb Formula. Since its basis is in the four all-natural herbs found in Essiac (burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark, and turkey rhubarb), people sometimes wonder if they can brew the 7 Herb Formula at home. The short answer: not likely. Unlike Essiac, 7 Herb Formula is a natural tea that also contains watercress, Eleutherococcus senticosus (formally called Siberian Ginseng), and Cats Claw (Una de Gato). Though you can find these ingredients by doing some research, getting them to your home may not be so easy. Beyond that, to make the 7 Herb Formula each herb is prepared separately according to different methods; the 'soft herbs' are soft boiled, the root herbs are hard boiled, and the Eleuthero is expeller pressed. We use only pure water, and then the herbs are poured, boiling, into special amber glass bottles to ensure freshness. While Essiac formula's main ingredients may be able to be brewed at home, 7 Herb Formula's high concentration makes it difficult to get it "just right" in small quantities. It's all but impossible to expeller-press the Eleuthero without the right, expensive equipment. You may want to consider cost and time as well. 7 Herb Formula can be purchased for less than three dollars an ounce, and comes ready to drink. |